CC/CS: Supporting land-based carbon sequestration
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 56621
Received: 25/11/2021
Respondent: Gamlingay Parish Council
Support new wetland environments, and a tree strategy to create planned sustainable locations for trees locally- when the opportunity arises. (Community Forest principles of the 1990's)
Support new wetland environments, and a tree strategy to create planned sustainable locations for trees locally- when the opportunity arises. (Community Forest principles of the 1990's)
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 56689
Received: 30/11/2021
Respondent: Dave Fox
Further to my comment ID: 56688 about soil organic carbon in allotments etc., if we plan new market gardens, then their contribution to carbon storage should also be recognised.
Further, SOC is greatest on land using compost, mulches, green manures, rock dust, biochar, no-dig and surface tillage, so there is scope for increasing this already positive contribution to carbon storage by promoting these methods, or even requiring them where that is in the power of the councils.
There must be a corresponding contribution from arable farmland managed using these methods, though perhaps that is outside the scope of this plan.
Further to my comment ID: 56688 about soil organic carbon in allotments etc., if we plan new market gardens, then their contribution to carbon storage should also be recognised.
Further, SOC is greatest on land using compost, mulches, green manures, rock dust, biochar, no-dig and surface tillage, so there is scope for increasing this already positive contribution to carbon storage by promoting these methods, or even requiring them where that is in the power of the councils.
There must be a corresponding contribution from arable farmland managed using these methods, though perhaps that is outside the scope of this plan.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 56703
Received: 01/12/2021
Respondent: British Horse Society
Rural grass bridleway network should be protected from inappropriate 'improvement' to hard top, e.g. tarmac surfaces. Rural grass bridleways and byways are green fingers linking communities and the countryside which offer not only good carbon sequestration but also wildlife habitat. They are a precious resource which needs to be carefully cared for.
Rural grass bridleway network should be protected from inappropriate 'improvement' to hard top, e.g. tarmac surfaces. Rural grass bridleways and byways are green fingers linking communities and the countryside which offer not only good carbon sequestration but also wildlife habitat. They are a precious resource which needs to be carefully cared for.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 56745
Received: 03/12/2021
Respondent: Croydon Parish Council
Yes, if this is possible.
Yes, if this is possible.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 56884
Received: 08/12/2021
Respondent: Bassingbourn-cum-Kneesworth Parish Council
We support this policy.
Developments over a certain threshold should require a soil management plan to demonstrate that carbon sequestration will be maintained into the future.
We support this policy.
Developments over a certain threshold should require a soil management plan to demonstrate that carbon sequestration will be maintained into the future.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 56890
Received: 08/12/2021
Respondent: Mrs Jennifer Prince
“What consultation have we done on this issue?” Please explain why you have not responded to ALL these issues.
“What consultation have we done on this issue?” Please explain why you have not responded to ALL these issues.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57026
Received: 09/12/2021
Respondent: Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Northamptonshire Wildlife Trust
The Wildlife Trust strongly support the inclusion of the policy and its proposed scope.
Encouraging increasing levels of soil carbon through sustainable land uses including habitat creation and restoration, and provision of strategic and local green infrastructure helps mitigate climate impacts as well as providing a range of multifunctional environmental, societal and economic benefits.
The Wildlife Trust strongly support the inclusion of the policy and its proposed scope.
Encouraging increasing levels of soil carbon through sustainable land uses including habitat creation and restoration, and provision of strategic and local green infrastructure helps mitigate climate impacts as well as providing a range of multifunctional environmental, societal and economic benefits.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57378
Received: 10/12/2021
Respondent: Huntingdonshire District Council
Huntingdonshire District Council support policy CC/CS which “supports the creation of land and habitats that play a role as carbon sinks and protect existing carbon sinks from development in particular undisturbed or undrained peat and that promotes approaches that minimise soil disturbance, compaction and disposal during construction projects.
Huntingdonshire District Council support policy CC/CS which “supports the creation of land and habitats that play a role as carbon sinks and protect existing carbon sinks from development in particular undisturbed or undrained peat and that promotes approaches that minimise soil disturbance, compaction and disposal during construction projects.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57511
Received: 10/12/2021
Respondent: Save Honey Hill Group
Agree in principle. This policy protects existing carbon sinks from development and is in line with Policy GP/GB Protection and Enhancement of the Cambridge Green Belt. Because of these two policies it is inappropriate that the development on an existing carbon sink, i.e. the proposed CWWTP relocation on Green Belt at Honey Hill, has not been included in Policy S/EOC: Other existing allocations on the edge of Cambridge.
Note: Fulfilment of S/NEC Policy is contrary to this: decommissioning a fully operational and future proofed CWWTP and relocating to prime agricultural land.
Agree in principle. This policy protects existing carbon sinks from development and is in line with Policy GP/GB Protection and Enhancement of the Cambridge Green Belt. Because of these two policies it is inappropriate that the development on an existing carbon sink, i.e. the proposed CWWTP relocation on Green Belt at Honey Hill, has not been included in Policy S/EOC: Other existing allocations on the edge of Cambridge.
Note: Fulfilment of S/NEC Policy is contrary to this: decommissioning a fully operational and future proofed CWWTP and relocating to prime agricultural land.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57523
Received: 10/12/2021
Respondent: Mrs Catherine Martin
Contravention of this policy by rebuilding a WWTP on prime agricultural land and on Green Belt
Contravention of this policy by rebuilding a WWTP on prime agricultural land and on Green Belt
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57534
Received: 10/12/2021
Respondent: Mr Andrew Martin
Pouring a million tons of carbon rich concrete on Honey Hill shows your rhetoric to be ludicrous.
Pouring a million tons of carbon rich concrete on Honey Hill shows your rhetoric to be ludicrous.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57542
Received: 10/12/2021
Respondent: Mr Andrew Martin
It helps if the WWTP is not moved. This move will release tons of embedded carbon, not to mention the trashing of Green Belt at Honey Hill. You should not ignore the obvious.
It helps if the WWTP is not moved. This move will release tons of embedded carbon, not to mention the trashing of Green Belt at Honey Hill. You should not ignore the obvious.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57600
Received: 10/12/2021
Respondent: Mr Andrew Martin
I don’t think that ignoring the release of embedded carbon by relocating the WWTP is going to help. It is totally unnecessary to move the plant and will release vast quantities of carbon into the atmosphere.
I don’t think that ignoring the release of embedded carbon by relocating the WWTP is going to help. It is totally unnecessary to move the plant and will release vast quantities of carbon into the atmosphere.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57614
Received: 11/12/2021
Respondent: Mr J Pratt
CC/CS – decommissioning and building a new Waste Water Treatment Plant on prime agricultural land as a means to fulfil S/NEC Policy is in contrary to CC/CS
CC/CS – decommissioning and building a new Waste Water Treatment Plant on prime agricultural land as a means to fulfil S/NEC Policy is in contrary to CC/CS
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57618
Received: 11/12/2021
Respondent: Mr J Pratt
The proposed CWWTP relocation, has not been included in Policy S/EOC: Other existing allocations on the edge of Cambridge.
Fulfilment of S/NEC Policy is contrary to this: decommissioning a fully operational and future proofed CWWTP and relocating to prime agricultural land.
The proposed CWWTP relocation, has not been included in Policy S/EOC: Other existing allocations on the edge of Cambridge.
Fulfilment of S/NEC Policy is contrary to this: decommissioning a fully operational and future proofed CWWTP and relocating to prime agricultural land.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57673
Received: 11/12/2021
Respondent: Mrs Jennifer Conroy
Supported –
Supported –
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57775
Received: 11/12/2021
Respondent: Carbon Neutral Cambridge
We support the proposed policy
We support the proposed policy
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 57902
Received: 12/12/2021
Respondent: Martin Grant Homes
Agent: Savills
4.30. This policy supports creation of land and habitats that are able to sequester carbon through changes of use and through tree planting.
4.31. At North Cambourne our landscape strategy will be designed to sequester carbon, as well as providing biodiversity and landscape benefits. The current illustrative scheme contained in the vision document includes approximately 400 acres of open space. If 5% (20 ha) of that is planted as new woodland, it would sequester approximately 4,500 tonnes of C02 over the next 100 years. The tree growth will be managed to provide amenity, biodiversity and carbon benefits to the site.
4.30. This policy supports creation of land and habitats that are able to sequester carbon through changes of use and through tree planting.
4.31. At North Cambourne our landscape strategy will be designed to sequester carbon, as well as providing biodiversity and landscape benefits. The current illustrative scheme contained in the vision document includes approximately 400 acres of open space. If 5% (20 ha) of that is planted as new woodland, it would sequester approximately 4,500 tonnes of C02 over the next 100 years. The tree growth will be managed to provide amenity, biodiversity and carbon benefits to the site.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 58061
Received: 12/12/2021
Respondent: Mr Bruce Marshall
We can help to get closer to carbon-zero by planting trees and rewilding the Fens. More development and more people defeats that objective.
We can help to get closer to carbon-zero by planting trees and rewilding the Fens. More development and more people defeats that objective.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 58068
Received: 12/12/2021
Respondent: Horningsea Parish Council
Decommissioning and building a new Waste Water Treatment Plant on prime agricultural land as a means to fulfil S/NEC Policy is in contrary to CC/CS
Decommissioning and building a new Waste Water Treatment Plant on prime agricultural land as a means to fulfil S/NEC Policy is in contrary to CC/CS
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 58132
Received: 12/12/2021
Respondent: Mr Matthew Asplin
Policy is supported, noting the North East Cambridge development (S/NEC), relocation of the Waste Water Treatment Works and corresponding decommissioning appears to conflict with this policy.
Policy is supported, noting the North East Cambridge development (S/NEC), relocation of the Waste Water Treatment Works and corresponding decommissioning appears to conflict with this policy.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 58161
Received: 13/12/2021
Respondent: Mrs Hannah Thomas
Given the importance of agricultural land, grassland, farming practices and agroforestry for carbon sequestration, this policy must be linked more closely to the policy about 'environmentally friendly farming', to increase coherence between food production and biodiversity/ecosystem protection and enhancement.
Given the importance of agricultural land, grassland, farming practices and agroforestry for carbon sequestration, this policy must be linked more closely to the policy about 'environmentally friendly farming', to increase coherence between food production and biodiversity/ecosystem protection and enhancement.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 58316
Received: 13/12/2021
Respondent: Mrs Isabela Butnar
This needs to be connected to biodiversity and green spaces, otherwise it may lead to contradictory outcomes for nature and people.
Prioritise land based carbon sequestration which enhances biodiversity and other natural functions, e.g. water quality and quantity, flood prevention, soil quality.
This needs to be connected to biodiversity and green spaces, otherwise it may lead to contradictory outcomes for nature and people.
Prioritise land based carbon sequestration which enhances biodiversity and other natural functions, e.g. water quality and quantity, flood prevention, soil quality.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 58420
Received: 13/12/2021
Respondent: Linton Parish Council
support
support
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 58481
Received: 13/12/2021
Respondent: Marshall Group Properties
Agent: Quod
Marshall is supportive of a policy that seeks to ensure that carbon offsets required in order to achieve net zero, are directed locally and should also seek to support other eco-system functions too. Marshall understands that offsetting embodied carbon from construction of Cambridge East could facilitate the creation of significant areas of new habitat locally or the enhancement of existing habitats such fenland and soils.
In order to enable this, Marshall understand that a planning mechanism will likely need to be developed and would be delighted to work with GCSP on scoping out such a scheme.
Marshall is supportive of a policy that seeks to ensure that carbon offsets required in order to achieve net zero, are directed locally and should also seek to support other eco-system functions too.
Marshall understands that offsetting embodied carbon from construction of Cambridge East could facilitate the creation of significant areas of new habitat locally, for example large scale woodland planting, or the enhancement of existing habitats such fenland and soils. This could create multiple benefits such as enhanced biodiversity resources and new areas for recreation.
However, in order to allow this to occur, Marshall understand that a planning mechanism will likely need to be developed so that land that could support such opportunity has been identified and made available without land ownership and other potential constraints. There will also need to be consideration paid to how a local carbon offset scheme is accredited. Marshall would be delighted to work with GCSP on scoping out such a scheme.
Marshall does, however, query recent consultation from GCSP which states that offsetting through afforestation should exclude existing farmland. In order to achieve carbon offsetting through local sequestration large areas of land will be needed and so ruling out farmland may be premature. Confirmation of this is therefore sought, in particular as to whether this includes all farmland, or farmland which is of a certain quality or currently operational.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 58641
Received: 13/12/2021
Respondent: Cambridge Past, Present and Future
CambridgeCCP strongly support this policy. Policy needs to link to Biodiversity and Greenspaces policies and policies achieving high quality design.
CambridgeCCP strongly support this policy. Policy needs to link to Biodiversity and Greenspaces policies and policies achieving high quality design.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 58890
Received: 13/12/2021
Respondent: Woodland Trust
Look to significantly expand tree canopy cover in the Greater Cambridge area, whilst at the same time protecting and enhancing existing woods and other important non-woodland habitats such as peat.
We support the proposals for peatland restoration in parts of the plan area where there are significant areas of peat which have become degraded. In other areas, we would like to see the plan advocate significant expansion of tree canopy cover, either through planting of woodland, natural regeneration or planting of standard trees in streets or other locations as part of new development.
The leaders group for the Oxcam Growth Arc has recently agreed a set of environmental principles to guide development in the Growth Arc and two of these which are relevant are doubling of land managed for nature and an expansion of tree canopy cover from the current 7.4% up to 19%. Given that Cambridgeshire has the lowest woodland cover of any county in England, we believe that it is particularly important that expansion of tree cover is seen as a priority in the Greater Cambridge area, recognising the important role which trees and woods can play in tackling both the climate and biodiversity emergencies.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 58939
Received: 13/12/2021
Respondent: The National Trust
The National Trust supports the ambitions of this policy.
The National Trust supports the ambitions of this policy.
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 59039
Received: 13/12/2021
Respondent: Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB)
Nature-based solutions have an important role to play in reducing carbon emissions. This includes creation of wetland habitats.
RSPB supports the policy principles set out. Peat soils where they occur in Greater Cambridge are a significant potential source of carbon emissions when managed inappropriately. Where biodiversity net gain or green infrastructure provision associated with development can bring peat soils under suitable wetland habitats, this can have very significant benefits for both carbon emissions and biodiversity.
For example, studies have shown that CO2 emissions from cultivated peatland soils can reach c39 tonnes per hectare per year. Restoring this land to lowland wet grassland could reduce emissions by between 27 to 33 tonnes per ha per year, whereas restoration to swamp fen could reduce emissions by 33 to 40 tonnes per ha per year (with the potential for land to in effect become a carbon sink).
Comment
Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options
Representation ID: 59199
Received: 13/12/2021
Respondent: Cambourne Town Council
Cambourne Town Council understands the need for this policy as it addresses the aims contained in the vision.
Cambourne Town Council understands the need for this policy as it addresses the aims contained in the vision.