In principle, the National Trust does not oppose the development of land around the edge of Cambridge outside the Green Belt provided adequate new greenspaces are delivered to the north east of Cambridge in order to reduce recreational pressure on sites subject to national and international designations, including our land at Wicken Fen (RAMSAR, SSSI, SAC). Although this is located beyond the Local Plan area, our evidence demonstrates that it draws a substantial number of visitors from the Greater Cambridge area. The impact of housing growth on Wicken Fen must be assessed through the Habitats Regulations Assessment.

Any changes to the Green Belt boundary must be fully evidenced and justified and formally decided through the Local Plan process, and any development must be delivered in a sustainable and strategic way.