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Ridgeons, Cromwell Road: Supplementary Planning Document

Representation ID: 30882

Received: 25/02/2016

Respondent: Natural England

Representation Summary:

Natural England supports the proposal to create a sustainable development on this site in line with the requirements of the Cambridge Sustainable Design and Construction SPD. Measures to enhance biodiversity, design for climate change and address water use and pollution are welcomed. We particularly support initiatives such as tree and landscaping schemes, incorporation of habitats for birds, bats and insects including green and brown roofs. We advise that planting schemes should include native species of local provenance wherever possible to maximise biodiversity gain.

Full text:

Thank you for consulting Natural England on the above in your letter of 15 January 2015.
Natural England is a non-departmental public body. Our statutory purpose is to ensure that the natural environment is conserved, enhanced, and managed for the benefit of present and future generations, thereby contributing to sustainable development.
You will be aware that we have already confirmed that we agree with the conclusions of the Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) screening report that the draft Ridgeons Site SPD is unlikely alone, and in-combination, to have any significant effect on the conservation objectives of Natura 2000 and Ramsar sites.
Natural England supports the proposal to create a sustainable development on this site in line with the requirements of the Cambridge Sustainable Design and Construction SPD. Measures to enhance biodiversity, design for climate change and address water use and pollution are welcomed. We particularly support initiatives such as tree and landscaping schemes, incorporation of habitats for birds, bats and insects including green and brown roofs. We advise that planting schemes should include native species of local provenance wherever possible to maximise biodiversity gain.
We welcome proposals to include significant areas of multi-functional green infrastructure, incorporating informal open space and sustainable drainage (SuDS).
Natural England agrees that the Ridgeons site offers an excellent opportunity to open-up a currently closed site and make connections with the wider existing street network and future Chisholm Cycle Trail though provision of pedestrian and cycle access routes. Opportunities to enhance connectivity with areas of off-site open space and green corridors should be maximised as far as possible.