Countryside support the inclusion of a policy to secure measurable biodiversity net gains as part of new developments. The policy should set a minimum net gain percentage target based on evidence, legislation and national guidance. Whilst a preference can be set for net gains to be delivered on-site, there should also be sufficient flexibility in the policy to allow for off-site solutions to delivered as well, to not unduly restrict development and to release the benefits that can be delivered through strategic and coordinated initiatives
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Land to the west of Cambridge Road, Melbourn presents an opportunity to deliver biodiversity net gains. The site is currently arable fields of low ecological value and the development proposals, through a landscape-led approach, will seek to deliver open space that is functional whilst also creating resilient habitats. The proposed scheme will seek to preserve and enhance existing boundary vegetation where practical to do so through the development of the site. In addition, the walking route to be delivered will incorporate habitat creation, in the form of field margins, meadow grassland and woodland copses which will provide important habitat for a range of wildlife and plant species.

An indicative biodiversity net gain assessment has been undertaken taking into account the proposed development highlighted within the ‘Framework Plan’ which has concluded that the development can deliver an overall gain of 10.02% for habitat units, a 11.15% gain for hedgerows/linear features and a gain of 59.10% for ‘river’ units. The development is expected to deliver more of a gain when ‘material’ enhancements are included at a more detailed design stage, such as bird and bat boxes.

The proposed walking route will also create a new recreation asset for the village and provide a walking opportunity for those that may have otherwise considered the need to travel to SSSIs for that activity, therefore protecting nearby SSSI’s from increased recreational pressure.