The second phase of the analysis, using inputs generated in the first phase, was to estimate what the associated population, labour supply, housing and skills needs would be to achieve the growth projected in the scenarios. Finally, Cambridge Econometrics’ economists created a bespoke tool to calculate the energy, water and transport demands that would come with the target levels of growth.

The results from our analysis covered outputs across both growth scenarios compared to the non-intervention baseline. They form the key growth targets around which the Local Growth Plan is based.

The project represents a ‘top down’, target-based modelling approach. It does not determine the achievability of the targets, rather it shows the demand implications associated with meeting them. A subsequent supply-side analysis is envisaged as part of the ongoing local growth planning. This would amount to a ‘bottom up’ assessment that considers existing activity and plans on the ground, alongside land and resource availability, establishing development scenarios that can most effectively support the demand targets.

Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority – Local Growth Plan