4.32. MGH is supportive of the Policies in this section of the First Proposals consultation, and of the proposed policy direction under Policy BG/BG: Biodiversity and geodiversity.
4.33. New development provides significant opportunities for improvements to the natural environment, particularly at strategic development sites that provide greater scale to make changes. At such new developments of scale it is possible to target specific biodiversity issues, and provide well planned green infrastructure that relates to and enhances existing natural features. The Local Plan policies should require net biodiversity gains on-site to be fully explored and provided. Urban extensions will allow green infrastructure to reach into urban areas, providing an extended green space network for both existing and new employees and residents.
4.34. In carrying out biodiversity assessments, value should be placed on the longevity of new communities such as that being proposed at North Cambourne, and new natural habitats associated with them. These habitats are designed to be retained in perpetuity. Existing trees and hedgerows may be given high biodiversity value because of their longevity, but it should also be recognised that older trees will eventually die. New environmental features and natural habitats can have significant ecological value as they mature over a period of decades following construction.