Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

4.10 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 the recognises climate change as a key part of sustainable development across social, environmental and economic objectives. 4.11 The densification and redevelopment of brownfield sites such as the Travis Perkins site offer opportunities to maximise energy efficiency measures on site and achieving low carbon development, thereby helping to achieve the Council’s climate change targets.

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4.12 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.

4.13 The Local Plan should form a flexible policy framework, so as not to stifle the benefits of new technology or modern methods of construction. 4.14 As set out above, the redevelopment of the Travis Perkins site can contribute towards adapting to climate change and achieving net zero carbon by providing more energy efficient buildings on site. The opportunities for achieving the Council’s climate change targets are more achievable through the allocation of higher density development in central locations such as the Travis Perkins site as investment can be made into achieving high standards of sustainability on site.

4.15 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. 4.16 The Travis Perkins site could deliver a net increase in biodiversity and natural capital by providing high quality public realm on site, with new, open, green spaces, additional trees, roof gardens and other features such as green roofs.

4.17 This should come through from an up to date base assessment of Greater Cambridge assets, which leads to a Local Plan wide (and beyond) strategy. Development proposals can then be shaped around the identified priorities as part of a policy framework that allows for off-site mitigation and off-site net gain enhancements can be used to improve the wider green space network. 4.18 Public open space is proposed as part of the proposed redevelopment of the Travis Perkins site. Public realm improvements including tree lined avenues and small pocket parks can contribute to the city’s green space network and contribute towards improving air quality.

4.19 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. Strategic off site opportunities offer the opportunity to significantly increase biodiversity other than providing site specific biodiversity improvements.

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4.20 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. 4.21 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.

4.22 The Local plan should include a spatial strategy that connects homes with jobs; good quality public transport; facilities/services and high-quality open spaces. Policies should also highlight wellbeing and social inclusion as a key priority for new developments. 4.23 The redevelopment of the Travis Perkins site with a high density mixed use development can help achieve ‘good growth’ that promotes wellbeing (including health) through the following inclusive and anti-poverty measures: ● Energy efficient homes and that delivers low energy and water bills; ● Promotion of commercial development and job creation that offers the Living Wage and opportunities for those on lower incomes to increase wages to easily access jobs; ● A wide range of social infrastructure and open space in new developments that provide pathways to free (i.e. no charge to the user) opportunities for improved health outcomes; and ● Promotion of rented accommodation that meets an identified need for housing that is proportionate to income.

4.24 The Local Plan could help enable communities to shape new development proposals through creating policies and procedures that encourage meaningful consultation and require developers to demonstrate how schemes have been influenced by local communities. 4.25 Community engagement should be sought during the design process, during construction and through opportunities to influence the scheme and /or be engaged in its management and maintenance after completion (where relevant), particularly in circumstances where unforeseen consequences emerge. First Base will ensure that the local residents, businesses and relevant stakeholders have the opportunity to input, influence and review proposals. A range of methods will be employed to ensure that there are multiple opportunities to get involved, including inperson meetings, digital via a website and social media and via an established community liaison group.

4.26 First and foremost, the Local Plan can achieve socially inclusive communities when planning new development by forming a spatial strategy that ensures that new development is accessible or can be made accessible. Providing everyone with the opportunity to walk, bus and cycle to jobs, schools, shops, services and social activities will be vital. 4.27 For the Travis Perkins site, social inclusion can also be delivered by building a safe, accessible and inclusibe public realm that encourages informal meetings, dwelling, natural surveillance and ‘bumping’ into people.