Draft Bourn Airfield Supplementary Planning Document - June 2019

Support

Representation ID: 168158

Received: 30/07/2019

Respondent: Natural England

2.5 LANDSCAPE, ECOLOGY AND WATER

We welcome amendments in section 2.5 of the SPD to address our previous advice. This includes acknowledgement of the presence of a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) within 5 km of the site boundary and a requirement to consider impacts to designated sites beyond the site boundary.

Support

Representation ID: 168159

Received: 30/07/2019

Respondent: Natural England

4.2 SPATIAL FRAMEWORK PLAN

As previously indicate, we welcome that the Spatial Framework Plan proposes a network of multifunctional green and blue spaces, with Strategic Landscape Areas including possible country park to the south, to improve local links and delivery of biodiversity and hydrological benefits. We are also supportive of requirements for cycle and footpath links to Cambourne, Highfields, Caldecote and Bourn.

Support

Representation ID: 168160

Received: 30/07/2019

Respondent: Natural England

3E OPEN SPACES AND LANDSCAPE CHARACTER

Fully support open spaces and landscape character requirements in section 3E including multifunctional open space. Support integration of new village with its landscape, incorporating and enhancing existing features and network of landscaped green, natural and multifunctional open spaces within and surrounding development.

Particularly support requirement for strategic landscaping including a county park incorporating naturalistic landscape features and habitats and recreational paths, informal play space and facilities, SuDS.

Requirements for a network of green corridors and other open spaces within easy walking distance of all residents is fully endorsed.

Quantum and quality of open space is key to delivering numerous environmental services including flood management, climate change, landscape enhancement, recreation and health benefits and net biodiversity gain. To achieve these benefits and avoid impacts to designated sites we advocate provision of SANGS. Identification of a management body and funding mechanism for long term maintenance will be critical. Quantum of informal open space is not clearly stated. SANGS requires in order of 78ha. SPD suggests this level is achievable - further detail would confirm this.

Greenspace provision to meet this will ensure no adverse impact on nearby designated sites (Hardwick Wood SSSI, Overhall Grove SSSI and Eversden and Wimpole Woods SAC). Already under considerable pressure from visitors. High quality greenspace provision will help achieve net biodiversity gain in accordance with NPPF para 170 and DEFRA 25 Year Environment Plan.

Support

Representation ID: 168161

Received: 30/07/2019

Respondent: Natural England

6.5 DEVELOPMENT PHASING AND INFRASTRUCTURE DELIVERY

Early implementation of accessible open space will also be important to ensure its immediate availability to new residents to avoid pressure on nearby sensitive designated sites. We welcome that phasing requirements detailed on section 6.5 seeks to ensure this.

Support

Representation ID: 168162

Received: 30/07/2019

Respondent: Natural England

5A BIODIVERISTY AND HABITATS

As previously indicated, we support the detail provided in Section 5A Biodiversity which seeks to ensure the protection and enhancement of the natural environment through requirement of a programme of ecological survey and monitoring, restoration of key habitat and corridors and creation of new habitat. We welcome implementation of our suggested amendments to ensure mitigation of impacts to the most ecologically sensitive environments within and beyond the site boundary.

Support

Representation ID: 168163

Received: 30/07/2019

Respondent: Natural England

FIX I PROTECTED BIODIVERSITY AREAS AND CORRIDORS/5C INTEGRATING SUSTAINABLE DRAINAGE/4B ACCESS TO NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS

We note and welcome requirements relating to protected biodiversity areas and corridors (Page 69), delivering multi-functional SUDS (section 5C) and larger open spaces with naturalistic environments within 400m of everyone's home.