The RSPB support this policy direction, and we are pleased to see that our Ouse Valley reserves, where we have significant green infrastructure ambitions, are included in the ‘Great Ouse Fenland Arc’ priority area. As a potential GI provider, we have struggled to gain contributions from developments in the past, notably from the first phases of Northstowe which is in close proximity to and connected by public transport to our Fen Drayton Lakes site. We will therefore be very keen to ensure there are clear requirements and standards set out in this policy which will enable new development to make a significant contribution to the Greater Cambridge strategic GI initiatives.

We feel that there is an obvious connection between provision of strategic GI and its proximity and transport connectivity to new development, and we believe this should influence which initiatives are supported by a particular development (as an example, various development sites will be in proximity to our Fen Drayton Lakes site, or directly connected via the guided busway). We would therefore like to see policy wording which makes this connection.

We fully support that GI contributions should go towards the establishment, enhancement and on-going management costs, as this latter requirement is often overlooked.