Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options

The policy seeks to identify the existing Green Infrastructure (GI) network and the strategic initiative intended to enhance it. It defines Green Infrastructure as the network of green spaces and routes, landscapes, biodiversity, water bodies and heritage which provide a range of benefits for people wildlife and the planet. It seeks to define 14 area-specific dispersed long term priority enhancements to the GI network – described as strategic initiatives that will include providing green space for people to enjoy. Strategic initiative 7 defines the West Cambridge green infrastructure buffer – Coton Corridor. This area is shown in figure 54 of the Great Cambridge Local Plan First Proposals, within which is a substantial Ministry of Defence Land holding which includes Barton Road Rifle Range. Barton Road Rifle range is a core defence facility, being only 1 of 3 ranges in the country where long distance practice firing can take place. It is extensively used for both sniper training and pre-deployment training. The MOD holdings extend outside of the operational range area and are held for operational defence purposes.

The NPPF at paragraph 92 explains that planning policies should aim to achieve healthy, inclusive and safe places which include the provision of safe and accessible (my emphasis) green infrastructure. The NPPF defines GI as a network of multi-functional green and blue spaces. The rifle range by its very nature is not a multi-functional green space and holds a very specific single purpose for the essential training of military personnel. The nature of military activities means the land is enclosed and public access is not permitted. Accordingly, the range is neither safe nor accessible to fall within the definition or functional purpose of GI.

It is important to recognise that the landholdings are required for the purpose of national defence and the planning process serves to protect such national infrastructure (as per paragraph 97 of the National Planning Policy Framework). The MOD’s land holding would not provide public recreation or multi-functional use to be considered GI. In addition, the proposed boundary to this designation does not follow easily identifiable and physical features on the ground for the boundaries of GI to be permanent and to endure throughout and beyond the plan period. For assistance a copy of the MOD ownership boundary has been included.

In accordance with paragraph 97 of the NPPF planning policies should promote public safety and defence requirements. It is fundamental that policies within the new local plan do not affect adversely the operation of this key training facility. Designating the site as GI would introduce constraints and potential incompatible uses that could place unreasonable restrictions on how the MOD currently and in the future use the land. We would strongly recommend that the proposed boundary is amended to avoid any of the MOD ownership and that any GI boundary ensures GI compatible uses are sufficiently located so as not to constrain defence operations now or in the future.

The MOD has significant land interests within the area known as Bassingbourn Barracks.

National Planning Policy Framework
The Council will be aware of the requirements of paragraphs 97 and 187 of the National Planning Policy (NPPF) as quoted below:

“97. Planning policies and decisions should promote public safety and take into account wider security and defence requirements by:

b) recognising and supporting development required for operational defence and security purposes, and ensuring that operational sites are not affected adversely by the impact of other development proposed in the area.

187. Planning policies and decisions should ensure…Existing businesses and facilities should not have unreasonable restrictions placed on them as a result of development permitted after they were established.”

Operational land
Due to the presence of a significant operational defence site within the Borough, MOD is of the view that the new Local Plan should make greater reference to the site. It is noted that there is no mention of the site within the First Proposals. The MOD has an enduring requirement for the operational defence outputs delivered at Bassingbourn Barracks.

In line with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) it is important that planning authorities and development plans recognise that MOD Establishments are of strategic military importance to the UK.

It is important that Bassingbourn Barrack is considered within the Greater Cambridge Local Plan for two principal reasons, firstly, ongoing operational defence needs and secondly, to protect operational defence land from being affected adversely from third party development proposed in the area. To ensure that the site delivers on its defence output there will be times when further developments are required at the site. It is important for national defence that the local plan is able to support the principle of such developments. In addition the MOD is committed to reducing its carbon footprint and will be looking to implement measures on site to achieve this.

It is essential for operational reasons that current and any future defence related activities can be undertaken at the site without any additional restrictions or controls. For example third party developments within the vicinity of the site have the potential to restrict operations of certain facilities and potentially requiring the implementation of additional engineered safeguards that together could constrain the ability to manage any future change and restricting the potential of future development requirements – all to the cost of the public purse and to the detriment of national defence preparedness. In such circumstances this operational defence site could be affected adversely by the impact of development proposed in the area, contrary to paragraphs 97 and 187 of the NPPF.

Accordingly, the Council may consider it prudent within the new local plan to include a specific planning policy for Bassingbourn Barracks that provides and protects both on-going and future operational defence needs for the site and serves to ensure that any neighbouring development does not adversely impact upon these operations or, in turn, would be affected by the established use. For example, the policy could include that proposals associated with defence and military operations at this existing site will be supported where they would enhance or sustain operational capabilities. Any policy should also ensure that for proposed non-military or non-defence related development within or in the areas of a defence or military site will not be supported where it would adversely affect military operations or capability.