Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

No comment.

No comment.

The effect of the Environment Bill, which was introduced to Parliament in January 2020, is such that Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) will become mandatory on new developments in England. BNG is a tool used to measure net gain allowing existing and future ecological value on a development site to be calculated. As matters stand there are numerous metrics in circulation, each producing varied outputs that can have significant implications for development layouts and masterplanning. In order to achieve BNG it is important that a consistent approach to the BNG calculation is adopted to ensure that developments can be planned comprehensively from an early stage. In the absence of a national standardised metric the Councils should consult on the metric to be used to ensure that it is appropriate to the local context and characteristics. Development that achieves BNG on-site, through the delivery of comprehensive green infrastructure proposals, should be encouraged and the significant benefit of delivering BNG on-site should be recognised in decision taking. However, on-site delivery is not the only way in which BNG can be implemented. Recognised alternative solutions include off-setting (via the delivery of BNG off site) and financial payments (secured via planning obligations) towards biodiversity units. There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution to BNG and the Local Plan should recognise that this is the case.

Nothing chosen

As a component part of the battle against climate change through support for carbon capture M&M support the principle of increasing the level of tree cover within the plan area where this is feasible and appropriate. Where proposals are able to deliver significant new planting that supports BNG and carbon capture this should be considered positively as a material factor in determining applications.

Strong, vibrant and healthy communities form an important component of the social objective of sustainable development. The NPPF, paragraph 91, encourages planning policies that aim to achieve healthy, inclusive and safe places which promote social interaction; are safe and accessible; and enable and support healthy lifestyles. In order to achieve healthy lifestyles, the Local Plan should actively seek opportunities that can facilitate the provision of safe and accessible green infrastructure, sports facilities, local shops, access to healthier food, allotments, and layouts that encourage walking and cycling. The Local Plan should positively seek opportunities that support the provision and use of shared spaces, community facilities and other local services to enhance the sustainability of communities and residential environments. Well-designed new development can contribute positively to health and wellbeing, and to the environment via biodiversity improvements. Delivering this objective is not, however, just about access to public open space, but is also about improving social and economic conditions to meet the needs of a diverse population; recognising the individual needs of different ages and abilities. Green infrastructure strategies forming part of new developments not only create an attractive place for people to live and work, but also provide significant benefits in terms of encouraging physical activity. All these factors positively impact the health of the communities that live within them. Development that facilitates healthy lifestyles, via the provision of green infrastructure and other infrastructure that promotes active travel, should be encouraged. Crow’s Nest Farm is a prime example of a site that can deliver significant benefits in terms of health and wellbeing through the delivery of significant on-site green infrastructure, opportunities for sports and play, opportunities for food growing; provision of community facilities and delivery of shared spaces. Crucially, development on the Site also offers a significant opportunity to deliver much improved cycle and pedestrian connectivity between Papworth Everard and Cambourne via a new segregated, safe, off road cycle and pedestrian route. The Site therefore offers the potential to not only provide a healthy place for people to live but also provides the opportunity to significantly improve the health and wellbeing of existing residents living in Papworth Everard.

No comment.

Please refer to M&M’s response to question 16.

Please refer to M&M’s response to question 16.

No comment.

No comment.