Question 13. How do you think we should improve the green space network?

• Parks should be linked up with safe and convenient walking and cycling routes to each other and to all the residential neighbourhoods surrounding them. • Giving people access to green spaces will increase their connection with nature and desire to protect it as well as improving health and wellbeing. Cycling access to these areas is one way to improve public access to the natural environment.

Green Space should be allocated locally in Neighbourhood Plans.

• Parks should be linked up with safe and convenient walking and cycling routes to each other and to all the residential neighbourhoods surrounding them. • Giving people access to green spaces will increase their connection with nature and desire to protect it as well as improving health and wellbeing. Cycling access to these areas is one way to improve public access to the natural environment. • Reducing the amount of road and parking space needed for cars will provide more space for greenery and green corridors in our region.

As above, making sure that green spaces we currently have are kept and improved as necessary.

The local plan should maintain protection of all the special parts of Cambridge (e.g. Gog Magogs, Grantchester Meadows, the River corridor generally). New developments should include significant green areas. The plan should prohibit allowing minimum open space requirements on new developments to be bought out with cash contributions – there needs to be a mechanism to create more substantial open spaces even if land is only developed in small parcels none of which on their own would result in the creation of significant new open space.

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

Green corridors are vital for wildlife and human wellbeing - let's make them numerous and accessible.

• Parks should be linked up with safe and convenient walking and cycling routes to each other and to all the residential neighbourhoods surrounding them. • Giving people access to green spaces will increase their connection with nature and desire to protect it as well as improving health and wellbeing. Cycling access to these areas is one way to improve public access to the natural environment. • Reducing the amount of road and parking space needed for cars will provide more space for greenery and green corridors in our region.

By safeguarding appropriate sites without over emphasising the importance of other land.

Increasing knowledge so that communities can make intelligent decisions, allowing creativity, letting communities take ownership and supporting them. Organising experts to talk in communities mean engaged people can be more proactive. Community gardens on verges is an interesting idea as a way of getting people to engage and connect to how the food they eat is grown.

No comment.

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. Public open space is proposed as part of the proposed redevelopment of 104-112 Hills Road. Public realm improvements can contribute to the city’s green space network and contribute towards improving air quality.

This should come through from an up to date base assessment of Greater Cambridge, 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 to be used to improve the wider green space network. 6.14 Land to the west of Cambridge Road, Melbourn presents an opportunity to improve the green space network 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. The route could come forward as part of either a Phase 1 only or Phase 1 and 2 scenarios. 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 proposals therefore seek to deliver new green space, which is easily accessible for new and existing residents, thereby enhancing public access to green space, which has health and well-being benefits.

5.13 This should come through from an up to date base assessment of Greater Cambridge, 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 to be used to improve the wider green space network. 5.14 Land at Fishers Lane, Orwell presents an opportunity to improve the green space network through the delivery of on-site green infrastructure. As part of the proposals, a substantial amount of on-site open space would be included. The open space would include various typologies, such as woodland, grassland, formal play space and allotments and could be configured to provide an extension to the existing Local Green Space adjacent to the site’s eastern boundary. 5.15 The on-site open space 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 proposals therefore seek to deliver new green space, which is easily accessible for new and existing residents, thereby enhancing public access to green space, which has health and well-being benefits.

5.12 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. 5.13 Land south of Hattons Road, Longstanton presents an opportunity to improve the green space network through the delivery of on-site green infrastructure. The open space is located within the eastern half of the site, adjacent to the open space allocation to the north, and the existing village to the east and would create a continuation of a meaningful green spine through Longstanton. This open space would be multifunctional, providing a key recreational asset for the village whilst also creating opportunities for biodiversity net gains. The proposals therefore seek to deliver new green space, which is easily accessible for new and existing residents, thereby enhancing public access to green space, which has health and well-being benefits.

There is increasing evidence of a positive relationship between a person’s access and connection to nature and their health and wellbeing. As above, we believe that future green space provision should aim to be multipurpose – providing recreational opportunities for local communities in a way which also benefits wildlife and, where appropriate, delivers additional environmental benefits such as flood storage potential (for example, St Aidans RSPB reserve near Leeds and our Old Moor reserve near Barnsley). The major development planned for the Greater Cambridge area, and the infrastructure and aggregates needed to support it, provide both the need and the opportunity for equally ambitious green space delivery. Meeting the ‘doubling nature’ target for the Greater Cambridge area will require several thousands of hectares of new wildlife-rich green space. We support the work the Wildlife Trust and Cambridge Past, Present and Future are leading to identify appropriate green space within 10km of Cambridge. There are also major opportunities available out-with that 10km boundary along existing and planned public transport routes into Cambridge. For example we are exploring the scope to improve visitor access to Fen Drayton Lakes and Ouse Fen, which sit on the busway with rapid access to Cambridge and Northstowe and are developing into nationally-important wildlife sites. There are also considerable opportunities in the southern Fens, near the Greater Cambridge boundary. The Local Nature Partnership has identified the Ouse Valley and Fens, both within and adjacent to the Greater Cambridge area, as priority habitat creation areas for the county. These have also been identified at an ‘Oxford-Cambridge Arc’ level as priority areas for nature investment in Cambridgeshire. Together with the Local Nature Partnership we are exploring options for developing this initial agreement into a concrete plan and would welcome the chance to discuss this work with the Greater Cambridge councils.

5.14 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.

5.11 This should come through from an up to date base assessment of Greater Cambridge, 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.

The Issues and Options Document acknowledges that the Cambridge green space network needs to continue to be attractive, accessible and well-designed as well as be protected. The River Cam and Tow Path provide a fundamental green network for a range of users and stakeholders. It is important that the Cam Conservators are involved with the aims and strategic objectives to maintain and improve the green space network within their responsibility.

4.14 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.

3.15 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.

5.12 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. For example, landowners of existing Page 12 green spaces could be surveyed to assess their current usage and whether they are publicly accessible. It may be apparent that some green spaces are defunct and/or not publicly accessible, which would then encourage a strategy to identify new green spaces that can be accessed by the public. Development proposals could then be shaped around any identified priorities. 5.13 As part of a policy framework, it would also be logical to enable a level of flexibility with regard to the provision of green spaces. In some circumstances it may not be possible to deliver a sufficient amount of green space as part of a development. Policies should therefore allow for offsite mitigation and off-site net gain enhancements which can be used to improve the wider green space network.

5.11 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.

Trinity College Cambridge are proposing a substantial area of land within the expansion to the existing Science Park be dedicated as part of the wider green space network. This area of land which is currently inaccessible to the public provides an opportunity to introduce a safe, accessible and inclusive location for community sporting and leisure facilities and accessible green space. Planning Practice Guidance12 provides advice on the role of the Green Belt in the planning system. The guidance suggests that ‘ where it has been demonstrated that it is necessary to release Green Belt land for development, strategic policy - making authorities should set out policies for compensatory improvements to the environmental quality and accessibility of the remaining Green Belt land. These may be informed by supporting evidence of landscape, biodiversity or recreational needs and opportunities . Cambridge Science Park North is being developed as a location that can provide compensatory improvements to a substantial (circa 90 hectares) area of land, which will remain within the Green Belt, but will replace currently low ecological value agricultural land with: • A network of new green infrastructure; with links to Milton Country Park, Histon & Impington, and Arbury and Kings Hedges. • Woodland planting of sufficient scale to provide meaningful woodland carbon capture. • Landscape and visual enhancements taking existing agricultural land and creating a valuable green asset for neighbouring communities and employees. • Improvements to biodiversity, habitat connectivity and the introduction of natural capital to an area of low ecological value agricultural land. • New and enhanced walking and cycle routes, linking into the planned improvements to Mere Way; and • Improved access to new recreational and playing field provision. These proposed uses are all entirely compatible with both the purposes of the Green Belt and uses which are deemed as appropriate within the Green Belt. As a general point, TCC wish to enhance the public realm and green spaces within the existing Cambridge Science Park so that they better provide for sustainable travel choices, more pleasant areas, promote outdoor working and enhance the quality of place. 12 Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government, published 22 July 2019 Paragraph: 002 Reference ID: 64-002-20190722 In addition, more should be done to green the public transport corridors linking housing and employment areas to Cambridge City Centre. This should be combined with opportunities to provide and enhance green links to existing communities, for Cambridge Science Park North this should include green links through to Arbury and Kings Hedges to the south.

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.

2.19 Connectivity is a key consideration allowing greater movement within communities and enhancing the scope to support and create wildlife corridors. 2.20 As part of the development for proposals for the land off Craft Way, Steeple Morden there is the scope to provide additional public open space, and improve the connectivity of the existing footpath/biodiversity corridors within the village. Furthermore, the provision on site would enable scope for greater integration of community groups. 2.21 Currently the site is in private ownership and is not accessible to the wider public, under the development proposals greater public access would be permitted to natural habitats such as the woodland areas. 2.22 The provision of enhance open space, properly designed and managed would permit a greater level of biodiversity than the current dominating feature of vacant greenfield. Therefore, as a direct result of permitting this development in Steeple Morden there would be an inherent enhancement in the provision of publicly accessible green spaces.

4.16 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. 4.17 Development proposals that can enhance the quantum and connectivity of green and public spaces should be supported.

2.20 Allocation of the site at Comberton allows for both the creation and connection of green spaces. The site is currently within arable production with the habitat provided by trees and hedgerows entirely restricted to the site boundaries. These boundary treatments and their associated biodiversity value will be enhanced through the creation of new blue/green corridors and open spaces within the site, should it be allocated. 2.21 The Illustrative Concept Plan demonstrates how the proposed development will include green corridors running around and through the site which then link to the existing areas of public open space to the south east, which have the potential for enhancement as a result of the site’s development. 2.22 An area of formalised open green space the ‘Central Green Heart’ will create a communal space which will allow people to socialise, relax and exercise. This is a key aspiration of the proposals and will be central to both the later living and community uses as well as the residential development of the site. 2.23 This will ensure that the development will encourage social integration of people and increase the opportunity for active and creative recreation and play for children and teenagers; 2.24 The development will also include allotments to meet the demands of the development. Green spaces within the development will also be multifunctional as set out within the consultation document. We have set out above how enhanced boundary screening will also see a biodiversity gain but these can also include trails for public access, natural green play and with the potential for inclusion of a community orchard. 2.25 The proposals for later living will also include a high standard of soft landscaping through the development. 2.26 It is important to note that the residential- led development of sites such as these is critical to the delivery of enhancements to the green-space network on land that would otherwise remain in intensive arable production with limited biodiversity value and no public access.

3.13 It is important that robust planning policies are implemented to allow opening up and improvement to the existing green space network and to promote landscape and biodiversity corridors. 3.14 As identified on the opportunities and constraints plan, prepared by Barton Wilmore as part of the Call for Sites, land adjacent to Balsham Road provides the opportunity to provide for a connected green space network throughout the proposed site. It will give existing residents in the village additional access to green space and new public open space, that is currently inaccessible. 3.15 Countryside Properties are committed to substantial tree planting, which will assist with enhancing the green space network on the site.

5.13 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.