Context
The NPPF sets out that local plans should take a strategic approach to maintaining and enhancing networks of habitats and green infrastructure (paragraph 175). The Local Nature Partnership ‘Natural Cambridgeshire’ have set an ambition to double the area of rich wildlife habitats and natural greenspace in the area by 2050 – known as the ‘doubling nature’ initiative. Further to this and at a more local level, the Cambridge Nature Network, devised by two charities (Cambridge Past Present and Future and the Wildlife Trust BCN) and endorsed by the Greater Cambridge Councils, have been established.
These initiatives have emerged alongside a growing awareness that Cambridgeshire is one of the most nature depleted counties in the country and that, as an area of rapid economic and population growth, the provision and accessibility of natural greenspace has not kept pace with this. Further, the report identifies the importance of the need to enhance and create green spaces for public recreation and refreshment, the Covid-19 crisis highlighting the need for publicly accessible green space. As a result, natural assets in Cambridgeshire are coming under increasing pressure from growing visitor numbers. The emerging GCLP is therefore a key element in supporting such initiatives and ensuring that the best opportunities to increase or improve new habitats and natural greenspaces are realised. The Reg 18 consultation recognises the importance of this by setting out an aim to: ‘Increase and improve our network of habitats for wildlife, and green spaces for people, ensuring that development leaves the natural environment better than it was before’.
In order to achieve this aim, one of the key policies proposed in the GCLP is ‘Policy BG/GI: Green infrastructure’ which identifies the existing green infrastructure network and the strategic initiatives intended to enhance it and addresses how development proposals should relate to green infrastructure. CEG fully support the Councils’ aims and ambitions in this regard and consider that development of the site could promote the successful delivery of green infrastructure in a positive and collaborative way. As the Cambridge Nature Network’s report alludes, the reconnection of people to nature, particularly resulting from the pandemic, has led to an increased appreciation of the value of nature for recreation and health. A survey conducted by Cambridge Ahead during the pandemic found that access to nature was the top ranked concern of young employees (aged 21-35) and therefore it is felt that there should be an acknowledgement within policy that increasing access to green spaces through a joined up green infrastructure approach should be encouraged.