Draft Cambridge Biomedical Campus Supplementary Planning Document

Comment

Representation ID: 200414

Received: 24/01/2025

Respondent: Environment Agency

The Cambridgeshire Flood and Water SPD is referred to in section 4e Sustainability. Although most of the guidance in this document on how to manage flood risk is still
relevant, the climate change allowances included in section 5 are out-of-date. The most recent guidance on using climate change allowances in FRAs can be found on the governments website.

There is no mention of flood risk under the ‘Key principles for sustainability’ heading on pages 37-38 and there are no questions relating to flood risk under the sustainability
heading on page 44. Flood risk should be an important consideration for any new development in the area given that there are some areas of Flood Zone 3 (high risk) within the preferred site options. As such, flood risk considerations should be included the sustainability section of the SPD. We would like to see reference to avoiding new development in any areas at risk of flooding and seeking opportunities to reduce flood risk both on site and elsewhere. The SPD should make it clear that if any development is proposed within sites that include areas of Flood Zone 3, hydraulic modelling of relevant watercourses will need be undertaken as part of a site-specific Flood Risk Assessment (FRA).

Comment

Representation ID: 200703

Received: 24/01/2025

Respondent: Environment Agency

We support the inclusion of water use in the key principles of sustainability. This location is in an area of serious water stress (as identified in our report Water stressed
areas – 2021 classification) and has the potential to increase abstraction from groundwater sources. We have evidence which indicates that groundwater abstraction to meet current needs of the population is already in some cases causing ecological damage to Water Framework Directive designated waterbodies or there is a risk of causing deterioration in the ecology if groundwater abstraction increases. Therefore, the water resource demand of the development should be considered. This supply needs to be sustainable and have no adverse impact to WFD waterbodies including chalk
streams.  

We encourage grey and rainwater harvesting policies for new developments, designed at an appropriate scale and potentially determined on a case-by-case basis. These
could help to create places resilient to climate change, contribute to achieving NZ emissions and reduce the demand for water. Systems must be reliable for users and so their impact can be accounted for in water resources and flood risk management plans.

Further information is available from Waterwise which has shown that the policies to encourage grey and rainwater harvesting for new development have the most net benefit and we support this position.

Comment

Representation ID: 200704

Received: 24/01/2025

Respondent: Environment Agency

The Biomedical Campus is situated above a Principal Aquifer. We recommend the use of SuDS. These techniques can provide a method for reducing runoff that could otherwise lead to flooding. They can also minimise pollution impacts, improve biodiversity and provide amenity areas.

Where infiltration drainage is proposed, it must be demonstrated that it will not pose a risk to groundwater quality. Infiltration should not be focused in areas where ground contamination has been identified. Surface water infiltrating through contaminated ground can mobilise contaminants and result in pollution of the groundwater.

Where infiltration SuDS are to be used for surface run-off from roads, car parking and public or amenity areas, they should have a suitable series of treatment steps to prevent
the pollution of groundwater. For the immediate drainage catchment areas used for handling and storage of chemicals and fuel, handling and storage of waste and lorry, bus and coach parking or turning areas, infiltration SuDS are not permitted without an environmental permit.

Comment

Representation ID: 200705

Received: 24/01/2025

Respondent: Environment Agency

Should applicants wish us to review any technical documents or want further advice prior to the submission of planning applications, we may do this as part of our charged for planning advice service.

Further engagement will provide the applicant with certainty of our position as to what our response to your planning application will be. It should also result in a better quality and more environmentally sensitive development.