Draft Greater Cambridge Local Plan for consultation

Comment

Representation ID: 208452

Received: 30/01/2026

Respondent: The National Trust

The National Trust supports this policy. Proposed new development must follow the Mitigation Hierarchy and provide appropriate mitigation for recreational impacts on designated sites, including the provision of SANGs, in accordance with Natural England’s guidance and advice.

Comment

Representation ID: 208453

Received: 30/01/2026

Respondent: The National Trust

All of the potable water supplying Greater Cambridge is currently obtained from nearly 100% abstraction of chalk aquifers, any increase in development has the potential to result in an adverse effect on Habitats sites susceptible to impacts from changes in water quantity in-combination with development in areas outside of the GCLP area. The reduced flow from the aquifer has put additional ecological stress on chalk streams and their associated habitats. Measures need to be put in place in the short term to balance additional losses of flow with proposed development. It will be vital for new developments to comply with the water efficiency measures, both until the new supply side measures come online, and continuing into the future to make efficient use of this constrained resource. Policy CC/WE should be amended to require all new development to provide a project level assessment of water quantity to demonstrate that it would not result adversely affect water sensitive designated sites.

Comment

Representation ID: 208454

Received: 30/01/2026

Respondent: The National Trust

The National Trust is supportive of renewable energy in principle. However, the landscape character, tranquility, sensitive views, and future Wicken Vision ambition are all being adversely affected by the amount of solar and associated infrastructure being developed in the Vision area. We note that the policy states that these developments should not cause unacceptable impacts, including cumulative and cross-boundary impacts, but consider that this policy could be strengthened to put the onus on the developer to undertake an assessment of cumulative and cross-boundary impacts. Furthermore, any proposed renewable energy/infrastructure that is within the Greater Cambridge area and is functionally linked to designated sites should be avoided.

Comment

Representation ID: 208455

Received: 30/01/2026

Respondent: The National Trust

The National Trust supports the inclusion of draft policy CC/CS which seeks to protect existing carbon sinks through protecting peat, including during the construction of new developments. The wording of Policy CC/CS should include an additional numbered point to reinforce the need to consider the link between the impact of proposed development on water availability and peat condition.

Comment

Representation ID: 208456

Received: 30/01/2026

Respondent: The National Trust

The National Trust strongly supports the Strategic Priority to increase and improve the network of habitats for wildlife, and green spaces for people, ensuring that development leaves the natural environment better than it was before. However, detail around these initiatives is lacking, including location, objectives and delivery. It is noted that the Council are developing a ‘suite of green infrastructure standards’ and are continuing to explore how they deliver these through the policies in the plan. It is understood that the approach may be refined at Proposed Submission stage. The National Trust would be happy to engage in discussions with Greater Cambridge about how we may be able to support the refinement and delivery of the eastern fens and urban forest initiatives.

Comment

Representation ID: 208457

Received: 30/01/2026

Respondent: The National Trust

The National Trust agrees with the wording of this policy which states that new development must address its open space requirements through on-site provision and/or financial contributions for off-site provision, including future management. An additional bullet point should be added to ensure that the open space is provided and available to use prior to first occupation of the dwellings.
The National Trust will soon be commencing feasibility for Northfield Farm. We would be happy to engage in discussions with Greater Cambridge about whether we could help facilitate some of this provision.

Comment

Representation ID: 208458

Received: 30/01/2026

Respondent: The National Trust

We are pleased to see the Plan recognises Greater Cambridge’s historic environment as an important social, cultural, economic, environmental and community resource, which adds to the quality of life of residents and visitors (para 7.56) and Wimpole’s contribution to this as an important visitor attraction with historic merit.

Comment

Representation ID: 208459

Received: 30/01/2026

Respondent: The National Trust

Para. 7.66 notes historic landscapes including historic parks and gardens are particularly important in South Cambridgeshire where they add interest and variety to the countryside. Grade II* Pampisford Hall and Grade II* Croxton Park are specifically highlighted in the South Cambs district but Grade I Wimpole Hall RPG which is by far the largest Registered Park and Gardens, and one of only two Grade I RPG in Greater Cambridge, is not mentioned which fails to recognise its importance and rarity (only around 10% of England’s RPG are designated Grade I). The text should be amended to include Wimpole Hall Registered Park and Garden.

Comment

Representation ID: 211075

Received: 30/01/2026

Respondent: The National Trust

The Trust published its 10-year strategy “People and Nature thriving”. At its core are three ambitious 2050 goals to restore nature, end unequal access to nature, beauty and history, inspire millions more people to care and take action. The National Trust owns and manages the Wimpole Estate within the Greater Cambridge planning area. Along with Anglesey Abbey, Northfield Farm and Wicken Fen nearby in adjoining East Cambridge. Much of this land has been declared “inalienable”. This status enables the Trust to live up to its core charitable objective of preserving places of historic interest and beauty for the nation, forever. Growth within Greater Cambridge could impact each and all of these sites. But any adverse impacts could be managed with appropriate mitigation. Furthermore, with collaborative working, they could also offer potential opportunities to support growth through access to greenspace, nature and heritage.

Comment

Representation ID: 211076

Received: 30/01/2026

Respondent: The National Trust

The National Trust notes the complexities associated with the development of this site (which is reliant on the relocation of the Cambridge Wastewater Treatment Plant) as a result of the withdrawal of funding from the Government. If this site does form part of the Council’s strategy and becomes available for development, the policy should ensure that opportunities for green and blue infrastructure and sustainable connections along the river Cam and into the Wicken Vision Area are provided