Policy J/AL: Protecting the best agricultural land

South Cambridgeshire has a significant resource of good quality agricultural land, and this is a valuable resource that needs to be protected. The sector is a key economic and environmental resource with the total farmed area of

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

over 72,000 ha.

Much of the best agricultural land lies around Cambridge and the larger settlements, which may be the most sustainable locations for future development. The need to identify and maintain a supply of land for development means there is pressure for development of agricultural land.

Farmland is also an important biodiversity asset for

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

. Defra's Agricultural Policy Transition Plans for England focus support for farmers on sustainable farming practices, including improving soil quality; creating habitats for nature recovery; and making landscape-scale change such as establishing new woodland and other ecosystem services. 

Soil is a key element of the environmental ecosystem. Some of the most significant adverse impacts on soil occur as a result of activities associated with construction activity. It is important that development is carefully managed to ensure that these impacts are minimised.

The protection of peat soil is addressed under the climate change theme.

The importance of protecting agricultural land came up in responses to a wide range of questions as part of the First Conversation. Concerns related to impact on carbon sequestration, biodiversity and our ability to meet our food growing needs.

No Policy – Not considered a reasonable alternative as national planning policy requires the plan to consider the impact on agricultural land.

• 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 6: Jobs

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 NH/3: Protecting Agricultural Land

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 8: Setting of the city

Our consultation for this phase is now closed.