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Cambourne Masterclass

17 Mar 2003

Following the recent publication of the Sustainable Communities Plan by Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, the Town & Country Planning Association (TCPA) will hold its third Creating Sustainable Communities masterclass to discuss the growth area of Cambourne on Tuesday 18 March 2003.

Pressure for housing in the South East has increased dramatically over the past few decades as a result of falling rates of construction, continuing inward migration, increased incomes and ability to borrow and falling household size. As a result, communities are becoming fragmented as people are forced to move away from their families in order to find affordable housing.

The interactive masterclass will be held at Cambourne Business Park and delegates will be encouraged to play a part in shaping the most sustainable form of development in the area. Speakers will include a representative from the County Council, the Cambourne residential consortium and the business park developers.

The fact that the Business Park is playing host to the TCPA's seminar is explained by Lesley Scobell, Cambourne Business Park's Marketing Co-ordinator:

“Cambourne has been designed to be a self-contained community. In support of the 850 properties that are now occupied, there are already some excellent facilities including a day nursery, primary school and a new 60,000 sq.ft Morrison's supermarket. Construction work has started on a 4 star hotel with leisure centre and conference facilities, and plans are proceeding on the first phase of High Street shops, a health centre and library.

“Of the people who work on the Business Park, 10% actually live in Cambourne and are able to enjoy a comprehensive range of amenities for leisure and living, all within easy walking or cycling distance. Cambourne is already becoming an emerging market town with a strong community spirit and the Business Park sees itself as very much part of that community.”

The outcome of the seminar will be written into a report by the TCPA to be presented to the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM).