Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

The key aspect of adapting to climate change will be in the location of new development. This must be carefully considered in the Local Plan. For example, regardless of emerging measures for energy efficiency and better building fabric, if development is allocated in settlements with few services or facilities then this will result in the need for more travel compared to development in towns where more facilities are available that are within walking / cycling distance, or connected by public transport. Paragraph 4.1.3 correctly recognises that, as this winter has demonstrated, flooding has become a key issue as events predicted as 1 in 100 year floods are happening more frequently. Caution should therefore be used in allocating sites that are close to existing modelled flood plains, particularly where topographic contours are shallow.

Green Infrastructure is intrinsic to good design and should be planned as part of all new developments. Evidence shows that small green spaces provided throughout development increase the amounts of physical activity that residents carry out and, and that these spaces are helpful to mental health and wellbeing. MGH is aware of these benefits and propose new green infrastructure as part of the proposals at North Cambourne, where significant areas of the site will be used for open space in conjunction with sport, recreation, natural habitats and biodiversity offsetting. MGH therefore agrees with the key issues raised in the Issues and Options report. MGH endorses the challenges and opportunities identified by the Council in the accompanying table at paragraph 2.5.2.

The Issues and Options report correctly identifies that net gains can be achieved at building design level through to strategic landscape management level. Net gain can also be achieved through off-site measures, although it would seem appropriate that mitigation is carried out on site where applicable. In this context, larger scale sites will be more favourable because of their ability to provide green infrastructure alongside built development and other infrastructure . In carrying out biodiversity assessments, value should be placed on the longevity of new communities and new natural habitats associated with them. These habitats are designed to be retained in perpetuity. Existing trees and hedgerows may be given high biodiversity value because of their longevity, but it should also be recognised that older trees will eventually die. New environmental features and natural habitats can have significant ecological value as they mature over a period of decades following construction.

Nothing chosen

It would seem beneficial to increase tree cover across the area, but care should be used in determining how net biodiversity gains are maximised. For example, it is known that peat bog, bramble scrub and lowland meadows have a greater value in biodiversity than blanket tree cover*. A mosaic of habitat creation is therefore preferred over blanket tree cover with the range of habitats determined by a clear understanding of the existing habitat value and potential of the location. Given the importance of the specific context we neither agree nor disagree that this particular measure should be included in the Local Plan, but instead will review specific evidence once that has been presented *Biodiversity Net Gain Research – Savills Rural

The promotion of social inclusion in Cambridgeshire is an important consideration. We note the disparities in quality of life and life expectancy in the most deprived areas of the county compared to the least deprived areas*. These disparities are not easy to resolve even over one Local plan period because they are influenced by underlying socio demographics including aspirations and wages. The creation of new employment opportunities, where a wide mix of housing types can be provided, and where open spaces, leisure and cultural activities are available to all, will helps to improve the life chances of all residents and improve social inclusion. Access to public transport is a key measure of social inclusion. In less affluent households, a second car is often not available, limiting the ability of the household to access employment opportunities. The creation of truly mixed-use communities where access to jobs and facilities is maximised for all residents is therefore a key measure in assessing which sites should come forward for development. *Greater Cambridge Local Plan Scoping Report p39

Consultation with existing communities is key to establishing a legitimate plan to guide future development, both in terms of location and design. . Design Charrettes or other similar processes, carried out at the right time and involving community members, politicians and technical advisors can help to gain buy-in from the community. MGH is committed to consultation in relation to its proposals at North Cambourne and has already been in discussion with relevant stakeholders for some time. Discussions will be ongoing, and would include opportunities for local residents of Cambourne and other communities as well as, new residents, employers and other stakeholders to inform the design of the proposals.

MGH agrees with the key issues raised in section 4.3.3 of the Issues and Options report. These issues all lead towards a conclusion that larger sites are preferred as they can better provide: - - homes for all parts of the community; - a wider range of accessible jobs; - support the delivery of low carbon transport infrastructure; - ensure that infrastructure, services and facilities are provided alongside new employment and homes; and - support arts and culture.

There is a significant body of evidence emerging* that shows healthy lifestyles are best supported by developments that are able to provide: - - ‘gentle density’ that is only achievable in more urban areas; - where public transport is available; - mixed use development, supported by larger local populations; - walkable neighbourhoods; - shops, services and places to meet; and are - leafy with regular green spaces. The best way of achieving these aims is in the allocation of larger sites that are capable of accommodating a mix of uses. *Spatial Planning for Health – an evidence resource for planning and designing healthier places, Public Health England, 2017

Air quality issues are created primarily by vehicular traffic. Reductions in vehicle emissions and provision for electric cars will slowly improve air quality. The key area where the Local Plan can improve air quality is through the allocation of sites for new development that will reduce the need for travel in vehicles per se; and will encourage travel by more sustainable modes. This needs to be carefully considered when the Council allocates sites for development in the next stages of the Local Plan process.

Cambridgeshire already has a great track record in delivering well-designed new neighbourhoods. Emerging guidance in the form of the national design guide and updates to the PPG has re-enforced this process, and the implications of the work carried out by the Building Better, Building Beautiful Commission will inform revisions to the NPPF. The Greater Cambridge authority will need to ensure that resources are in place to ensure that proposals that come forwards are well considered, maximising the benefits that new development can bring, including those delivered by high quality design that relate to all aspects of health, social inclusion and wellbeing.