Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

3.17 Biodiversity monitoring can help identify challenges, set targets and measure progress towards climate change related targets. Embodied carbon offset can be achieved through rich and multifunctional green/blue infrastructure and increased tree cover. 3.18 Adaptation measures can be implemented at a variety of scales and should consider architectural approaches to design out issues such as overheating, the use of SuDS, the role of green infrastructure such as increasing tree coverage and implementing resilient architecture to promote zero carbon homes.

3.19 The Local Plan should explore how it can go beyond existing targets and measures to improve the existing green infrastructure network and build on strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change through setting short and longer term targets to improve the natural environment. This includes but is not limited to, biodiversity monitoring, increased tree cover, the promotion of multi-functional public open spaces that are highly accessible to existing and new developments and encouraging the community in getting involved with caring for the natural environment. 3.20 To improve its surrounding natural environment, Trumpington South can deliver high performance, multi-functional open space, delivering significant natural capital gains, such as 25%+ net biodiversity gain while promoting active lifestyles, social inclusion and cohesive communities.

3.21 Green spaces should have a rich biodiversity and wildlife offering. All residents should live close to green spaces both for health and wellbeing purposes. 3.22 With the River Cam and Country Park to the west and the open countryside of Cambridgeshire to the south, Trumpington South sits within a strong and established green infrastructure, with direct connections to a network of footpaths and cycle ways. Therefore, the site can commit to offering a landscape-led scheme and provide an extension to the Country Park, therefore improving the surrounding green space network. Green corridors and fingers can define the site and run through it, creating a strong east-west network of connected green spaces. 3.23 Grosvenor and USS’s commitment to car free areas within the development releases space to provide opportunities for increased wildlife and biodiversity within the pedestrian focused streets and network of routes. This is explained in the Vision document prepared by Terence O’Rourke. 3.24 Trumpington Meadows Country Park is now established, and through on site management provided by the Wildlife Trust, has delivered significant biodiversity gains. Trumpington South has the potential to create a further expansion to the country park. This could enhance the function of the remaining Green Belt, improving the setting and unique character of Cambridge while delivering significant compensatory improvements to the Green Belt.

3.25 Biodiversity net gain can be achieved through a combination of off-site and on-site measures. Open space provision should include habitat diversification and creation measures, ensuring that the landscape strategy is responsive to the specific ecological assets on site and in the locality to maximise connectivity and species dispersal potential. Initiatives like SuDS, resource efficiency, biodiversity monitoring and reporting should sit alongside any net biodiversity approach and long term management. 3.26 Should the site be allocated and come forward, Trumpington South can exceed DEFRA’s targets by providing a 25%+ net biodiversity gain through offering a landscaping under Grosvenor’s control that fosters a vibrant community alongside thriving natural environments. Trumpington South provides the opportunity to extend the Trumpington Meadows Country Park providing further valuable contiguous and connected habitats. This would build on the significant biodiversity net gain achieved in the Country Park. There are also opportunities to extend the existing green infrastructure network through the site’s proposed network of green links and interconnected green spaces. Car free zones will also help encourage increased natural habitats.

Nothing chosen

3.27 Grosvenor is supportive of the Councils aim to increase tree cover and is committed to providing a 10% increase over existing provision on site. Tree cover provides significant habitat potential and the potential to also sequester carbon emissions, contributing to the Councils zero carbon targets and restoring the regions natural climax vegetation. Public access to woodlands also has the potential to contribute to a community’s wellbeing, through diversified amenity offer and improved tranquillity. New tree planting should be appropriate to its location, sensitive to a locality’s landscape characteristics and comprise species tolerant of more severe weather events.

3.28 Grosvenor is committed to bringing forward developments which reflect the principles of social sustainability, good growth and wellbeing amongst local residents. ‘Good growth’ can be achieved through creating compact development sites with highly sustainable accessibility and opportunities for on site community initiatives. 3.29 The provision of a range of homes for all parts of the community, including affordable and specialist housing. Easy access to local services and amenities creates inclusiveness, which helps to foster wellbeing. Encouraging travel by sustainable modes of transport, including walking, cycling, public transport and electric vehicles, which would also encourage active lifestyles and reduce carbon emissions, leading to positive effects on health. 3.30 As mentioned throughout these representations, Trumpington South will develop a sense of identity, promote healthy lifestyles and active public spaces and provide the right community infastructure to promote well being and social inclusion. 3.31 Techcnial assessments in relation to noise and air quality have been prepared by BuroHappold in support of these representations, to demonstrate that the proposed development at Trumpington South is suitable and deliverable in relation to noise and air quality. Noise and air quality considerations are intrinsically linked to the well-being and health of existing and future residents and will be considered in greater detail as the design process for this proposal evolves. 3.32 The M11 is associated with poorer levels of air quality and higher levels of noise. The Noise Feasibility Study prepared by Buro Happold confirms that the masterplan for Trumpington South proposes residential properties approximately 200m away from this source. The Study demonstrates that target internal and external ambient noise levels can be achieved, when considering the proposed masterplan and the existing consented bund, along the southern site boundary adjacent to the M11. The study also demonstrates that incorporating future massing and design considerations (i.e. glazing treatments) can provide further mitigation. The Air Quality Assessment, also prepared by Buro Happold, concludes that the air quality impacts associated with emissions from surrounding roads on future site occupants will not be significant, and similarly provides a range of further mitigation measures, some of which are already demonstrated in the proposals for Trumpington South. 3.33 The masterplan also seeks to discourage private cars and encourage active transport (walking and cycling) and public transport, with the implementation of car-free zones, Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure and centralised parking locations. The proposed masterplan also incorporates other elements that will have a positive impact on air quality and noise, including zero-carbon homes in operation and extensive tree planting across the site.

3.34 Grosvenor supports the approach taken to the Local Plan consultation and use of alternative tools and methods for gathering responses and engaging local stakeholders. 3.35 Previous precedents showcase the commitment Grosvenor have made to engage the local community. For example, Grosvenor engaged the public from very early stages during the development of Trumpington Meadows through a range of methods, and their commitment is reflected through it being an award-winning development. Today, the scheme mirrors principles of good design and high quality place-making and this would be extended to Trumpington South.

3.36 New developments should provide local access to uses which support a diverse demographics and wide range of age groups and the vulnerable to ensure it is offering on-site community initiatives to all local residents. 3.37 Trumpington South is committed to being a development which is safe and inclusive. The masterplanning of the site will incorporate the objectives of ‘safe by design’. This will include the provision of safe, accessible connected routes which reduce car movements. The development will also provide access to inclusive on site facilities, including secure cycle parking, as well as sharing existing established facilities at Trumpington Meadows.

3.38 This can be achieved through creating communities that have a strong sense of identity and maximising their shared value. Specific interventions, such as promoting inclusive outdoor spaces, active landscapes and offering community activities for local residents to participate in, can all support healthier lifestyles. 3.39 Residents at Trumpington South would have access to multi-functional areas of open space providing opportunities for sport, growing foodstuff, caring for the natural environment and informal active recreation. The development is planned around the movement of people rather than vehicles. The layout of the site and approach to car parking will create an environment with low vehicles movements and dedicated pedestrian and cycle networks. Active travel will, therefore, be facilitated and be the natural choice for many.

3.40 Measures such as the provision of alternative modes of transport, reducing movements and improving accessibility, improved tree coverage and habitats with high carbon offsetting potential are all ways to improve air quality. 3.41 The masterplan for Trumpington South locates residential properties away from poorer air quality locations. The Air Quality Assessment produced by Buro Happold concludes that the air quality impacts associated with emissions from surrounding roads on future site occupants will not be significant. The masterplan also seeks to discourage private cars and encourage active transport (walking and cycling) and public transport, with the implementation of car-free zones, Electric Vehicle charging infrastructure and centralised parking locations. The proposed masterplan also incorporates other elements that will have a positive impact on air quality, including zero-carbon homes in operation and extensive tree planting across the site.