Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

SUMMARY OF COMMENTS: Accessible green space, with trails, pathways and other infrastructure, increases phyiscal activity, social connectedness and mental wellbeing. MAIN COMMENTS: Green spaces are a key way of providing the public with opportunities for physical activity, supporting social interactions, and improving mental wellbeing - as well as reducing net carbon - therefore the inclusion of biodiversity and green spaces as a theme in the local plan is supported. A balance needs to be struck beween protecting some natural habitats from human disturbance and supporting the provision of accessible green space across Greater Cambridge. We know that provision of accessible green spaces - inclusive of: parks, forests, playing fields, river corridors, play areas and cemeteries - have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of mortality by increasing physical activity and social interactions, and reduce the risk of mental illness and high blood pressure through the positive connections with nature (M Kondo 2018; C Maller 2005). Importantly, the benefits appear to be greatest for children, older people, and those from more deprived backgrounds (S De Vries 2003; G Vanaken 2018). The key determinants of green space usage appear to be its proximity and accessibility; whilst it has also been shown that provision of trails (paved or unpaved) increase the likelihood of people using the green space for physical activity sevenfold (E Howard 2002; A Kaczynski 2008). In addition, the National Planning Policy Framework states that planning policies should "enable and support healthy lifestyles … for eample through the provision of safe and accessible green infrastructure" (Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government 2019). Therefore the local plan should include policies requiring the provision of accessible greenspace (the term greenspace should also include "blue space") both formal and informal to accompany all forms of development, and the provision of green/bluespace should consider the proximity to housing to ensure equitable access.

The most recent UK Government Climate Change Risk Assessment was published in 2017 (UK Climate Change Risk Assessment 2017) and highlighted the increased risks of flooding and heatwaves in particular, as well as possible interruptions to food production and trade which would have knock on effects on health. We therefore support the inclusion of climate change, and the zero carbon plan, as a key theme within the plan. Climate Change and zero carbon and there links to health can be achived in three key ways: 1. transition from private vehicles to more active, sustainable methods of travel; 2. provision of green spaces to both offset carbon emissions and increase phyiscal activity and improve mental health; 3. designing buildings and homes that can mitigate the risks of colder winters and hotter summers; In each case, the issues and options paper has addressed these steps, which are supported. in addition it would be worth adding that addressing these 3 issues appropriately is likely to provide the greatest health benefit to the most vulnerable people in our community. The local plan should address in it's policies reducing carbon emissions by supporting people to travel - both for business commutes and leisure activities - in sustainable ways (Active Travel), in particular supporting walking and cycling, which has clear benefits for health. There is good evidence that provision of walking and cycling infrastructure is associated with more active travel (A Goodman 2013). Importantly, the evidence also suggests that the greatest benefits are for the most deprived groups in our community. In addition, the National Planning Policy Framework states that planning policies should aim to "enable and support healthy lifestyles … through the provision of safe and accessible green infrastructure, …allotments and layouts that encourage walking and cycling" (Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government 2019). In addition the Local Plan should address in it's policies the provision of green space, both formal and informal a mechanism to achieve the zero carbon ambition. Green Spaces also provide co-benefits to health (green spaces are inclusive of: parks, forests, playing fields, river corridors, play areas and cemeteries). They have been shown to significantly reduce the risk of mortality by increasing physical activity and social interactions, and reduce the risk of mental illness and high blood pressure through the positive connections with nature (M Kondo 2018; C Maller 2005). Importantly, the benefits appear to be greatest for children, older people, and those from more deprived backgrounds (S De Vries 2003; G Vanaken 2018). The key determinants of green space usage appear to be proximity and accessibility; whilst it has also been shown that provision of trails (paved or unpaved) increase the likelihood of people using the green space for physical activity sevenfold (E Howard 2002; A Kaczynski 2008). The provision of buildings and housing that can mitigate against the effects of colder winters and hotter summers on health - particularly of the most vulnerable members of the community should be addressed through policies in the new local plan. The Greater Cambridge Sustainable Design and Construction Supplementary Planning Document is supported.

SECTION 4.5.2 Clarification would also be welcomed as to how the North East Area Action Plan will fit in with this new Local Plan.

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Reference is made in Section 4.7.3 to the adopted Minerals and Waste Plan, but not the emerging Local Plan which can be found on www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/MWLP. This should be included, as it will be adopted prior to the completion of the Greater Cambridge Local Plan.

REFERENCE TO PARA 4.1.3. There is no reference to the Circular Economy, (the principle of designing out waste and pollution, and keeping materials in use), in the First Conservation report or in the Sustainability Appraisal Framework. It is suggested that this should be included.

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REFERENCE TO PARA 4.1.3. There is no reference to the Circular Economy, (the principle of designing out waste and pollution, and keeping materials in use), in the First Conservation report or in the Sustainability Appraisal Framework. It is suggested that this should be included.

REFERENCE TO PARA 4.1.3. There is no reference to the Circular Economy, (the principle of designing out waste and pollution, and keeping materials in use), in the First Conservation report or in the Sustainability Appraisal Framework. It is suggested that this should be included.

Nothing chosen

WITH REFERENCE TO 4.6.3 (Q32-35) The number of homes, and their size and tenure, has a significant impact upon the child yield which is forecast from a new development and ultimately, help to shape the education which is required both in the short and longer term. The expectations for delivery, including the proportion of affordable housing, is essential to enable the Council to review its current provision, and inform its planning for the future.

WITH REFERENCE TO 4.6.3 (Q32-35) The number of homes, and their size and tenure, has a significant impact upon the child yield which is forecast from a new development and ultimately, help to shape the education which is required both in the short and longer term. The expectations for delivery, including the proportion of affordable housing, is essential to enable the Council to review its current provision, and inform its planning for the future.

WITH REFERENCE TO 4.6.3 (Q32-35) The number of homes, and their size and tenure, has a significant impact upon the child yield which is forecast from a new development and ultimately, help to shape the education which is required both in the short and longer term. The expectations for delivery, including the proportion of affordable housing, is essential to enable the Council to review its current provision, and inform its planning for the future.