The overall intent and policy direction of this policy is welcomed and supported.

The supporting text notes a number of reasons why this policy is required and the many benefits it can deliver. We also believe there is a direct link between the provision of open spaces to ensure easing the recreational pressure on other sensitive areas of countryside such as important wildlife sites.

Recreational pressure on sensitive wildlife sites is only likely to increase and it is vital that other adequate alternative greenspace is provided and secured to avoid any adverse effects. The use of Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANG) is discussed in the recent Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Biodiversity Supplementary Planning Document - Consultation Draft July 2021. In our comments on that document we stated:

"Whilst it is appreciated that current Local Plan policies do not set out requirements in respect of SANG, Local Authorities should also take the lead in future development plans with clear overarching policies that provision of SANG may be required for certain residential developments. "

This comment applies equally to the current First Proposals.

In our research for the Cambridge Nature Network (http://cambridgenaturenetwork.org/) we identified that the creation of new accessible green space in Cambridgeshire has not kept pace with the increase in population over the past 20 years and this has been one of the main drivers of recreational impact on wildlife sites. In addition, many green space sites in Cambridgeshire are wetlands, meaning that although they might cover a large area, the amount of land that can actually be used by the public is often small or limited to paths. Unlike other counties Cambridgeshire does not have large areas of public access woodlands, downland/moorland/heathland or coastline and as a consequence there is poor access to countryside. Our research also identified that larger scale development (such as Cambourne) were providing larger areas of new greenspace but smaller developments were not and therefore it is these that are contributing most towards the problem as they have made up around 50% of the development in Cambridgeshire over the past 20 years. If the Local Plan is to be sustainable (ie not increase recreational impacts more than has already occurred) then ALL new development will need to make a contribution towards creating new strategic greenspace (if none is created through the development). The Local Plan should set out how these contributions are to be collected and the amount that would be required per person. We refer you to the submission by the s106 Officer for South Cambridgeshire District Council who has calculated that this should be £498 per dwelling.

It is important to consider that some public open spaces are not green spaces, such as the Market Square or Quayside but they should still be subject to similar policies that seek to protect and enhance their important features.