Gamlingay Neighbourhood Plan Submission version

Object

Representation ID: 56612

Received: 23/11/2021

Respondent: South Cambridgeshire District Council

GAM11 Landscape and natural environment

The policy has evolved since the pre-submission draft. There is no explanation in the supporting text as to what is meant by the term ‘biodiversity metric tool’ which is referred to in the first sentence. The examples of biodiversity projects should be included in the supporting text rather than in the policy. It does not create a clear policy for implementing.

The first section of this policy refers to key ‘wildlife corridors...and a network of green spaces/infrastructure’ but the Plan does not provide a map to show where the existing corridors and green network are within the parish. Appendix 2 entitled Gamlingay’s green infrastructure does provide lists of different green features but unfortunately these have not been brought together in a map in the Plan. The VDG does show open space on page 14 which could have been included in the Plan to give added weight to protection of corridors. The VDG talks of green fingers of landscape from centre of village to rural edge – these could have been shown in a map in this Plan and thereby helped to protect them.

Last sentence of first section of the policy – We consider that the proposed network of green spaces should be for habitat creation and not just for sport and recreation.

The second section of the policy - The policy states that only housing and employment developments should not obstruct, or damage valued sites referred to – surely all development should protect these sites? It is not clear in the policy how the green spaces within a development are not to become isolated rather than linked to the wider green network of the parish especially if this is not mapped. How could this policy be implemented without identifying the green sites included in Appendix 2 on a map?

Object

Representation ID: 56613

Received: 23/11/2021

Respondent: South Cambridgeshire District Council

Our ecology officer considers that policy should refer to the fact that this wood is an ancient woodland. It is designated as an SSSI because it is an ancient woodland, so this designation is important.

The 200m cordon we understand is to allow for countryside uses for those using the woodland. This should be explained more clearly in the supporting text rather than simply stating it is the for the enjoyment of future generations but then mentioning in the policy that it is to allow for small scale sustainable construction for the traditional woodland industry. This needs to be explained and evidenced as to why the 200m cordon is chosen as opposed to some other distance.