Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 58787
Received: 13/12/2021
Respondent: Wates Developments Ltd
Agent: Boyer Planning
The proposed policy direction requires development to achieve a minimum 20% biodiversity net gain. It is considered that the baseline for this policy should be a minimum of 10% in accordance with Schedule 7A, Part 1 of the Environment Act 2021. The policy could be worded to strive for 20% biodiversity net gain, or require certain site allocations to provide this percentage subject to appropriate assessment that this is realistic, however it is not considered robust to set 20% as the plan-wide requirement.
Land to the East Side of Cambridge Road will provide extensive areas of open space, which will deliver amenity benefits together with biodiversity net gains in the form of habitat creation secured through a landscape strategy.
The proposed policy direction requires development to achieve a minimum 20% biodiversity net gain. It is considered that the baseline for this policy should be a minimum of 10% in accordance with Schedule 7A, Part 1 of the Environment Act 2021. The policy could be worded to strive for 20% biodiversity net gain, or require certain site allocations to provide this percentage subject to appropriate assessment that this is realistic, however it is not considered robust to set 20% as the plan-wide requirement.
Land to the East Side of Cambridge Road will provide extensive areas of open space, which will deliver amenity benefits together with biodiversity net gains in the form of habitat creation secured through a landscape strategy.