Policy BG/PO: Protecting open spaces

Our settlements contain a wide variety of open spaces, that make significant contributions to the character of places, but also provide important local amenities. It is important that these are protected from development that could have an adverse impact on these qualities. The type of projection will vary according to the type of space, and policy criteria will be needed for each, as is the case in the adopted 2018 Local Plans.

It will also need to continue to recognise that in some cases development on open space may be appropriate if it has limited qualities and would lead to overall quality or quantity improvements.

Access to a range of open spaces for different activities, for all ages is an essential part of sustaining healthy communities, supporting the local environment, and encouraging social interaction with local people. We are developing evidence on open spaces, and this will accompany the draft plan.

Local Green Space is a designation which applies a

A statutory designation for land around certain cities and large built-up areas, which aims to keep this land permanently open or largely undeveloped, the Green Belt has five purposes: checking the unrestricted sprawl of large built-up areas; preventing neighbouring towns from merging into each other; assisting in safeguarding the countryside from encroachment; preserving the setting and special character of historic towns and assisting in urban regeneration by encouraging the recycling of derelict and other urban land. Specific Green Belt purposes have been set out for Cambridge.

style of protection. A number of these were identified in the last South Cambridgeshire

Short form for the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, which sets out policies to guide the future development of Greater Cambridge. It also sets out where future development will take place, and identifies land for new housing, community facilities, shops and employment. It is the key document use to determine planning applications for new development in the Greater Cambridge area.

2018 and will be carried forward into the new plan. They are required to be demonstrably special to a local community and hold a particular local significance. Reflecting this, the neighbourhood plan process would be particularly suited to demonstrating this local value and identifying new spaces if communities wish to identify further spaces.

Feedback from the First Conversation consultation included that we should ensure everyone has access to green space. Residents should have access to areas for growing food, caring for the natural environment, green open spaces and small woodlands. We should identify important ecological areas in the

Short form for the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, which sets out policies to guide the future development of Greater Cambridge. It also sets out where future development will take place, and identifies land for new housing, community facilities, shops and employment. It is the key document use to determine planning applications for new development in the Greater Cambridge area.

which can be augmented and connected, and which should be avoided by new development. We should provide accessible and all-weather exercise areas for all ages in green spaces.

No Policy – Not considered a reasonable alternative as this would not plan positively for the provision of open space, which is required by national planning policy and would damage the character and quality of life in settlements.

• The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

  Short form for the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, which sets out policies to guide the future development of Greater Cambridge. It also sets out where future development will take place, and identifies land for new housing, community facilities, shops and employment. It is the key document use to determine planning applications for new development in the Greater Cambridge area.

  : Topic paper 3:

  The variety of life in all its forms. This includes the plant and animal species that make up our wildlife and the habitats in which they live.

  and Green Spaces  

South Cambridgeshire

Short form for the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, which sets out policies to guide the future development of Greater Cambridge. It also sets out where future development will take place, and identifies land for new housing, community facilities, shops and employment. It is the key document use to determine planning applications for new development in the Greater Cambridge area.

2018 

• Policy SC/8: Protection of Existing Recreation Areas, Allotments and Community Orchards 

• Policy NH/11: Protected Village

  Element of a location or neighbourhood that helps to make it attractive or enjoyable for residents and visitors.

  Areas 

• Policy NH/12: Local Green Space 

Cambridge

Short form for the Greater Cambridge Local Plan, which sets out policies to guide the future development of Greater Cambridge. It also sets out where future development will take place, and identifies land for new housing, community facilities, shops and employment. It is the key document use to determine planning applications for new development in the Greater Cambridge area.

2018 

• Policy 67: Protection of open space

Our consultation for this phase is now closed.