Policy 8: Open spaces for recreation and sport

Showing comments and forms 1 to 13 of 13

Comment

Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan

Representation ID: 52493

Received: 10/09/2020

Respondent: Ms Yvonne Barr

Representation Summary:

Green infrastructure should be a key element of the design of the area. Will the linear park be a big enough space for both recreation and biodiversity? Can we learn from other examples where there are wide streets with green verges such as at Great Knieghton that encourage surface water run-off into ponds / ditches and enhance the biodiversity.

Full text:

Green infrastructure should be a key element of the design of the area. Will the linear park be a big enough space for both recreation and biodiversity? Can we learn from other examples where there are wide streets with green verges such as at Great Knieghton that encourage surface water run-off into ponds / ditches and enhance the biodiversity.

Object

Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan

Representation ID: 53300

Received: 02/10/2020

Respondent: Old Chesterton Residents' Association

Representation Summary:

The open space provision is below the standards adopted by the City Council in its adopted policy for such provision. Creating a large residential community with no real playing field is short-sighted given that Chesterton is already under-provided with such space with one small recreation ground to serve both East and West Chesterton. It would appear that the two recreation grounds in Arbury and Kings Hedges, St Albans Road and Nun's Way might soon suffer the fate of Chesterton's original Brown's Field Recreation Ground and be eaten away by development as was the original Chesterton Village Green by Fallowfield Estate.
The Cowley Triangle is likely to become a dog latrine and whilst the Linear Park is a nice idea it appears too narrow to provide little more than a green promenade. The future residents of North East Cambridge deserve better. There should be at least one larger open space to allow organised field games for children and adults located close to where they live. There is no point in allowing provision off-site, even if a suitable area of land actually existed, as people need open spce that is near to where they live and accessible.

Full text:

The open space provision is below the standards adopted by the City Council in its adopted policy for such provision. Creating a large residential community with no real playing field is short-sighted given that Chesterton is already under-provided with such space with one small recreation ground to serve both East and West Chesterton. It would appear that the two recreation grounds in Arbury and Kings Hedges, St Albans Road and Nun's Way might soon suffer the fate of Chesterton's original Brown's Field Recreation Ground and be eaten away by development as was the original Chesterton Village Green by Fallowfield Estate.
The Cowley Triangle is likely to become a dog latrine and whilst the Linear Park is a nice idea it appears too narrow to provide little more than a green promenade. The future residents of North East Cambridge deserve better. There should be at least one larger open space to allow organised field games for children and adults located close to where they live. There is no point in allowing provision off-site, even if a suitable area of land actually existed, as people need open spce that is near to where they live and accessible.

Comment

Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan

Representation ID: 53424

Received: 03/10/2020

Respondent: Fen Ditton Village Society

Representation Summary:

None of this at the expense of greenbelt land please

Full text:

None of this at the expense of greenbelt land please

Object

Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan

Representation ID: 53476

Received: 03/10/2020

Respondent: Mrs Laurie Woolfenden

Representation Summary:

Not enough detail on how Milton Country Park access and capacity can be increased. Size is finite and insufficient for this increased number of residents.
Same applies to Chesterton Fen.
Cowley Triangle – green space cannot compensate for private space loss in high density blocks.
Green space cannot compensate for loss of greenbelt caused by relocation of WWTP.

Full text:

Not enough detail on how Milton Country Park access and capacity can be increased. Size is finite and insufficient for this increased number of residents.
Same applies to Chesterton Fen.
Cowley Triangle – green space cannot compensate for private space loss in high density blocks.
Green space cannot compensate for loss of greenbelt caused by relocation of WWTP.

Object

Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan

Representation ID: 54031

Received: 04/10/2020

Respondent: Mrs Tamsin Beevor

Representation Summary:

North east Cambridge is seriously under provided with open space. The proposed development exacerbates this situation. The high housing density does not allow for private gardens. The suggested three primary schools indicates a large expected population of children. There is very little space for children to play. Milton park is agreed to be at capacity. While it may be extended the larger park will be mostly water and too far for children to reach on foot. The development would do well to revive the traditional village green.

Full text:

North east Cambridge is seriously under provided with open space. The proposed development exacerbates this situation. The high housing density does not allow for private gardens. The suggested three primary schools indicates a large expected population of children. There is very little space for children to play. Milton park is agreed to be at capacity. While it may be extended the larger park will be mostly water and too far for children to reach on foot. The development would do well to revive the traditional village green.

Comment

Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan

Representation ID: 54501

Received: 05/10/2020

Respondent: Cambridge Cycling Campaign

Representation Summary:

The provision of open space is low for the planned number of residents and surrounding spaces such as the river path and Milton Country Park are already overstretched. We support the fact that open spaces are located along key cycling and walking links, but would recommend an increase in the amount of space closer to that allocated to the Trumpington Meadows development (90 hectares per 3,500 homes). All public open spaces should incorporate formal secure cycle parking and there should be spaces where children and beginner adults can safely learn to cycle.

We support small neighbourhood greens and playspaces throughout the development so that every resident is able to access a green space area on foot and those without individual gardens have places nearby to benefit their physical and mental health. Access to playspaces within a walk or short cycle ride is also important to children’s development of independence.

Full text:

The provision of open space is low for the planned number of residents and surrounding spaces such as the river path and Milton Country Park are already overstretched. We support the fact that open spaces are located along key cycling and walking links, but would recommend an increase in the amount of space closer to that allocated to the Trumpington Meadows development (90 hectares per 3,500 homes). All public open spaces should incorporate formal secure cycle parking and there should be spaces where children and beginner adults can safely learn to cycle.

We support small neighbourhood greens and playspaces throughout the development so that every resident is able to access a green space area on foot and those without individual gardens have places nearby to benefit their physical and mental health. Access to playspaces within a walk or short cycle ride is also important to children’s development of independence.

Comment

Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan

Representation ID: 55672

Received: 02/10/2020

Respondent: St John's College

Agent: Savills

Representation Summary:

Neutral:
As Policy 8 makes clear, new and enhanced open space and recreation sites/facilities are a key element of a successful place, including by meeting the health and wellbeing needs of existing and future users of the area. The policy requires all open spaces to be publicly accessible, but it needs to be recognised that open spaces within commercial developments may not be overtly public but are still important in playing a key role in promoting health and wellbeing, as well as creating attractive places.

Attachments:

Comment

Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan

Representation ID: 55743

Received: 05/10/2020

Respondent: Brookgate

Agent: Bidwells

Representation Summary:

Neutral:
Policy 8 sets out how the AAP area is proposed to create a functional and beautiful
open space network, including improving existing open spaces and making the
most of assets such as the First Public Drain. Regard is proposed to be had to the
Cambridge City local standards of provision of all relevant types of open space
(see Cambridge Local Plan 2018, Appendix I or any future replacement) and the
Councils’ open space and sports strategies, where applicable.
Policy 8 states ‘for development proposals requiring the provision of strategic open
space, this must secure in the first instance the siting and amount of strategic open
space shown in Figure 19’.
The expectation is that all open space requirements will be met on-site. However,
Policy 8 states that any underprovision in the total amount of strategic open space
required of a development, beyond that provided as per Figure 19, can be met
through new or enhanced offsite provision, including:
● Bramblefields Local Nature Reserve (way-finding)
● Milton Country Park (increasing capacity and way-finding)
● Chesterton Fen (way-finding and accessibility to River Cam including
pedestrian and cycle bridge crossing over railway)
The potential locations for off-site provision are broadly supported but this should
not preclude alternative off-site locations coming forward.
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For non-strategic open space requirements, where there are deficiencies in certain
types of open space provision in the area surrounding a proposed development,
the Councils will seek to prioritise those open spaces deficient in the area.
The regard to the Cambridge City Council standards is broadly supported but
applying the standards uniformly across the NEC AAP area fails to recognise the
very different character and functionality of public open space around a major
transport interchange and its hinterland. There are numerous examples of
successful urban schemes where public open space has been limited in terms of
quantum but is of high quality. Small intimate spaces often create the most
successful urban experiences.
The emerging Cambridge North proposals accommodate an area of public open
space broadly in the location of ‘Station Place’. However, it should be stated that
Figure 19 is indicative only and development proposals should instead be informed
by successful place making with solutions to open space and public realm secured
as part of individual applications rather than through a strict policy approach.
The proposals for the next phases at Cambridge North offer a series of public open
spaces, creating a green network that would include:
● The existing public realm at Cambridge North Station and extension of the
tree avenue along Cowley Road;
● A central triangular park of informal open space, south of Cowley Road;
● A green hub at the ‘knuckle’;
● A spine of linear green spaces, north of Cowley Road; and
● Secondary pocket parks, green walking routes, areas of natural and equipped
children’s play spaces, and private communal garden and rooftop amenity spaces.
These spaces will form a comprehensive, high quality landscape, that integrates
with the proposed new residences, shops, cafes and offices. Cambridge North
proposals to the north of Cowley Road, still the in early stages of design, will
ensure that new green spaces form a coherent and legible network with other AAP
proposed spaces and wider existing spaces such as Milton Park. Green
infrastructure proposals would comprise a balanced mix of planting, tree
infrastructure, amenity lawn, biodiverse rooftop planting, and hard materials in
order to complement and assimilate the building structures into the site and local
context; the use of high quality hard materials; a range of street furniture with
multiple seating areas; vibrant planting mixes; and trees of varying levels of
maturity, including specimens at key junctions.
In regards to qualitative elements of Policy 8, in addition to the high standards of
quality, the green spaces will generally reach standards for low maintenance, water
efficiency use and climate resilience, through careful selection of materials and
plant species and through well-considered maintenance specifications. The green
spaces will be publicly accessible and appealing throughout the year, with some
exceptions within the residence courtyards and rooftops.
In terms of the reference to the ‘retained and enhanced landscape buffer to
infrastructure’, shown on Figure 19, and the provision within Policy 8 to protect this
area for the purpose of environmental amenity and landscaping, again it should be
acknowledged that Figure 19 is indicative only and bespoke solutions are capable
of being delivered under individual applications.
Furthermore, it is assumed that this ‘buffer’ includes the area between the bus road
through the Cambridge North site and the station. We support the principles here
of, ‘no development’ on this section of land however the emerging proposals for
management of surface water on the Cambridge North site include some SUDS
(swales) within this area. We consider that these proposals are appropriate for
this area of the site and would suggest that the use of SUDS measures be included
in the list of supported ‘ancillary development’ in these areas.

Attachments:

Comment

Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan

Representation ID: 55957

Received: 05/10/2020

Respondent: Natural England

Representation Summary:

Whilst we support the intention of this policy to protect exiting open space and provide new and
enhanced high quality, multi-functional open space, the delivery of 10ha of open space, the
equivalent size of Parker’s Piece or twice the area of Nun’s Way Recreational Ground, is unlikely
to meet the recreational demands of this sale of development and mitigate the impacts of
recreational pressure offsite. This level of provision falls significantly short of Local Plan open space requirements and is substantially less than the 8ha /1000 population standard advocated
through Natural England’s Suitable Alternative Natural Green Space (SANGS) guidance to meet
people’s needs and protect more sensitive designated sites such as Stow-cum-Quy Fen Site of
Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Wicken Fen SSSI, Ramsar site.

We are aware that the HRA / SA are in the process of assessing the recreational pressure impacts
of NECAAP development on designated sites and that these will identify specific mitigation
requirements to address adverse impacts. The HRA recommends discussion with the National
Trust to determine how increased impacts to Wicken Fen will be mitigated. A further
recommendation is for this policy to include a commitment to the provision of alternative natural
greenspace that is specifically designed and managed to alleviate visitor pressure on Wicken Fen
Ramsar and Fenland SAC.

Natural England agrees that further consideration of recreational pressure through the AAP/HRA
should include detailed discussion with the National Trust regarding impacts to Wicken Fen and
the Vision Area. We will be pleased to engage in any discussion. To address this and the wider GI
needs of the development we advise that the AAP should develop a strategic approach to GI and
biodiversity by identifying and mapping the existing network and viable opportunity areas i.e. a GI /
Biodiversity Expansion and Enhancement Framework Plan for expanding and enhancing the
green infrastructure network, including Bramblefields, Chesterton Fen, Milton CP and elsewhere.
This should draw on the GI and Biodiversity Opportunity Mapping Project being undertaken for the
Greater Cambridge Local Plan and the recommendations / opportunity areas identified in the
Biodiversity Assessment (MKA Ecology, June 2020). In particular this should identify viable
opportunity areas for the delivery of GI/biodiversity mitigation measures identified through the
revised HRA/SA, informed through discussion with the National Trust. Policy requirements should
be set to ensure delivery of the Framework through each phase of development.

The scale of development and the level of greenspace currently proposed is likely to result in local
sites such as Bramblefields and Milton CP being overwhelmed by additional visitor pressure. This
is likely to have an adverse impact on biodiversity and people’s enjoyment of these sites. Whilst
we welcome further proposals to enhance linkages to existing open spaces, adverse impacts
associated with the additional pressure, should be addressed through delivery of proportionate
expansion and enhancement measures at these sites.

Natural England will be pleased to offer advice on a draft GI / Biodiversity Framework for the
NECAAP. Our advice is that a strategic level of high-quality greenspace provision will be key to
creating a healthy community and enhancing people’s physical and mental wellbeing. The extent
of accessible natural greenspace provision (i.e. excluding formal sports areas) should be
proportionate to the scale of development, for example whilst quantity of provision should be
broadly aligned with SANGS guidance, green infrastructure design should seek to achieve the
Natural England Accessible Natural Greenspace Standards, detailed in Nature Nearby, including
the minimum standard of 2ha informal open space within 300m of everyone’s home. We advise
that green infrastructure provision should also seek to contribute towards the delivery of the
objectives of the Cambridgeshire Green Infrastructure Strategy for habitat enhancement and
improved connectivity.

Attachments:

Support

Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan

Representation ID: 55969

Received: 05/10/2020

Respondent: Hawkswren Ltd

Agent: Carter Jonas

Representation Summary:

Policy 8 expects major new development to provide for open space and recreation facilities.
Figure 19 shows a linear park along the frontage of Cowley Road, which includes the proposed
development parcel where the Barr Tech site is located. The delivery of open space and
recreation facilities in North East Cambridge is broadly supported because it contributes towards
high quality spaces and meets health and wellbeing needs.

Attachments:

Object

Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan

Representation ID: 55994

Received: 05/10/2020

Respondent: Turnstone Estates Limited

Agent: Carter Jonas

Representation Summary:

Policy 8 expects major new development to provide for open space and recreation facilities.
Figure 19 shows a linear park along the frontage of Cowley Road, which includes the proposed
development parcel where Tarmac site is located. The delivery of open space and recreation
facilities in North East Cambridge is broadly supported

Attachments:

Object

Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan

Representation ID: 56018

Received: 05/10/2020

Respondent: Endurance Estates

Agent: Barton Willmore

Representation Summary:

Draft Policy 8 sets out support for the provision of new or enhanced open space and recreation sites/facilities. It states that regard will need to be had to the Cambridge City local standards of provision of all relevant types of open space (Appendix I, Cambridge Local Plan 2018) and the Councils’ open space and sports strategies. Draft Policy 8 sets out an expectation that all open space requirements will be met on-site.

We are concerned that the scale of development proposed within the NEC Action Area necessitates the provision of significantly more open space than can possibly be accommodated on-site.

An estimated total population of around 19,400 people (Retail Evidence Statement, paragraph 54) would bring an associated requirement for the following open space and recreation provision, in accordance with Appendix I of the CLP 2018:

• Outdoor sports facilities (1.2 ha per 1,000 people) = 23.3 ha;
• Indoor sports provision (1 sports hall for 13,000 people, 1 swimming pool for 50,000 people) = 1 sports hall plus further off-site contributions;
• Provision for children and teenagers (0.3 ha per 1,000 people) = 5.82 ha;
• Informal open space (2.2 ha per 1,000 people) = 42.7 ha; and
• Allotments (0.4 ha per 1,000 people) = 7.8 ha.

This evidences our assertion that the proposed quantum of residential development is too great for the size of the NEC Action Area.

The delivery of 8,000+ high quality dwellings, particularly at high densities, requires adequate space within the wider site to ensure that there is provision for recreation and sport for the residential population (and amenity space for local workers). As demonstrated above, the City Council’s own adopted open space standards demonstrate that the Site is unable to provide the on-site provision that should be delivered to support well-designed new homes. Improving connectivity with neighbouring areas of existing public open space does not, and should not, provide a substitute for the appropriate on-site provision recreation and sport. We remain concerned that the adjacent Chesterton Fen area is not secured within the boundary of the NEC Action Area (see comments above re: Policy 5).

The Coronavirus Pandemic has changed people’s mindsets, attitudes and amplified the intrinsic need for access to assets that facilitate healthy living and wellbeing. Policy emphasis should be upon ensuring that all future developments deliver high quality open spaces and a framework that facilitates a high quality of life that future residents and workers expect. The NEC AAP should be a flagship scheme in this regard, with the quantum of residential dwellings set at a reduced level that allows for all supporting infrastructure to be delivered on-site, including space for recreation and sport.

Attachments:

Comment

Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan

Representation ID: 56142

Received: 05/10/2020

Respondent: U+I PLC.

Agent: We are Town

Representation Summary:

Green spaces are overly prescribed – even to the level of naming them. We simply don’t know if the ‘Cowley Triangle’ can
be provided here because of constraints work yet to be undertaken and its shape is defined by a route (Diagonal) that is
inconsistent with our draft masterplan.
Page 98 – figures should be a minimum on green space – we think we can provide more.

Attachments: