Countryside recognise the importance of the delivery of open spaces as part of new developments. As set out in response to Policy BG/GI, the proposals at Fen Ditton would provide a range of open space opportunities. Countryside would be keen to work with the Council, key stakeholders and the local community to understand how the provision can best respond to local needs and ambitions.
It is suggested that further clarification is added to the policy to address the current ambiguity in the policy wording that ‘open space and recreation provision will be required to be provided by new development, appropriate to the scale and location of the development.’ The wording adds that ‘the type of provision sought will be guided by the needs and opportunities of the local area.’ Again this requires further clarification. It will be important for these requirements to inform site capacities for the proposed allocations and assessments of viability of the Plan as a whole. Flexibility should also be allowed for in the policy wording to allow for on or off site provision of facilities dependent on local circumstances.
We understand that the Council are looking to review their current open space standards, which is supported as this will provide important clarification for development sites and will reflect current needs and aspirations. It is also agreed that the standards should continue to differ between Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire to reflect the differences between these areas.