Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

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5.8 A policy approach with multiple options for delivering net zero carbon is likely to be most effective in delivering development, as well as carbon neutrality. A multi-pronged approach should allow different solutions for different developments, reflecting context. For example, for some developments, Passivhaus energy standards may be achievable (going well above and beyond minimums set out in the Building Regulations), but for others, Building Regulations may need to be followed with an offset solution, such as a green bond or offset fund, to achieve a net carbon reduction. Possible options need to be worked up in more detail as the Plan progresses and must build in flexibility.

5.9 This Local Plan must deliver effective policy which protects and enhances natural capital. We support delivery of net gain for new development. Such policy must be flexible enough to enable creative and cost-effective solutions for the delivery of net gain and support the Vision for the Natural Future of Cambridgeshire in 2050 as outlined by Natural Cambridgeshire and affiliated organisations. 5.10 The site provides an opportunity to help improve the natural environment and also to protect existing ecological features within the surrounding area. As part of the proposal, improvements/enhancements will be made to screen the site which will also have the added benefit of increasing the site’s ecology and biodiversity.

The new Local Plan must ensure that policy in this matter is sufficiently flexible to accommodate the required biodiversity net gain in the most effective and efficient way for each development, with both on-site and off-site solutions possible. The Bedlam Farm site is an example of how biodiversity net gain can be achieved onsite, the site is currently of low ecological value but through the development proposal we can provide new planting and landscaping that would provide a clear biodiversity net gain.

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Yes, the Local Plan should include a policy framework that seeks to increase tree cover but allows for a planning balance within decision-making to enable the benefits and impacts of each development to be assessed. This could be part of an on-site/ off-site solution, which could generate notable s106 funds to achieve significant, meaningful and long-term planted and ecological areas. Our proposal is on an area of low ecological value with vegetation largely restricted to its boundaries. The proposals would seek to retain existing vegetation whilst also delivering substantial new tree planting to both provide landscaping and ecological benefit.

The Local Plan should deliver a spatial strategy that creates connections between homes and jobs. The site presents an opportunity to deliver employment development which can contribute to achieving ‘good growth’. The site is an existing employment site providing jobs locally, it is within close proximity to a range of services, facilities and public transport modes. Such a proposal will provide improved employment opportunities for existing and future residents which in turn will have positive influences on their overall health and lifestyle.

This can principally be achieved through the reduced use of polluting vehicles by: ● Locating development where there is good access to active travel, coupled with access to affordable, frequent, reliable and high-quality public transport options; and ● Better cycle and pedestrian connectivity – achieved by developments directly and through a coordinated s106 infrastructure programme.

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It is essential to Greater Cambridge and the surrounding area as identified by CPIER (Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Independent Economic Review). As part of the devolution contract to Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is a commitment to doubling the economic output of the area (Gross Value Added) over 25 years. This is a challenging target and needs to be factored at the heart of the Plan. Employment sites such as Bedlam Farm provide a key, and often undervalued, role in economic growth. The new Local Plan should be flexible to allow the expansion of such sites and also their allocation.

A wide variety of space by location, size, function and price needs to be available to support the growth of the economy, offering choice to meet an occupier’s individual needs: “The requirements for physical space, like finance, have stages. What a business needs in its start-up phase is different to its needs as it matures and grows. It is vital, if an innovation ecosystem is to be effective for there to be variety and availability at every stage1. 6.2 There must be flexible commercial space in both urban and rural areas. This is essential in order to support growth of local business and strengthen opportunities for local supply chains to engage in the growth industries of the region. While the Science and Technology sector is considered the engine of the Cambridge Phenomenon, it is important to have all types of commercial space to provide for a wide range of job opportunities. This will ensure Greater Cambridge is served at close quarters and does not overly rely on long-distance travel to service the area with goods and services. 6.3 The plan should make provision of storage and distribution buildings, Cambridge lacks distribution hubs where goods are consolidated into loads for last mile (five mile) delivery, thereby reducing the volume of HGVs moving in and through the city and reducing air pollution. Well located sites with access to main distribution arteries, such as the A14 should be considered to avoid local HGV diversion and disruption to local communities. Delivering first-mile-last-mile connections across the Arc is a strategic priority of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Industrial Strategy 2019 and recognised in CPIER: “improving the “last mile” – the ability to move around within the city of Cambridge – is of a higher immediate priority than [these] inter-city links, as their effectiveness will be severely blunted without this” CPIER p80. 1 Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Industrial Strategy 2019 p 41

A broad range of employment opportunities accessible by active modes of transport (including public transport) needs to be maintained in both urban and rural areas to ensure local jobs are available. Changes to Permitted Development Rights in recent years and the values associated with residential development has resulted in many employment spaces being lost to other uses. A range of employment sites is required to ensure the new Local Plan meets economic needs of the area.

Whilst the focus of Cambridge is the Science and Technology sector as the driving force of the economy, there is a requirement for a range of job opportunities, in urban and more rural areas. The Local Plan policy framework needs to provide for a full range of opportunities; as planned allocations and windfall employment opportunities.