Policy BG/BG: Biodiversity and Geodiversity (P168)

No sound basis has been provided for the requirement for a 20% net gain in biodiversity proposed under this policy.

The Government considers a 10% net gain sufficient to mitigate the impact of new development and it should be recognised that the Environment Act does not set this as a minimum. No basis is presented therefore as to why Greater Cambridge should adopt a different approach to the other areas of the Country.

Recommendation: It is strongly recommended that the policy is amended to require no greater then a 10% net gain in bio-diversity, as per the approach established through the Environment Act.