Cambridge’s planners to update their data on open space and recreation facilities in the City

With increasing pressure for development in the city, it is vital that green spaces are protected and enhanced and that new open spaces are created and protected. Much of the information on open spaces in Cambridge held by the City’s planners is four years old.  They have acknowledged that it is essential that there evidence base is brought up to date by re-surveying existing sites. In a report to the Council’s Development Plan Scrutiny Sub Committee on 13^th July, 2010 it is stated that:-

 ‘Since 2006, a number of open spaces have been created as a result of residential development, including on sites such as Accordia, and other open spaces have been the subject of development within or adjacent to their sites. Sites in the growth areas, though consented in some cases, will be surveyed following completion. Furthermore, the existing survey and strategy work does not assess the open spaces fully in line with the requirements of national planning policy guidance on open space, sport and recreation.’

Cambridge City Executive Councillor for Climate Change and Growth, Claire Blair,

gave the go-ahead  for the assessment work. The work is timetabled to take place

between July/August 2010 and March 2011. Stage 1 comprises the assessment which will take place between August and November 2010, and Stage 2 – the

production of a revised open space strategy for the City will take place between November 2010 and March 2011.  Stakeholder consultation is expected in early 2011.

The detailed report to the City’s Development Plans Scrutiny Sub Committee can be viewed at:-

http://www.cambridge.gov.uk/democracy/Published/C00000184/M00000464/$$ADocPackPublic.pdf