Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 208162

Received: 29/01/2026

Respondent: Cambridgeshire Local Access Forum

CLAF strongly supports the Plan’s strategic aim to direct development to locations where active and public transport can be prioritised and where green infrastructure can be delivered alongside new development. It is essential that public rights of way and other access networks are recognised and safeguarded as core infrastructure, equivalent in importance to transport, utilities and community facilities.
We recommend explicit wording in relevant policies to:
• Protect existing public rights of way from loss, severance or compromise as a result of development proposals.
• Ensure that any necessary alterations are only permitted where they result in like-for-like or improved access for all lawful user groups, including walkers, equestrians, cyclists, carriage drivers and people with limited mobility.

Comment

Representation ID: 208166

Received: 29/01/2026

Respondent: Cambridgeshire Local Access Forum

The Plan identifies strategic priorities for increasing and improving green spaces and networks for people and wildlife, including Strategic GI Initiatives which aim to enhance green spaces. CLAF welcomes this approach but emphasises that:
• Rights of way and public access routes must be fully integrated into Green Infrastructure networks. Strategic green infrastructure planning should explicitly reference legal rights of way and multi-use route connectivity.
•Policies should ensure that natural green spaces are not only accessible but are linked by high-quality route networks that support recreational access and sustainable travel.
•Consideration should be given to cross-boundary connectivity, ensuring that strategic initiatives do not create fragmented or isolated access corridors.

Comment

Representation ID: 208167

Received: 29/01/2026

Respondent: Cambridgeshire Local Access Forum

For new development sites, particularly on the edge of Cambridge, in new settlements, and in the rural southern cluster, CLAF expects:
•Early engagement with rights of way teams and access stakeholders during site master planning.
•Provision of safe, convenient, coherent and attractive routes that connect new communities to existing path networks, services, public transport nodes and green spaces.
•Routes designed to enable a range of non-motorised users, recognising that multi-user access benefits health, wellbeing and social inclusion.

Comment

Representation ID: 208168

Received: 29/01/2026

Respondent: Cambridgeshire Local Access Forum

Policies within the Infrastructure theme (including sustainable transport and connectivity) are central to reducing reliance on cars and supporting active travel. CLAF endorses the move towards pedestrian and cycle priority, but highlights the need for:
•A strategic approach that maintains rural rights of way connectivity, not only within built areas.
•Recognition that, for many people accessing the countryside, rights of way are the primary means of travel for recreation and short utility journeys.

Comment

Representation ID: 208169

Received: 29/01/2026

Respondent: Cambridgeshire Local Access Forum

Where new development is likely to increase recreational pressure on the countryside, CLAF supports:
•Proactive mitigation measures, including improved access infrastructure and circular routes, to disperse recreational use and reduce impacts on sensitive landscapes.
•Securing access improvements through planning agreements to ensure timely delivery and long-term maintenance.

Comment

Representation ID: 208170

Received: 29/01/2026

Respondent: Cambridgeshire Local Access Forum

CLAF recommends that:
•The Monitoring Framework includes specific indicators related to rights of way condition, connectivity and user satisfaction.
•Delivery mechanisms are clearly identified for the implementation of access improvements, including collaboration with parish councils, landowners and user groups.

Comment

Representation ID: 208171

Received: 29/01/2026

Respondent: Cambridgeshire Local Access Forum

CLAF objects to Policy WS/CF:Community, sports and leisure facilities.

Comment

Representation ID: 208172

Received: 29/01/2026

Respondent: Cambridgeshire Local Access Forum

CLAF objects to Policy I/ST: Sustainable transport and connectivity.

Comment

Representation ID: 210965

Received: 29/01/2026

Respondent: Cambridgeshire Local Access Forum

CLAF supports the overall vision of the Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan but urges stronger, more explicit policy commitments to protect, enhance and integrate public rights of way and access networks across Greater Cambridge. Clearer policy language and delivery mechanisms will help ensure that access infrastructure contributes fully to the Plan’s objectives for sustainable development, healthy communities and green infrastructure.