The overall intent and policy direction of this policy is welcomed and supported. We reiterate however, the importance of ensuring that any policies aimed at protecting and enhancing rivers are not undermined by consequential effects of other development that will be brought forward in the new Local Plan, for example the likely demands on water supply and effects on water quality.

The River Cam and its tributaries are the subject of flooding. Natural flood management techniques applied to ditches, drains and streams in the catchments can contribute towards reduced flooding and also have other positive benefits for biodiversity, public amenity and water quality. In order to encourage this approach we would like to see this added to the list of items that could be supported by development proposals.

Planning applications are likely to be required for large scale schemes that can improve water quality or tackle flooding, such as treatment wetlands. There should be an assumption in favour of such applications in the draft Plan.

The river corridor is not just an environmental asset but also an important heritage asset, in landscape terms and in the setting of the historic city. This heritage can also be damaged and sometimes different ways to environmental harm. We would like to see this recognised within the wording of the draft Plan.