Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

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It is clear from the Sustainability Appraisal that the themes arise from local needs, the Councils’ priorities set out in the Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District corporate plans, and by taking into account national and local planning priorities and requirements. Grosvenor as development manager is committed to making a lasting contribution to the places in which they are active and, therefore, agree with the themes. Grosvenor takes a long-term view of its activities and responsibilities, with sustainability considerations an important factor in all investment, asset management and development decisions. This approach is driven by their ‘Living cities’ philosophy, which guides them to create, to invest in and to manage properties and places that contribute to the enduring success of cities. Grosvenor wish to support the Councils and Plan in achieving the themes. Development at Whittlesford can address all 4 of the Local Plan themes whilst contributing to housing need and supporting homes for employees locally. Theme 1 – The proposals at Whittlesford follow the same commitment for Grosvenor’s proposals at Trumpington South, ie. The commitment to addressing climate change through creating a zero carbon future for its development, providing resilient spaces which integrate sustainable design strategies and promoting active low carbon travel, and through locating housing in proximity to jobs or within convenient travelling distance by non-car modes. Theme 2 – Similarly, the Whittlesford proposals will aim to achieve a net gain in biodiversity, increasing accessible green space. Theme 3 – The Whittlesford proposals provide the opportunity to develop an inclusive sense of identity, promote healthy lifestyles and active public spaces, provide local access to uses which support a diverse demographic. Theme 4 – The character and location of Whittlesford and Whittlesford Parkway to the south of the Greater Cambridge area provides the opportunity to consolidate the two divided settlement areas, but respect and enhance the surrounding natural and historic landscape. The scale of growth required in Greater Cambridge should be accommodated in the most sustainable locations on transport hubs and corridors such as Whittlesford and the opportunity should be taken through holistic design solutions to foster a strong sense of community and create a ‘connected’ place.

Q7 How do you think we should prioritise these big themes? Rank the options below 1-4 (1 – most preferred 4 – least preferred) Climate change must be the first priority as it also encompasses the other three themes. All four themes are important in the context of changing infrastructure and economic growth in the area, effect on housing need and other aspects of spatial and transport planning and how this translates into a coherent strategic framework for the next 15-20 years. The proposals for Whittlesford can commit to integrating all the themes within its masterplan. Its location in the context of Whittlesford Parkway Station and the proximity to the Wellcome Genome Campus and convenient access to other nearby major employers via public transport and cycle provides scope to reduce travel over longer distances and thus carbon emissions. Please refer to the attached story boards for further detail.

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As part of its sustainability framework, Grosvenor is committed to helping reduce the impacts of climate change by understanding and reducing its carbon footprint across their portfolio. By 2030, Grosvenor will achieve net zero carbon operational emissions from all its directly managed buildings. Grosvenor is committed to working with the authorities to help them achieve net zero carbon by 2050. The Local Plan provides the opportunity to plan in a way which focuses on achieving this target. This requires bold decision making and innovative methods to produce a coherent spatial strategy that performs well in sustainability terms. Developments which help meet these targets should be supported.

Net zero carbon can be achieved through a range of methods, including energy efficient homes, carbon monitoring, low carbon technologies and passive design features. It can also be achieved by encouraging the use of sustainable transport and planning around these important links. Encouraging travel by sustainable transport could help foster community interaction and ensure less mobile groups, such as the elderly, can access the services and facilities they need. Adapting to the effects of climate change, such as considering cooling buildings, using water resources efficiently and being prepared for increased flood risk and extreme weather events are part of this. Green infrastructure is also a key tool in adapting to climate change.

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New developments can respond and adapt to climate change through a range of indicators. These include but are not limited to net biodiversity gain, regulated CO2 emissions, zero carbon homes, low impact materials and lower water usage.

Biodiversity monitoring can help identify challenges, set targets and measure progress towards these targets. Embodied carbon offset can be achieved through rich and multifunctional green/blue infrastructure.

The Local Plan should 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, improved tree coverage, 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.

Green spaces should have a rich biodiversity and wildlife offering. All residents should live within a short distance of green spaces. The proposals for Whittlesford would commit to offering a landscape-led scheme through a strong framework of green infrastructure and enhancement to surrounding green space network. Green corridors and fingers can define the site and run through it, creating a strong network of connected green spaces.

Biodiversity net gain can be achieved through a combination of off-site and on-site measures. Initiatives like SuDS, resource efficiency, biodiversity monitoring and reporting should sit alongside any net biodiversity approach. Biodiversity net gain can be delivered on sites under Grosvenor’s control.