Question 12. How should the Local Plan help us improve the natural environment?

There are few designations for water bodies other than the Water Framework Directive. We suggest that if Cambridge values its rivers, it should consider local designations to supplement the protection and enhancement of water features. We support the doubling of nature and would like to see the focus on the doubling being around water, rivers and associated biodiversity. This will also bring a strong element of sense of place with the inherent links Cambs has to water, the fens and its wildlife.

Do not build any more major roads. Reclaim road space to expand cycling infrastructure and green spaces and corridors.

The HCT welcomes the ‘doubling nature’ vision proposed. It also welcomes the strategic approach needed towards restoration and enhancement of green infrastructure. As a green space, Hobson’s Brook would benefit from these proposed policies. The HCT also welcomes the acknowledgement that national planning policy requires the protection and enhancement of valued wildlife habitats and sites of biodiversity importance, which include Nine Wells and Hobson’s Brook. Nine Wells and Hobson’s Brook, together with its immediate setting (banks, flanking trees, paths) are important sites for biodiversity. In the case of Nine Wells this is already recognised through its designation as a Local Nature Reserve and Local Geological Site. Although Hobson’s Brook does not have any designation in recognition of its biodiversity it nonetheless has great biodiversity value within Greater Cambridge, as demonstrated by the number and range of species found during regular bioblitz days held along the whole length of the brook. In answer to the questions set out on this issue the HCT would like to make the following suggestions: What do we have to do? We suggest that the Local Plan include a policy for the protection of sites of biodiversity value. Nine Wells and Hobson’s Brook, in its entire length, should be included in a list of protected sites. The policy should include measures such as maintaining water flow and quality, which are important to the value of Nine Wells and Hobson’s Brook. What are we already doing? The 2018 Cambridge Local Plan has policies for the protection of open space (Policy 67) and the protection of sites of biodiversity and geodiversity important (Policy 69). The 2018 South Cambridgeshire Local Plan has policies for protecting and enhancing landscape character (Policy NH/2), for protecting biodiversity (Policy NH/4), for protecting sites of biodiversity or geological importance (Policy NH/5), for protecting green infrastructure (Policy NH/6) and for protecting local green space (Policy NH/12). Nine Wells and Hobson’s Brook (within South Cambridgeshire) lie within the Strategic Green Infrastructure Network. Cambridge City Council, in conjunction with the HCT, produced a document, ‘Hobson’s Brook Corridor 10 Year Vision’ in 2018. This detailed the current state of the brook and gave management proposals to protect and enhance it. The City Council has formally adopted the 10 Year Vision (https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/media/4482/draft-hobsons-brook-corridor-10year-vision.pdf). What are the key issues? The HCT’s view is that the key issues are the protection and enhancement of the area’s green spaces and biodiversity, to be achieved through strongly worded policies. This is an urgent issue given the vast amount of new development taking place and proposed.

Protecting what's important, accommodating wildlife (bat boxes swift nests etc.)

There are areas of semi derelict farm / orchard lands which should be formally designated as protected. By this means some truly wild areas will be preserved rather than land banked and we avoid the risk of relying on new ‘managed’ wildlife areas.

There are many national policies and agencies which promote the goal of improving the natural environment, the crux is the lack of prioritization and integration across agencies of projects and programmes and crucially the amount and long term funding for initial implementation of projects and for aftercare. The adoption of the term green infrastructure was an attempt to place the natural environment alongside other infrastructure demands with limited success. It is therefore encouraging for the Local Plan that one of the four themes is Biodivesity and Green Spaces which can help strengthen natural environment policies as the Local Plan progressess . I would support a more strategic approach fo the improvement of the natural environment and grater support an funding for Local Nature Partnership. I would support their call for the doubling of biodiversity from 8% to 16% and for Local Plan policies that can be monitored for the amount, type and quality of new green spaces.

Lakes and canals could encourage a significant increase in our fen-edge landscape and environment.

There needs to be engagement with local communities (parish councils in SCDC) from the pre-application stage. Only in this way can communities have a real input into design and density. At present, communities are only consulted after an application has been submitted, by which point substantial agreement has already been reached between planning officers and developers and only minor modifications are accepted. Planners should respect differences between urban and village sites and not impose urban densities and layouts which are out of character with existing developments and contrary to adopted policies. (eg S/3729/18/FL, Babraham). Engagement with communities needs to start at the pre-application stage.

Stop over abstraction of water from the Eastern Chalk aquifer for our domestic supplies (and agriculture) as it it damaging the chalk streams and the river Cam. Put in place measures to protect the chalk streams and find ways of both reducing our water usage (eg new housing developments to use “grey water” for flushing toilets etc) and requiring water companies to dramatically reduce leakage and invest in new reservoirs, natural water catchment and flood prevention. Suspend all developments on the Eastern Chalk Aquifer until a solution to over abstraction has been found. See https://camvalleyforum.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/The-River-Cam-Manifesto-final2.pdf for more details.

Protect and improve natural areas such as river cam. Plant trees on local authority land , encourage use, care and love of nature by improving access (non car) and educating people of the benefits, subsidies for low incomes to make accessible. Work with school to teach kids the importance of nature. Reduce speed limits in certain areas and encourage biking/walking.

By making sure that wildlife habitats are protected and that green belt is not eaten into for development.

More trees, parks, a commitment to a percentage net increase in biodiversity, rewilding, animalhabitat enhancement (e.g. requiring every new or replacement fence to have holes big enough for small-mammal passage) should be required in every single planning application, from the biggest development down to the smallest domestic extension. Front- and rear-garden green spaces should be protected from paving and car parking; the Green Belt should be retained, and landowners encouraged to rewild and manage the habitat for maximum biodiversity and species health

Through delivering high quality developments with appropriate contributions to biodiversity.

Make it a key part of every new development. Provide more knowledge, in libraries on your website about what homeowners can do. E.g. if you need a car parking space on your garden is there a more green way of doing that? How do you rewild effectively? What plants are good pollinators or good for native species? Why are green corridors important? What green corridors have we already got and could we develop more?

No comment.

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 considered. 4.20 104-112 Hills Road will improve the natural environment by providing high quality public open space on site and biodiversity features such as green roofs, green street scape and amenity areas for the people of Cambridge.

6.11 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. 6.12 Land to the west of Cambridge Road, Melbourn presents an opportunity to help improve the natural environment and to also protect existing ecological features within the surrounding area through the delivery of on-site green infrastructure. As part of the proposals, a walking route which is easily accessible to current and future residents and employees of the village will be delivered in the Phase 2 land, as shown in the accompanying Recreation Strategy Plan. The route could come forward as part of either a Phase 1 only or Phase 1 and 2 scenario. The walking route will create a new recreation asset for the village and provide a walking opportunity for those that may have otherwise considered the need to travel to SSSIs for that activity, therefore protecting nearby SSSI’s from increased recreational pressure. The walking route will also incorporate habitat creation, in the form of field margins, meadow grassland and woodland copses which will provide important habitats for a range of wildlife and plant species. The site therefore contributes to supporting biodiversity, increasing opportunities for recreation, mitigating and adapting to climate change and enhancing landscape character.

5.10 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. 5.11 Land at Fishers Lane, Orwell presents an opportunity to help improve the natural environment through the provision of on-site green infrastructure. As part of the proposals, a substantial amount of open space will be provided on-site, providing a new recreation asset for the village but also incorporating ecological enhancements. The proposal would include multi-functional public open spaces which are connected by green corridors to enhance and build upon the landscape features. This will contribute to providing increased habitat for a range of wildlife and plant species. 5.12 The open space could be configured in a manner to provide an extension of the Local Green Space which lies adjacent to the site's eastern boundary. As a new recreation asset, the site could also alleviate recreation pressures on the nearby SSSI. The site therefore contributes to supporting biodiversity, increasing opportunities for recreation, mitigating and adapting to climate change and enhancing landscape character.

5.10 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. 5.11 Land south of Hattons Road, Longstanton presents an opportunity to help improve the natural environment through the provision of on-site green infrastructure. As part of the proposals, a substantial amount of open space will be provided on-site, providing a new recreation asset for the village but also incorporating ecological enhancements. The proposal includes multifunctional public open space including parklands, woodlands and nature reserves which are connected by green corridors to enhance and build upon existing corridors in the surrounding landscape. This will contribute to providing important habitat for a range of wildlife and plant species. The site therefore contributes to supporting biodiversity, increasing opportunities for recreation, mitigating and adapting to climate change and enhancing landscape character.

The Local Plan should: • Provide policies for the unambiguous protection of designated nature conservation areas within the Greater Cambridge area, to include the Natura 2000, SSSI and County Wildlife Sites. • Through a supplementary green infrastructure plan document, identify existing nature sites for enhancement, potential areas for habitat creation, and habitat corridors that together will create a joined up ecological network (see below), with the target of achieving ‘doubling nature’ in Greater Cambridge, but also across the Combined authority area. This should provide the framework for delivering biodiversity net gain, which should be a requirement for all development implemented within the new plan period and is soon to be mandated by the new Westminster Environment Bill. • This green infrastructure plan should be developed in co-ordination with neighbouring authorities and key partners (in particular the minerals, flood and water management sectors along with eNGOs), allowing for strategic delivery of large-scale habitat creation, which may be outside the boundaries of the Greater Cambridge plan area. • Provide policies to ensure all new development provides room for nature through building design (for example use of swift bricks), Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems (including source control features), ponds, and wild-flower verges. Green spaces and parks should integrate public open space with habitats and be subject to nature-friendly management (for example mowing regimes to benefit wildflowers in meadow areas, limits on use of insecticides/herbicides/fungicides). Urbanisation can act to fragment landscapes by creating barriers between habitats, thus isolating wildlife populations. In 2010 a review of England’s wildlife sites concluded that our habitat areas are currently too small, and too isolated from one another, to allow wildlife to thrive. In order for nature to recover we need to develop and protect a connected, ecological network across England, covering both rural and urban areas. The creation of such a green network throughout Greater Cambridge and neighbouring authorities would enable wildlife to move around, and species populations to expand and grow, while also improving the health and wellbeing of local communities. By maintaining and restoring existing priority habitats and protected sites - including brownfield land of high environmental value - and connecting fragmented green and blue space, this network will benefit both people and wildlife. The RSPB recognises that redeveloping brownfield land can provide opportunities for sustainable development, reduce pressure on other undeveloped land, and offer chances to promote economic regeneration. However, some brownfield sites (Open Mosaic Habitat - OMH) are havens for wildlife and support some of the UK’s most scarce and threatened species. In many cases brownfield sites provide the last ‘wild space’ in urban areas for local communities, allowing them access to nature and consequently improving the communities’ health and well-being. There must therefore be a mechanism to ensure that the most important brownfield sites for biodiversity are identified and protected. The RSPB requests that all brownfield sites being considered for development be supported by an up to date ecological survey and assessment undertaken by a recognised expert (for example, a Chartered Member of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management). The plan authorities should investigate how existing green space/habitat can be made more accessible – for example the RSPB reserves at Fen Drayton and Ouse Fen, with connections to the guided busway and new settlement at Northstowe. The RSPB has worked with others to produce guidance on maximising the potential of Sustainable Drainage Systems for people and wildlife: http://ww2.rspb.org.uk/Images/SuDS_report_final_tcm9-338064.pdf

5.12 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. 5.13 The site provides an opportunity to help improve the natural environment and to also protect existing ecological features within the surrounding area. The proposals will incorporate and enhance the existing boundary planting which defines the site and provides screening of views, whilst creating an appropriate settlement edge. Further vegetation and tree planting are also proposed which will increase habitat opportunities within the site, connecting with existing linear boundary vegetation and trees.

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.

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. 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. 5.10 The site already benefits from existing ecological features, the proposal presents an opportunity to help improve the natural environment and to also protect existing ecological features on the boundaries of the site

The National Planning Policy Framework (2019) states in paragraph 170 that ‘planning policies and decisions should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment… taking into account relevant information such as river basin management plans.’ The emerging Greater Cambridge Local Plan should acknowledge the important role the River Cam plays in all three objectives of sustainability. It is noted that the River is referenced in particular as playing an important role ‘in linking semi-natural habitats, including ecologically designated sites in Cambridge such as Stourbridge Common, Sheep’s Green, and Coe Fen Local Nature Reserves.’ It is also noted that there has been a decrease in biodiversity in the area and the impact this has had on wildlife, particularly in relation to the River Cam. The River itself as well as land directly adjacent, including the Tow Path is used by a range of people including the following:  Ramblers/Walkers/Joggers;  Cycling;  Private Punts/Canoes;  Hire Canoes/Punts;  Live on Boarders;  Boats Resident and Visiting;  University/College Rowing;  City Club Rowing/ CRA;  Swimmers;  Fishing The vast range of users demonstrates that the River plays an important role and its natural environment should be conserved for future users. Within the NPPF the definition of ‘Open Space’ incudes ‘all open space of public value, including not just land, but also areas of water (such as rivers, canals, lakes and reservoirs) which offer important opportunities for sport and recreation and can act as a visual amenity.’ Therefore, the Cam Conservators strongly support the recognition that the natural environment must be a key theme through the emerging Greater Cambridge Local Plan. The proposed residential development at the site known as Fen Road, Cambridge will create revenue which will be directly reinvested into improvements to the River Cam and land within the jurisdiction of Cam Conservators and therefore improve the natural environment and benefit the wide range of river users. Furthermore, the provision of a new marina will provide the much needed slack water for larger native fish species like carp and eels.

4.12 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. 4.13 For reference as to how Land at Frog End could improve the natural environment, please refer to Section 2 of these representations, the Vision Document prepared by Bidwells, the Transport Appraisal prepared by Cannon Consulting Engineers, the Preliminary Ecological Appraisal prepared by Geosphere and the Arboricultural Survey prepared by Geosphere.

The Wilbraham River Protection Society was founded in 1997 to safeguard the Wilbraham River and its dependent flora and fauna for future generations. It seeks to work with the relevant statutory authorities, riparian landowners, environmental bodies and the Wildlife Trust to identify the main causes of decline of the river and its wildlife, and to take action with them to: a) plan a co-ordinated maintenance programme and b) restore the aquatic flora and fauna. For a long time the Society has been deeply concerned about low river flows and dry river beds during summer months, despite the Lodes/Granta water augmentation scheme in place to compensate for the increased levels of abstraction from the underlying chalk aquifer for public water supply. It is aware of the wider concern for the River Cam catchment area highlighted in the River Cam Manifesto published in 2019. The Wilbraham River, as a chalk stream, feeds into the Cam near Bottisham Lock, passing by Anglesey Abbey on the way. The recent drier weather has led to dry river beds in the winter months when it would be expected that the springs feeding the river would maintain an increased flow level throughout the river system. This has been particularly marked over the last two years despite the continued pumping through the augmentation scheme which is designed to maintain water levels in the Sites of Scientific Interest (SSSI) in Fulbourn and Wilbraham. Though the SSSI may be in part protected from the worst effects of the drier weather the combination of the dryness caused by the changing climate with high levels of abstraction could undermine the laudable objective to ‘Double Nature’ in the area. The Society therefore believes that serious consideration should be given to providing an alternative/additional source of public water supply and so allow the chalk aquifer to recharge and continue to supply water to the springs that feed the river system before proposing increased levels of population growth and economic activity. It is recognised that this might mean requesting the Environment Agency to review the relevant licences for water abstraction to seek reduced levels of abstraction from the aquifer underlying the river catchment area.

3.11 This new Local Plan must deliver effective policy which protects and enhances natural capital. To achieve this, the new Local Plan should be flexible enough to enable creative and cost-effective solutions for the delivery of net gain both on and off-site. 3.12 On-site provision and enhancement of green open spaces and habitats should be the first preference, when master planning balanced and healthy new developments. However, for some sites it is unlikely that on-site provision will be sufficient on its own, and thus, there needs to be a clear and robust mechanism for off-site contributions. 3.13 An off-site net gain solution should be allowed for by policy. The Councils’ should work collaboratively with other key stakeholders to develop a strategic offsetting mechanism to support this. This would allow for new green infrastructure and biodiversity habitats to be strategically planned. This has potential to provide a greater overall net gain, than the provision of small, uncoordinated and dis-connected new habitats across a range of new developments and locations. A strategic approach also provides greater opportunity for public benefit, increasing access to high quality open spaces and supporting improved wellbeing and healthier lifestyles. 3.14 In addition, the Local Plan should harness the scope that larger scale development can have in creating publicly accessible places and achieving a net gain in biodiversity.

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.

5.10 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. 5.11 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.

5.10 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.