Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

BIODIVERSITY AND GREEN SPACES We note that Registered Historic Parks and Gardens are not included in the categories of green spaces listed at the beginning of the section. We ask for them to be included. There are 24 Registered Historic Parks and Gardens within the Greater Cambridge area. As with Listed Buildings, Scheduled Ancient Monuments and Conservations Areas Registered Historic Parks and Gardens are a material consideration in the planning process. Historic parks and gardens support the Local Plan's objectives for biodiversity and green spaces in several ways: 1. They support biodiversity 2. They lessen the effects of climate change by absorbing carbon emissions 3. They bring well-being and health benefits by acting as green lungs and in some cases providing play and sport facilities 4. They support the Local Plan's aim to provide green spaces and more tree planting What do we need to do? 1. Registered historic parks and gardens should be included in the Local Plan's categories of green spaces 2. The Local Plan should include a policy for the protection of registered historic parks and gardens and their settings GREAT PLACES The draft Local Plan states that the Local Plan should protect and enhance the landscape and townscape 'such as Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas'. Registered Historic Parks and Gardens should be added to this list. Historic parks and gardens support the Local Plan's objectives on Great Places in several ways: 1. They help to maintain biodiversity 2. They are an important part of the heritage of Greater Cambridge 3. They help to maintain and enhance local distinctiveness 4. They contribute to well-being and social inclusion where they are open to the public 5. They create jobs INFRASTRUCTURE Registered historic parks and gardens, and their settings, should be protected from damage from new infrastructure. This includes new roads, cycle tracks, guided busways, road widening and new rail infrastructure including new track, track widening and new stations. The Local Plan should include a policy for the protection of Registered Historic Parks and Gardens from infrastructure damage.