Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

7.1 This can principally be achieved through locating new development in locations which have good access to sustainable modes of transport. New development should be located to take advantage of existing or planned transport infrastructure and should be designed in a manner which encourages the take up of active modes of travel. 7.2 Our proposal is for the extension of an existing employment site. It is well located close to existing settlements and can play a role in providing local employment. Its location means that there are options for sustainable travel. These include enhanced accessibility for pedestrian and cyclists with the proposed cycle route along Mere Way connecting to Cambridge and improvements to local bus services. Chivers Farms Ltd own the land around the site and there are opportunities to improve accessibility from Milton Road. Milton Road itself has an existing footpath and cycle way.

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8.1 The presumption in favour of sustainable development is recognised, however there should be a degree of flexibility in policy in terms of allowing appropriate development outside of the settlement boundaries of villages, in particular, if development meets a particular local business or community need as set out within paragraph 84 of the NPPF. Sustainable development in rural areas is also supported under paragraph 78 of the NPPF, which requires planning policies to identify opportunities for villages to grow and thrive, especially where this will support local services. A degree of flexibility is even more pertinent to the largest, most sustainable villages in the District, such as Rural and Minor Rural Centres, which provide the facilities and services to encourage more sustainable behaviours.

5.9 Greater Cambridge is a leading local authority on climate change policy, such as through the early declaration of a climate change emergency and also through the newly adopted Sustainable Development SPD. This leadership should continue, as it is central to the sustainable development of Cambridge, leading to better development for humans, the environment, and for economic development. It should be borne in mind that Cambridge's knowledge economy increasingly demands high sustainability standards: sustainability, health and wellbeing, with climate change at the heart, is a key part of continuing Cambridge's economic development. This should remain a priority as part of a policy framework that recognises climate change as a key part of sustainable development across social, environmental and economic objectives.

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5.10 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 but an offset solution, such as a green bond or offset fund, could be used 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.

5.11 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. An off-site net gain solution should be clearly allowed for by policy. While it is a Local Plan priority as a part of one of the four big themes, the Local Plan policy must allow for a planning judgement and balanced decision to allow for site and development specific issues to be taken into account. 5.12 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.

5.13 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. 5.14 The proposed masterplan for Grange Farm demonstrates the opportunities for biodiversity net gain and how this can be achieved onsite. The development proposal can provide new green infrastructure as well as improving existing planting and landscaping that would provide a clear biodiversity net gain

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5.15 Yes. With the right trees, in the right areas. A policy framework to seek tree cover increase, but allows for a planning balance within decision-making to enable the benefits and impacts of each development to be assessed. 5.16 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. Ecological outcomes rather than an unconditional focus on native species should be considered in new planting. 5.17 The proposals for Grange Farm would seek to retain existing vegetation whilst also delivering substantial new tree planting to both provide landscaping and ecological benefit.

5.18 The Local Plan should deliver a spatial strategy that creates connections between homes and jobs. The proposal would provide new employment opportunities which would contribute to achieving ‘good growth’. The site 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.

5.19 Principally 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; ● Better cycle lanes, parking and cycle security – achieved by developments directly and through a coordinated s106 infrastructure programme; ● Tree planting along road frontages: species selected for their pollution absorbing properties.

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6.1 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 a factored at the heart of the Plan. Employment site 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.