News - Cambridge Past Present and Future

Book now lecture on Thursday 11 October - an evening with Griff Rhys Jones

2012-10-05T13:56:00.001+01:00

Griff Rhys Jones

Griff Rhys Jones, President of Civic Voice – and a renowned comedian, actor, TV presenter and author – is coming to Cambridge on Thursday 11^thOctober and as part of his visit will speak at a special event hosted by local charity Cambridge Past, Present & Future (CambridgePPF).

At an exclusive, ticket-only talk at the Mill Lane Lecture Theatres, Griff will share his passionate views about the built environment and its impact on quality of life. He will also talk about recent changes in national planning policy; the green belt; his work for Civic Voice; and how civic societies (such as CambridgePPF) can encourage people to engage with their local community and get involved in decision making to help shape the future of the urban environment.

Griff – a passionate champion of architecture – was appointed President of Civic Voice in 2010. Civic Voice believes that everyone has the right to live somewhere they feel proud of and represents societies across England that strive to make places more attractive, enjoyable and distinctive.

As a graduate of Emmanuel College, Griff is very familiar with Cambridge and is well aware of the local growth agenda and pressures on the city’s surroundings. Last year he was one of more than 800 individuals who signed a petition opposing the extension of the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel along the river corridor.

The evening event will follow a private tour of the city’s historic centre and new station quarter, which will allow Griff to assess the scale of recent and ongoing local developments.

Griff said: "It was wandering around the streets of Cambridge in the seventies, often in the company of opinionated and mouthy fellow undergraduates, that helped shape my appreciation of good urban environment. Cambridge, like any city, is a lot more than the sum of its show-pieces, or a means to efficiently market nick-nacks or exploit tourists. I hope we can debate and discuss why it is still one of the most exciting places to be in Britain and, crucially, how it can remain so."

Robin Pellew, Chairman of CambridgePPF, said: “We are delighted to welcome Griff Rhys Jones to Cambridge for this special event. His visit is extremely timely. The growth agenda is dominating local news headlines, there is increasing pressure on the green belt, and the first round of council consultations about how the city might evolve over the coming decades have just concluded. This is an essential event for the many people across Cambridge who are campaigning to keep it special. We look forward to a lively evening and to sharing thoughts and ideas with Griff in his role as president of Civic Voice.”

Event details:

Location: Event to be held at Mill Lane Lecture Theatres in central Cambridge.

Address: 8 Mill Lane, Cambridge CB2 1RX.

Tickets: Free to members of CambridgePPF (bring your card), £5 non-members. Payment accepted on the door.

PLEASE NOTE ADVANCE BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL: e-mail planning@cambridgeppf.org or call Lorna on: 01223 243830 x 201

Car parking: Available at Lions Yard Car Park or Double Tree Hilton Hotel (charges apply).

Cycle parking: At nearby railings.

Public transport: Bus services to city see: http://tinyurl.com/cd8zujy (10 mins from bus station / 20 mins from train station)

Disabled access: For disabled parking contact custodian on: 01223 338275. Lecture room and WC fully accessible. Infra-red hearing enhancement system on site.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Cambridge Past, Present & Future:

CambridgePPF is a registered charity campaigning to keep Cambridge and its surroundings special by positively influencing planning developments, delivering environmental education and managing the green spaces and historic buildings in its care. The charity was founded as Cambridge Preservation Society in 1928. Today its diverse property portfolio includes Wandlebury Country Park and its Iron Age Ring; Coton Countryside Reserve; Barnwell Leper Chapel; Bourn Windmill; Hinxton Watermill; plus various wildlife sites and historic buildings. Key achievements include protecting sites such as Grantchester Meadows, the Gog Magog Hills and Wandlebury Estate from development and helping to establish the Cambridge Green Belt in the mid 1960s. CambridgePPF has a growing membership, which makes a vital contribution to the cost of conserving, managing and developing its sites. With its HQ at Wandlebury, the charity has a mix of busy full and part-time staff and is run by a Board of Trustees together with Advisory Committees staffed by dedicated volunteers. For more information about the charity and benefits of membership: www.cambridgeppf.org / 01223 243830. Cambridge Past, Present & Future, Wandlebury Ring, Babraham, Cambridge, CB22 3AE

About Civic Voice:

Civic Voice is the national charity for the civic movement. We work to make the places where everyone lives more attractive, enjoyable and distinctive and to promote civic pride. We speak up for civic societies and local communities across England. We believe everyone should live somewhere they can be proud of and we know how people feel about places because we feel the same way. Civic societies are the most numerous participants in the planning system. Civic Voice has been joined by over 290 civic societies with 75,000 members. Further information is available at www.civicvoice.org.uk including how to join Civic Voice (£10 individuals) and contact details for local civic societies.

Charity calls for councils to cooperate in response to City’s Issues & Options report

2012-07-26T14:04:00.000+01:00

Planners at Cambridge City Council, and their counterparts at South Cambridgeshire and the County, need to work together to create a common strategic framework for the sub-region that would enable local plans and the forthcoming transport strategy to be prepared in an integrated way. That’s the conclusion of local charity Cambridge Past, Present & Future (CambridgePPF) in its formal response to the City Council’s Issues & Options report.

Robin Pellew (Chair of CambridgePPF) and Peter Landshoff (Chair of CambridgePPF's Planning Committee)

Peter Landshoff, Chairman of the CambridgePPF Planning Committee, said: “The fact that our three local authorities are undertaking separate consultations, at different times, made it very difficult to make a sensible response to the Issues & Options report published by the City Council. We strongly urge that at the next stage, the three local councils produce a joint framework to provide a common vision and development policy. It is only by taking a comprehensive strategic review of the whole Cambridge sub-region that rational decisions can be made about its future.”

Despite the difficulties posed by responding to disparate consultations, CambridgePPF has filed constructive comments to most of the issues set out in the City Council’s report. The charity’s response follows weeks of scrutiny by its volunteer planning committee.

Robin Pellew, Chairman of CambridgePPF, said: “We accept the urgent need to build a significant number of new houses both to sustain the economic prosperity of Cambridge and to provide more affordable housing for key workers. But rather than focusing on the separate
targets, we believe that City and South Cambs should pool their housing projections. What matters is the combined total – the bigger picture.”

“Although the City’s Issues & Options report presents a clear and balanced analysis of the issues facing Cambridge, our team found the process of compiling a response extremely frustrating. It is unrealistic to be asked to make judgements about the future of the city in isolation from its wider sub-regional context. Under the new Localism Act, the three authorities have a statutory duty to cooperate in relation to the planning of sustainable development, and we feel that this will be met only through the production of a shared
strategic framework. We have written to the leader of each local authority to urge them to get their acts together. If you take the not unusual situation of someone living in a South Cambs village, who works in the City and sits in a traffic jam twice a day, that is the responsibility of the County Council – so you can see the logic of calling for joined-up planning.”

Forced to decide which of the Council’s four housing projections would be most acceptable in the period to 2031, CambridgePPF agreed on Option Two – the city’s minimal proposal for 12,700 dwellings. This figure is based on existing housing commitments of 10,612 new homes
already agreed in the current local plan, together with a further 2,060 dwellings – the location of which have already been identified within the city.

Crucially this approach will not require any further encroachment on the green belt – which fits with the charity’s green belt policy. Having supported previous fringe developments, CambridgePPF does not support further release of green belt land at the present time –
except in very special circumstances. Such circumstances do not currently exist when there is adequate land for housing in South Cambs in locations with good public transport.

Additional key points covered by CambridgePPF’s response include:
CambridgePPF believes that the very different housing predictions contained in the Issues & Options report indicate that any demand forecasts will – at best – be imprecise. But this does not really matter. Since there is little prospect that the pressure for expansion will diminish, the likelihood is that all viable locations will be developed in due course. Authorities should therefore be prioritising the possible locations that can be developed progressively in response to demand, rather than choosing now how many houses need to go where over the next twenty years.

CambridgePPF believes that priority for the limited supply of land within the city should be given to encourage the creation and retention of jobs. Sites currently in employment use should not be converted to housing with jobs driven out of the city.

CambridgePPF believes that the Cambridge area needs to be kept attractive but also made more interesting, especially for people outside the universities. This will help ensure the future happiness and health of all local residents, and satisfy the needs of companies that need to recruit and retain staff in an increasingly competitive global market. Building a multi-functional community stadium to provide much-needed integrated sports facilities for the whole sub-region would be a great way to achieve this. However, the charity feels that Trumpington is the wrong location, mainly for transport reasons. Other locations should be investigated, including the North East Fringe, which will have excellent public transport links via the new Science Park Station, the guided bus and the A14.

Because land in the City is so precious, CambridgePPF believes there should be a survey of existing usage. Where buildings are sub-standard or space is wasted, for example on extensive surface level car parking, consideration should be given to demolition and rebuilding to a higher density. CambridgePPF has asked that such an exercise be applied urgently to the area around the proposed new Science Park station. Also, is there scope for building above the large areas of rail track?

It is important that any new housing plans take into account the alarming increase that is likely to occur in the number of older people. CambridgePPF believes that all new homes should include the provisions of lifetime elements that enable frail or suddenly disabled people to stay in their own homes for as long as possible.

Having submitted its response to Cambridge City Council, the CambridgePPF team is now embarking on the same process for the SCDC consultation, which runs until the end of September.

Keep Off the Green Belt says CambridgePPF

2012-07-24T10:06:00.000+01:00

As the deadline for the City Council’s consultation about the future shape of Cambridge approaches and the debate heats up about whether the city could sustain up 25,000 new properties around its fringe, local charity Cambridge Past, Present & Future (CambridgePPF) has come out firmly against further release of the green belt.

Robin Pellew and Peter Landshoff (Chair of CambridgePPF's internal Planning Committee) looking at one of the proposal sites within the Green Belt

In the light of current development pressures, CambridgePPF has reviewed its green belt policy. The charity that campaigns to keep Cambridge special calls for a ‘presumption against development’ in the green belt to be made explicit in both the City and South Cambs (SCDC) local plans – a move that would bring the plans into line with the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) that was recently released by the Government.

CambridgePPF argues that development in the green belt should be allowed only in exceptional circumstances, and that such circumstances will not prevail when adequate land for housing is available in South Cambs, in places where good transport links can be provided. Furthermore, if any land is to be released around the city, priority should be given for meeting the needs of business and employment.
The charity is also calling on the City Council and SCDC to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the quality and value of the green belt as the basis for a new joint policy on its future – an exercise CambridgePPF would be keen to participate in.

The news comes just a few days ahead of CambridgePPF submitting its formal response to the City Council about its Issues & Options report. The report contains a number of suggested housing options – the largest of which would need ten substantial sites around the city fringe in the green belt.
Robin Pellew, Chairman of CambridgePPF, said: “The green belt plays a vital role in preventing urban sprawl and protecting the setting of our historic city. We do not accept that there is any justification to release more land from the green belt when reasonable alternative sites are available in the region. We have in the past approved the limited release for expansion of the city, but if the local authorities persist in raiding the green belt every time the local plan is reviewed, its status becomes worthless.”
“We strongly believe that for the foreseeable future, any new housing – above and beyond what has already been approved – could be located in parts of South Cambs with good transport links, while the City gives priority to providing employment. We are a forward looking organisation and realise that the green belt cannot be treated as sacrosanct for all time, but it does play a key role in keeping Cambridge such an attractive place to live and maintaining the historic fabric of the city.”
CambridgePPF’s green belt policy states that:

The green belt continues to play a vital role in maintaining Cambridge as a compact city and there is absolutely no need to change its current boundaries
In line with the NPPF, there should be a ‘presumption against development’ in the green belt
Development in the green belt should only be approved under very special circumstances
‘Very special circumstances’ will only prevail when it can be demonstrated that the benefit from a development, accruing not just to the local community but also to the wider population of Cambridge, clearly outweighs the benefit of the land remaining as part of the green belt
These circumstances do not apply at the moment – particularly when reasonable alternatives for development exist in South Cambs
A case can be made for the modest expansion of villages in the green belt to help safeguard essential services, like the village shop, pub or bus route
The wider public benefits of the green belt should be actively assessed and promoted by local authorities, landowners and stakeholders.

Charity says latest pub decision should set precedent for those still in peril!

2012-07-16T16:52:00.000+01:00

Charity says latest pub decision should set precedent for those still in peril!

This week the Planning Inspectorate dismissed an Appeal from the owners of the Carpenters Arms against the City Council’s decision to refuse permission to redevelop the public house into private accommodation.

Local charity Cambridge Past, Present & Future (CambridgePPF) welcomes this decision by planning officials and believes that recent appeal decisions should now set a precedent when it comes to deciding the future of other city pubs that remain under threat.

Carolin Gohler, Chief Executive of CambridgePPF, said: “The news that the Planning Inspector has thrown out the Carpenters Arms appeal is a great boost to the future of other Cambridge pub properties that remain in peril. It confirms that new national planning policies must include substantiated evidence that a public house is no longer viable before it can be redeveloped. This must include proof that the pub’s freehold has been properly marketed at a fair price for the business. This safeguard is a perfectly reasonable step and essential in ensuring that property developers can not simply step in and profit at the expense of the community that a pub once served.”

CambridgePPF recently wrote to Cambridge City Council regarding planning policy on public houses in the city. The charity asked the local planning team to take into account recent Appeal decisions when considering the future of other public houses that face redevelopment or demolition.

Recent interpretations of the NPPF by the Inspectors Appeals for The Plough (Shepreth); The Unicorn (Cherry Hinton); and now The Carpenters Arms, show that:

· The closure of a public house, or its change of use to a Restaurant (A3), doesn’t mean it should no longer be treated as a public house for planning purposes and that the provisions of the NPPF Paragraph 70 still apply. A former public house is still a public house.

· There must clear and substantiated evidence that a public house is no longer viable or needed. Other operators should have had an opportunity to purchase and run the pub.

· That the definition of whether there is ‘a community-need’ should take account of whether a population is growing.

Concluding Carolin Gohler said: “We believe that it is important that these latest indications from the Planning Inspectorate are taken into account in forthcoming planning decisions in the City. We are thinking specifically about the future of The Rosemary Branch (Church End); The Dog & Pheasant in Chesterton; and The Penny Ferry (previously the Pike & Eel), which we feel – with some imagination, community involvement and the right sort of investment – could remain valuable community assets.”

If you have not already done so, please consider signing the current petition by Old Chesterton Residents Association to save the Penny Ferry - a wonderful riverside location along the Cam: http://www.ocra-cb4.org.uk/planningapplications.asp

Does Wandlebury have a claim to Olympic history?

2012-07-03T10:15:00.000+01:00

Does Wandlebury have a claim to Olympic history?

As Cambridge residents get set to welcome the Olympic torch to Cambridge next week, local charity Cambridge Past, Present & Future (CambridgePPF) reveals that the city could lay claim to a slice of the game’s history. Charity member and local architect Richard Lyon delved into the archives and pulled the story together:

Some 300 years before the re-invention of the modern form of the Olympic Games in the late 19th century, CambridgePPF’s Wandlebury Country Park was – possibly – an ‘Olympic Games’ site. Certainly undergraduate ‘games’ were held there in the 16th century, possibly even before the well documented Cotswold Games – which were first organised in 1604 during the reign of James I at Chipping Campden, Gloucestershire.

At that time, Wandlebury was a treeless area of open chalk-land with Iron Age earthworks forming a large circular arena. In the town, undergraduate life in the Colleges was subject to strict puritanical discipline so students sought out opportunities for exercise, fun, and games as a break from their studies.

In earlier times, student ‘leisure’ had revolved around tournaments, jousting, hunting, but as the English Renaissance developed in the Elizabethan Age, new sports evolved – and the area at Wandlebury provided a natural arena for such activities. University authorities took every step possible to curtail suchsecular fun. The Cooper Annals from 1574 state that the Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University and the Heads of Colleges issued a decree forbidding “scholars of what degree so ever, to resort or go to any play or game either kept at Gog-Magog Hills or elsewhere within five miles of Cambridge on pain of a fine of 6s. 8d.”

Wandlebury was popular for such forbidden exercise and leisure activities because any approaching University Proctor could be spotted from a long distance. In the 17th century, the antiquary John Layer wrote about the “unhonest games in Wandlebury Ring”. A Mr. Robinson even had a five-year Licence to run Games at the Gog Magog Hills, before this was later rescinded.

In 1620 a famous bull arrived in Cambridge, whereupon a “baiting” was arranged to take place at the Gogs, along with other games. But again the Vice-Chancellor intervened to prevent the expected sport "where bowling, running, jumping, shooting, and wrestling were to be practiced for 4-6 weeks, under the designation of the ‘Olympic Games’.

Today, an interesting comparison can be made between the size of the London 2012 Olympic Stadium at Stratford – which has a circumference of 900m (2953 ft) – and the 985m (3231 ft) circular Iron Age earthworks at Wandlebury.

Thankfully wrestling and bull baiting have given way to activities such as nature rambles and picnics and people are very welcome to walk or run the various routes, which exist at Wandlebury today.

Wandlebury Country Park is open to the public and managed by the local charity, CambridgePPF.

Parking on site costs £2.50. CambridgePPF members can park for free. For more information go to: www.cambridgeppf.org

2012-06-14T14:26:00.000+01:00

Walk up an appetite with a Midsummer guided walk at Coton Countryside Reserve

On Sunday 24^th June, local charity Cambridge Past, Present and Future (CambridgePPF) will host a guided walk around Coton Countryside Reserve that will be followed by the chance to enjoy a delicious afternoon tea on the village green.

The two-hour walk will showcase the best that Mother Nature has to offer during Midsummer in a traditional countryside stroll that ventures through open meadows, woodland, young orchards and farmland to the west of Cambridge. Then, after walking up an appetite, attendees can return to the village to enjoy another Great British pastime: afternoon tea and cakes – an annual event organised by the village church committee, which this year has been given a Diamond Jubilee theme.

With its open sky, large fields and tall hedges, Coton Countryside Reserve offers something of interest for young and old – wildlife, landscape views and changing skies. The reserve is owned and maintained by CambridgePPF, the conservation charity best known for running Wandlebury Country Park.

CambridgePPF is working hard to develop Coton Countryside Reserve as a public resource for village and Cambridge residents to enjoy and this event is the perfect opportunity for local residents to familiarise themselves with the site – which is also a working farm. New routes have been introduced to give walkers, cyclists, joggers, disabled people and horse-riders access to the diverse habitats that exist. A hilltop picnic area provides the chance to take in the panoramic view across the west of Cambridge including the historic Cambridge skyline. And thanks to links with adjacent public footpaths and bridleways, Coton Countryside reserve is accessible from multiple points.

The guided walk will begin at 1pm at the Reserve entrance, off the footpath at Coton. The event is free to attend but donations to help with the upkeep of the reserve are always welcome. Please note there is a small charge for the Coton Village Cream Tea. For more information contact: enquiries@cambridgeppf.orgor 01223 243830.

Diamond Jubilee Beacon: Guided Walk at Coton Countryside Reserve

2012-06-05T17:35:00.000+01:00

Nick Beale - CambridgePPF Ranger tests the beacon

Monday 4 June – 9.30pm to 10.30pm

Join the Cambridge Past, Present & Future (CambridgePPF) team as they light a beacon on Red Meadow Hill at the Coton Countryside Reserve in celebration of Her Majesty The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee. The beacon – handcrafted by one of the charity’s rangers – is one of thousands being lit around the country and is listed on the Jubilee Beacons website. Bring a torch and / or lantern and explore the reserve at night together with the Rangers. The walk to the top of the hillstarts at 9:30pm – meet at Martin Car Park off Grantchester Road (1mile south of Coton).

Commenting Carolin Göhler, CEO of CambridgePPF, said: “When we heard about plans to create a national network of Jubilee Beacons we immediately wanted to be involved. It’s a fantastic way to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s sixty year reign – and it also gives us the chance to quite literally shine a light on the work we are doing at Coton Countryside Reserve. Most people associate us with Wandlebury but we are also very busy to the west of Cambridge – where we have created a public green space for local people to enjoy. Coton Countryside Reserve is a great place to explore. Offering views to the city it’s the perfect spot for a beacon. One of our rangers recently went on a welding course and our beacon is one of the first things he has produced, so we hope lots of people will join us on the night to see his handiwork and celebrate all things British in the great outdoors.”

NB: This is a free event but donations to support the upkeep of the reserve are appreciated. Attendees are advised to wear sturdy footwear and dress according to the weather.

Meet at: Martin Car Park, off Grantchester Road in Coton CB23 7PZ

For more information: enquiries@cambridgeppf.org / 01223 243830

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We had a fantastic time - despite earlier rain -

sunset colours welcomed the rising moon!

Sunset welcomes all Beacon enthusiasts

Moonlight is guiding the way up the hill

Jubilee Beacon and moonlight

Lantern with Union Jack tethered to gate - NOTE: this one uses only string and thin willow struts thus not damaging to wildlife!

Further pictures can be seen at:

Heart Radio - http://www.heart.co.uk/cambridge/news/local/cambridgeshire-beacons-lit/#coton-beacon-lighting-10

For a map of beacons in the area see: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/the_queens_diamond_jubilee/9305353/Queens-Diamond-Jubilee-Beacons-map.html

National Planning Policy: The Government Has Listened With One Ear

2012-03-27T17:12:00.001+01:00

New planning rules, published today by the Government, are an improvement on the discredited draft produced last year but still represent a green light for developers – that’s the initial reaction of Cambridge Past, Present & Future (CambridgePPF), the charity that lobbies to positively influence local planning developments.

“The Government has listened with one ear,” said CambridgePPF Chairman, Robin Pellew. “It has selectively heard some of the criticisms of the original draft, but the overall bias in favour of development is still there.”

The team at CambridgePPF is reviewing the new framework in detail but listening to Greg Clark’s statement in the House of Commons, the team drew the following conclusions:

“We welcome a more balanced definition of sustainable development that includes consideration of social and environmental effects but the pro-growth distortion is still there.”

"Because of the economic situation, we are unlikely to see a tidal wave of speculative new schemes but there is no doubt the goal-posts have still been moved. Local communities, Residents Associations, and civic organisations such as CambridgePPF will need to be even more vigilant to ensure that development is located in the right places and of the highest quality. In time, we are likely to see more developers targeting sites that are inappropriate for building, for example in the Green Belt areas to the edge of the City, on playing fields, and in attractive open countryside areas. Local Authorities will be minded to refuse planning permission, but the new regulations may encourage developers to appeal against such refusals. This will mean that many large-scale, contentious schemes could ultimately be decided centrally by the government's Planning Inspectorate who, when applying the new rules, may be more likely to overturn the decision of the Local Authority. "Planning by Appeal" is not only contrary to local democracy, it also flies in the face of the government's drive for localism and giving local communities greater say in planning their future."

CambridgePPF welcomes the re-iteration of using brownfield land first, greater protection for heritage sites and the environment, and reducing the garden grabbing effect – all important aspects in Cambridge. It is also pleased that the purpose of the Green Belt to prevent urban sprawl has been endorsed. However, Local Authorities are encouraged to review the boundaries of their Green Belts as part of the local planning process. And CambridgePPF remains concerned that open countryside, not already designated for protection, still remains vulnerable to development.”

“Late last year we were concerned that the immediate imposition of these new rules would lead to a building free-for-all”, added Robin Pellew. “We called on the Government to give a transition period sufficient for the new regulations to bed down, and they have now offered just one year. Local planning must involve extensive consultation with the people it effects, which inevitably takes time to achieve. Unfortunately Cambridge’s new Local Plan will not be ready in time.”

“By moving the goal-posts so directly in favour of development, local communities and CambridgePPF will need to be ever more vigilant in ensuring that future plans do serve the wider needs of the people. Obviously we need growth but not at any cost to the character, social fabric and natural environment of Cambridge and its immediate surrounding. Only time will tell if the NPPF will be clear and robust enough to protect our natural environment and open spaces and if it will balance development with enhanced sustainability, quality of the built and historic environment and biodiversity. We all need to make sure the Cambridge’s new Local Plan – currently in discussion – will ensure a quality environment we all can enjoy in the future.”

References:

National Planning Policy Framework 2012 - http://www.communities.gov.uk/publications/planningandbuilding/nppf

CambridgePPF – past comments on Consultation Draft of NPPF and CambridgePPF's petition

http://cambridgeppf.org/documents/nppf_6.10.11.pdf

Dr Robin Pellew submitting CambridgePPF's petition to Government in October 2011

Planting of Jubilee Orchard commences at Coton Countryside Reserve

2012-03-06T09:45:00.000+00:00

Last updated 12 March 2012 eve

On Friday 9 March 2012, Cambridge Past, Present and Future (CambridgePPF) has begun the planting a new orchard at its Coton Countryside Reserve, marking the Diamond Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II.

At a special invitation only event at the 120 hectare site to the west of the city, the charity will be joined by representatives from South Cambridgeshire District Council; Cambridge City Council; and the Big Lottery Fund’s ‘Awards for All’ – organisations that have helped get this important environmental project off the ground.
Pupils from Coton Primary School have also taken part, learning how to plant trees and discovering interesting facts about traditional English orchard fruits:

Pupils from Coton Primary School are planting under the watchful eye of the CambridgePPF Ranger Team

Right above - Cllr Manning and Ecology Officer Rob

Mungovan (SCDC) planting a Cambridge Gage

Below - Planting of Walnut Trees - spring 2011.

On Sunday 11 March 2012, a community planting day took place during warm spring weather.

Volunteer Planting on Sunday 11 March 12 -
are essential to ensure good tree growth

Over the course of the two planting days, almost 100 trees will be established at three sites within the Coton Countryside Reserve. The prime orchard – named the Jubilee Orchard – will be close to the site’s visitor car park and Bin Brook. Representing a traditional orchard it will contain a mix of trees that bear fruit and nuts. Walnuts, Bramley apples and tall pears will be planted in tiers towards the south west of the site, with a wide variety of traditional and new apple varieties as well as crab apples. All the trees chosen will flower and fruit at different times, creating an extended growing season that stretches from spring into autumn and is pleasant to look at as well as valuable for local wildlife.

The western edge of the orchard will be planted with a fruit and nut rich hedge. Arranged to resemble a conventional countryside hedge, but with a much higher nutritional value, this natural border will enable foraging by humans and wildlife alike. A central glade will capture sunlight and be edged by ox-eye daisies and a wildlife flower mix, creating interest during the summer time. Other fruit trees will be planted in a more linear format, adjacent to grass tracks.

Carolin Göhler, CEO of CambridgePPF, said: “The latest planting scheme at Coton will help recreate the mosaic of orchards that once existed in countryside to the west of Cambridge. Nationally, well over 60% of orchards have been lost since the 1950s, and in Cambridgeshire, the percentage is even higher. Fruit trees – particularly old ones – aid biodiversity and create important habitats that support an array of insects, birds and mammals. Reinstating an orchard at Coton is an investment in the future well-being of local residents, who will now be assured of another countryside space to roam and explore, right on their doorstep. We’d like to thank everyone that has supported this project - our sponsors, CambridgePPF's Ranger Team as well as all the enthusiastic volunteers.”

Back - Cllr David Bard (Vice-Chair SCDC), Cllr Ian Nimmo-Smith (Mayor of Cambridge),

Cllr Ray Manning (Leader of SCDC)

Front - Sara Betsworth (Head of Region - The Big Lottery) and Carolin Göhler (CEO - CambridgePPF)

We are grateful for funding received from:

Enjoy the early spring flowers at Wandlebury Country Park - snowdrops and winter aconites now at their best

2012-02-17T13:27:00.010+00:00

Now at their best - carpets of snowdrops and winter aconites up on the Gog Magog Hills at the heart of Wandlebury.

A new vantage point at Wandlebury Country Park - the Banyard Hide

2012-02-10T19:26:00.041+00:00

On Friday 10 February 2012 we have officially opening a new observation hotspot at Wandlebury Country Park in memory of one of our dedicated volunteers and trustee - Michael Banyard.
It is a bird hide, shelter and look out which will add to Wandlebury's delights.

Donors, corporate supporters, patrons, staff and many volunteers and guests enjoy the new hide

Funded by charitable donations, corporate support and gifts in kind, the hide is the perfect place for sheltering from the winter weather and a great look out watching the natural inhabitants of Wandlebury go about their business.
CambridgePPF is grateful to all those who have supported this project and seen it through to fruition. An initial grant from Cambridge City Sustainable City Grant generated wide interest and local companies such as Mackays Ltd, Peter Saunders Builders Ltd, Scotsdale Nursery and Garden Centre, Cambridge Risk Ltd, many local donors helped to make the project a reality.
Conceived by Architect Sabin Anca of State of Design Ltd, Cambridge, together with international conservation organisation Forest Monitor, the structure started of as an exhibition feature as part of Architecture Week displaying global deforestation issues. Subsequently the structure was recycled in parts to make the bird observation hide. Sustainability issues have been at the heart of the initial structure - as an exhibition structure - and the theme has been continued at Wandlebury:

some timber of the original structure has been re-used
where possible local suppliers have been used
cedar cladding and roof shigles will weather naturally - avoiding usage of timber reservatives and paints
rainwater will be collected and used to top up a small wildlife drinking pool
a green roof - using native species - has been installed over the staircase - collecting water and creating further feeding and nesting places for insects and birds (the water impermeable liner has been donated by re-natur).

The Banyard Hide

The structure has its own niche within a shelterbelt and gives views to different wildlife areas. Species to spot include the green wood peckers, jackdaws and kestrels in around the pasture, robins, wrens, black birds in the coppice shelter belt and jays and pheasants in the field.

Following and initial idea by CambridgePPF's Ranger Team and in discussion with the committee the rangers together with volunteers have constructed the hide and the interpretation panels - depicting sponsors as well as the delightful green wood pecker - were also done in-house.

Architect Sabin Anca

Ranger Team on the lookout!

observing the wildlife within the nearby tree belt

enjoying the view from the first floor

glimpses of the interior

interpratation panels and benches designed in-house

Consultations you should be aware of

2012-01-06T14:36:00.004+00:00

City Council Consultations

Important Consultations which will decide on the future of the general envrionemnt of our major roads and Conservation Areas - make your voice heard:

Riverside and Stourbridge Common Conservation Area Consultation — until 23 January
New Town and Glisson Road Conservation Area Appraisal Consultation — until 3 February
Hills Road Suburbs and Approaches Study Consultation — until 3 February
Trumpington Road Suburbs and Approaches Consulktation — until 3 February
Long Road Suburbs and Approach Consultation — until 7 February

Local Residents' Petition

Garden House Hotel - extension planned is further to the right

RAON’s petition against the extension to the Hilton Doubletree Hotel (old Garden House Hotel) adjacent to the River Cam and Coe Fen/ Sheep's Green - for details please click here. If you wish to contact Residents' Association of Old Newnham (RAON) there is a link to follow on the petition itself.

CambridgePPF have opposed the submitted planning application in September 2011 - for details click here.

Review of Cambridge Local Plan

The City Council is undertaking a stakeholder worksshop and has invited CambridgePPF to join one of them.

Similarly key landowners, organisations, businesses and other stakeholders in the City will be consulted to talk about their aspirations for the future.

Please let us know of any changes you wish to make in view of the Local Plan - how it should be updated and guide development of the City covering a plan period up to 2031. How can planning policies be better phrased and what is missing or should be added to make our environment - natural or built - better for all.

Please send us your thoughts to this CambridgePPF contact e-mail by 23 January 2012 at the latest so that we can prepare in time for the meeting.

Our Chair - Dr Robin Pellew submitting the petition to Government

CambridgePPF Petition to Government

(regarding the National Planning Policy Framework)

To date we have not yet had any feedback nor acknowledgement from Government.

Our original submission can be viewed here, article published by Cambridge News can be viewed here.

We are keeping an eye on all and will update you asap.

CambridgePPF welcomes MPs recommendation to change draft planning framework

2011-12-21T16:45:00.015+00:00

Two months after submitting a petition to Government reflecting local concerns about changes to the planning system, Cambridge Past, Present and Future (CambridgePPF) has welcomed a constructive report made by the Parliament's Select Committee reporting on the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG).

The report states that a default answer of 'yes' to development should be removed from the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF).

Carolin Göhler, CEO of CambridgePPF said: “CambridgePPF welcomes the constructive report made by the Select Committee set up to review the draft National Planning Policy Framework - in particular that environmental and social needs require better integration to truly achieve "sustainable design" for future developments. It is in line with concerns raised and submitted to the Government. In Cambridge we clearly understand that balancing an attractive natural environment with a community’s social needs is important in making a successful, high-quality city that is attractive and functions for everyone, including local business.”

Representatives from CambridgePPF originally travelled to London on 17 October to hand a petition in to Government, signed by more than 1000 local residents.

Useful References:

NPPF - DCLG's Select Committee Report out today - click here for details.

CambridgePPF past comments - click here for details.

CambridgePPF petition - click here for details.

Civic Voice - for today's comments click here.

Carter Jonas have become CambridgePPF’s latest corporate member

2011-11-07T11:12:00.001+00:00

Tim Jones (Carter Jonas) and Carolin Göhler (CambridgePPF) at the Coton Countryside Reserve

Tim Jones, Head of the Rural Division and of Carter Jonas ’Cambridge office said:

“With Cambridge roots going back over a hundred years Carter Jonas is delighted to become a corporate partner, supporting the work of well established charity Cambridge Past, Present & Future in working to keep Cambridge special. Their efforts to look after and manage green spaces and historic buildings together with providing environmental education are invaluable to Cambridge and its surroundings.”

If you would like to find out more about becoming a CambridgePPF Corporate Partner contact us or telephone Mary Nealon on 01223 243830 or e-mail us.

Carter Jonas are also based in Cambridge - for their office at Hills Road -
please click here.

Consultations you should be aware of:

2011-11-04T11:45:00.006+00:00

Cambridge City Council:

Draft Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA)

Based on National Planning Policy this work ensures an informed understanding of the likely future availability of land for housing in Cambridge over the next 20 years of the next Local Plan.

It identifies sites which may have potential for housing and how many housing units could be accommodated. Click here for more details. Deadline for comments is 11 November 2011 – comments directly to the Council. Please let us know your views by a.m. Tuesday 8 November so we can formulate a response on behalf of CambridgePPF.

Draft Cambridge Skyline Guidance - covering tall and bulky buildings within the City

Increasing pressures on the City to build taller and bulkier buildings have resulted in a more comprehensive guidance being prepared. Currently envisaged as informal council guidance but will be a material consideration in the review of planning applications submitted to the Council.

Click here for full details on this consultation draft. Deadline for comments is 12 December 2011 @ 5pm – comments directly to the Council. Please let us know your views by end of November so that we can finalise a response on behalf of CambridgePPF. To see the report following CambridgePPF’s most recent workshop on this issue (5 May 2010) – please click here http://www.cambridgeppf.org/news/

Mobility Survey

The City Council wants Cambridge city centre to be an enjoyable experience for all. It is particularly keen to help disabled people and their helpers, as well as people with push chairs and prams to navigate more easily. Click here for full details. Deadline for comments by 15 December 2011.

Cambridge City, South Cambridgeshire District Council

North West Cambridge – planning application submitted for new urban extension by the University of Cambridge

The proposed development proposes 3,000 dwellings, 2,000 student accommodations, employment and commercial space including a super market, community facilities, green space etc. Click here for full details of this major development. Deadline 4 November 2011. It may be possible to try to negotiate an extension with the planning case officer before the deadline finishes.

Plumbs’ milk floats roll out to help CambridgePPF sites

2011-10-27T14:47:00.003+01:00

Plumbs of Balsham, the dairy business that has delivered milk to Cambridgeshire residents for almost 60 years, is lending its fundraising experience to Cambridge Past Present & Future (CambridgePPF) – helping the charity raise money for the green spaces and historic properties it cares for across the city.

Over the next fortnight, Plumbs’ fleet of 28 milk vans will deliver 10,000 envelopes to customers in Cambridge and up to 90 surrounding villages. Arriving with the morning milk, the envelopes ask Plumbs’ customers for a contribution towards the upkeep of treasured local places such as Wandlebury Country Park.

Nestled in the Gog Magog Hills to the South of Cambridge, Wandlebury is a precious local resource. The 110-acre site is a retreat for walkers and nature lovers – and is popular with people of all ages. But maintaining the beautiful woodlands and chalk grassland for people to enjoy is expensive. Every week CambridgePPF spends £2,500 on the management of trees and meadows; care of livestock; protection of flora and fauna; historic buildings and other projects that ensure visitor safety and enjoyment.

Plumbs have always actively fundraised. Over the last decade the business and its customers have raised almost £80,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Justin Plumb, Manager at Plumbs, said: “Macmillan has been our charity of choice for eleven years. In that time our customers have helped raise a staggering amount of money. We are grateful for their support and remain committed to our relationship with such an important national charity. But a while ago we made the decision to also support another charity, right on our doorstep. We wanted something completely unrelated to Macmillan’s work so CambridgePPF and its properties – Wandlebury in particular – was an obvious choice. Lots of our customers are based to the South of the city and use the park regularly without realising how much time, effort and money is invested in the site, week in, week out. Our customers are known for their generosity and we hope they’ll see the value in fundraising for such a worthwhile local cause, which is of benefit to the environment and everyone in and around Cambridge.”

Mary Nealon, Head of Development at CambridgePPF, said: “In Cambridge we are fortunate to have so many lush greens, commons and country parks dotted around the city – all of which are easily accessible for everyone. But managing these spaces – particularly the larger estates on the outskirts of Cambridge – is not cheap. People are always really surprised when they find out how much it costs to care for Wandlebury and some don't even realise the site is managed by a local charity. We are grateful to the team at Plumbs and its customers for highlighting our cause and adopting us in such a public way.”

You don't have to be a Plumbs customer to donate to CambridgePPF's work just click here to make a donation NOW!

CambridgePPF properties include Bourn Windmill, Coton Countryside Reserve, Hinxton Mill, The Leper Chapel on Newmarket Road and Wandlebury Country Park.

Plumbs will celebrate 60 years of business in 2012. The business was started in 1952 by Henry Plumb, who had a vision to supply fresh local milk and produce, without fuss to local people.

Thank you for supporting our petition - Planning improvements are desirable but not at all cost

2011-10-17T15:11:00.003+01:00

We have collected over 1,036 signatures and on 17 October 2012 submitted all to the Department of Communities and Local Government - for the media release please click here.
Background - letter from our Chairman - click here , petition details (NOW CLOSED however you can sign up for our e-newsletter for updates), background reading and contact details - click here.

In our response to the government's consultation on the Draft National Planning Policy Framework we have said that:

Cambridge is a city of international significance. CambridgePPF cannot emphasise too highly that the quality of Cambridge as a place has to be sustained, and even enhanced, through sound and robust planning processes if the area is to continue to perform strongly in economic terms. Hasty and poor-quality development, not balanced with infrastructure investment and with environmental considerations, will kill the goose that has hitherto laid the golden eggs. Our full response is here.

AGM and Guest Lecture at the Cambridge Station Area - 6 October 2011

2011-10-06T23:07:00.001+01:00

Aid & Abet artists' base within an old railway warehouse

This year we took the AGM to CB1 and attendees were able to explore how the development around the Railway Station is taking shape.

Many thanks go to Glen Richardson (Cambridge City Council - Joint Urban Design Team) and Jonathan Hurst (Historic Environment Team) and members of the Brookgate Development Team to help us better understand the current implementation works shaping this new city quarter.
We had a stimulating discussion on the "Big Society and Localism" and are grateful for Neil Stott of the Keystone Trust setting expertly the scene.
Following our AGM we welcome Dr Jenna Bishop, Natalie Yates and Matthew Bullock as new Trustees of CambridgePPF.

Support our Chariot of Fire Runners - the "Wandlebury Wanderers" and "Coton Companions"

2011-08-19T09:16:00.006+01:00

runners - Donald Douglas, Carolin Gohler, Claire Enderby, Bill Mathews pose

All funds raised will support the good work undertaken at the Rosie Maternity Hospital in Cambridge under its umbrella charity "Act". For details click here.
Please support both our teams via the just-giving web site - an easy way to donate on line - click here.

For images of our teams in action - please click here.
Many thanks to all those who supported our team and the good cause - the Rosie Maternity Hospital in Cambridge.

Teach-in on localism and planning - Seminar and workshop held on 14 July 2011

2011-07-17T15:47:00.001+01:00

The Planning System is being reformed -
How will such changes affect Cambridge and surrounding communities?
How can we prepare and benefit from the 'new way of thinking' when the Localism Bill is finalised in spring next year?

Introductory speakers:

Kelvin MacDonald (University Department of Land Economy)
Patsy Dell (Head of Planning Services, Cambridge City Council)
Sean Traverse-Healy (Cambridgeshire CPRE)

Breakout groups' topics:
How will localism help you to improve the planning of your neighbourhood?
What help and support will you need?

Points from breakout groups - please click here.

CambridgePPF celebrates £10,000 lottery windfall

2011-06-07T12:48:00.007+01:00

Local conservation charity Cambridge Past Present & Future (CambridgePPF) is celebrating after receiving a £10,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund’s Awards for All – the non-departmental public body that gives out millions of pounds from the National Lottery to good causes and community groups that improve health, education and the environment.

CambridgePPF plans to invest the money at Coton Countryside Reserve – its outdoor centre on the western fringes of the city, which is open for the public to explore throughout the year.

The money received from the Big Lottery fund will help pay for a brand new planting scheme at Coton. Over the next year CambridgePPF wants to plant 100 fruit trees on site, recreating the mosaic of orchards that once existed to the west of Cambridge. The project will consist of a linear orchard area alongside an existing 6 metre wide path and a clump orchard near an existing concrete farm track. The latter will include fruit and nut trees with a glade in the centre and 100 metres of hedgerow containing hazel, filberts, cobnuts and much more.

The remaining money will be used to supplement associated planting, pasture and meadow developments projects at Coton, the creation of interpretation boards and seating designed by local craftsmen and women.

Carolin Göhler, CEO of CambridgePPF said: “Cambridgeshire orchards are only 20% of what it was in the 1950s. Unfortunately orchards are still being lost through redevelopment, neglect, or conversion to paddocks and arable land. This is having a dramatic effect on the local landscape and a detrimental effect on its biodiversity. Our planting scheme will enhance insect and bird diversity, replicate known traditional orchards lost in this area west of Cambridge and help conserve genetic diversity in locally rare and old fruit tree cultivars. In time we want the orchard to become a resource for residents of Cambridge in its own right offering education opportunities and producing food. With the help of the Big Lottery Fund we can start to make our plans a reality and in time for people to enjoy wonderful orchard areas.”

As well as a cash injection from the Big Lottery Fund, CambridgePPF’s orchard project at Coton has also received funding from South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Community Orchards Programme and Cambridge City Council.

In 2004 Coton Countryside Reserve was established as a working farm with public access and wildlife benefits on land owned by CambridgePPF. The 120ha Reserve is close to local villages and Cambridge City and is a major recreational area for the Cambridge Sub-region.

As development gets underway there will be opportunities for members of the public to become involved in community planting activities on site. Anyone interested in learning more about the site can do so at the weekend. On Sunday 12th June, CambridgePPF is taking part in the nationwide Open Farm Sunday scheme. From 11am to 4pm, the charity will be staging a day of activities including: the chance to meet the Coton farmer plus CambridgePPF staff and volunteers; guided walks and talks; an exhibition in the barn; and the chance to make scarecrows and see various pieces of farm machinery and equipment on display.

Go to http://www.cambridgeppf.org/ for more information.

- ends -

About Cambridge Past, Present and Future (CambridgePPF)

Founded as Cambridge Preservation Society in 1928, CambridgePPF is a registered charity campaigning to keep Cambridge and its surroundings special by positively influencing planning developments, delivering environmental education and managing the green spaces and historic buildings in its care. Its diverse property portfolio includes Wandlebury Country Park and its Iron Age Ring; Coton Countryside Reserve; Barnwell Leper Chapel; Bourn Windmill plus various wildlife sites and historic buildings. Key achievements include protecting sites such as Grantchester Meadows, the Gog Magog Hills and Wandlebury Estate from development and helping to establish the Cambridge Green Belt in the 1960s. CambridgePPF has a growing membership, which makes a vital contribution to the cost of conserving, managing and developing its sites. With its HQ at Wandlebury, CambridgePPF has a mix of busy full and part-time staff and is run by a Board of Trustees together with Advisory Committees staffed by dedicated volunteers. For more information about CambridgePPF and benefits of membership: www.cambridgeppf.org

About Coton Countryside Reserve

In the 1930s CambridgePPF (then known as the Cambridge Preservation Society) acquired farm land in what is now part of the city’s Green Belt. At the time, initial steps were taken to improve the landscape by planting a number of non-native trees and developing public access. However, major works were halted by the onset of the Second World War. Further development was then affected by the charity’s purchase of land to the south of Cambridge. This enormous undertaking, which monopolised the charity’s resources, resulted in the creation of Wandlebury Country Park – an outdoor resource that many Cambridgeshire residents now hold in dear affection.
In the late 1990s, CambridgePPF turned its attention back to Coton, gathering support and attracting funding. In 2003 the charity gained planning permission to create a brand new countryside reserve. Since then the reserve has benefitted from an initial grant towards the planning stage (Marshall of Cambridge Ltd, 2003) and support from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM, 2004-2006). In 2004 a Countryside Stewardship Scheme was agreed with DEFRA (2004 to 2014). Futher support was also gained from South Cambridgeshire District Council for woodland and hedge planting; Cambridgeshire County Council; EDF Energy (to attract kestrels); and an anonymous donation of a pick-up truck to aid site management. Most recent improvement works included the completion of the Phase One Martin Car Park in memory of the late Miss Audrey Martin and a wildlife pond with picnic area funded by WREN (Waste Recycling Group Ltd through the Landfill Communities Fund).
With the help of the Trumpington Farm Company, CambridgePPF is now entering the second phase of development at Coton.
For more information about CambridgePPF, the Coton Countryside Reserve or to make a donation
to the charity, become a volunteer or donate to the orchard project, please contact us:
enquiries [at] cambridgeppf.org or visit our website http://www.cambridgeppf.org/

Big Lottery – Awards for All
Awards for All is a Lottery grants scheme funding small, local community-based projects in the UK.

Orchard Project – “This is a project by an incorporated charity in Cambridgeshire. The group will use the funding to develop and plant an orchard. This will replicate traditional orchards and provide an area where the local community can learn about food production.”
£9,887.00 have been awarded to support this project by Awards for All: England.

For more information please visit http://www.awardsforall.org.uk/index.html

Cambridge Water becomes first CambridgePPF corporate supporter

2011-05-02T08:56:00.002+01:00

Campaigning and conservation charity Cambridge Past, Present & Future (CambridgePPF) has launched a Corporate Membership Programme and recruited Cambridge Water as one of its founding business supporters.

The water company is publicly backing the charity in its endeavours to keep Cambridge special by positively influencing planning developments and managing the green spaces and landmark buildings in its care.

The launch of CambridgePPF’s Corporate Membership Programme is the charity’s first major step in galvanising support from the local business community. The scheme mirrors CambridgePPF’s existing individual, family and lifetime membership packages and is designed to generate income and recruit volunteers to bolster its work at treasured public amenities in and around the city, which are costly to preserve: Wandlebury Country Park, the 110 acre site at the top of the Gog Magog Hills, is a much-loved rural retreat but costs £2,800 per week to maintain.

Becoming a CambridgePPF corporate member offers a range of benefits. It gives local companies a clear way to demonstrate their environmental credentials and undertake Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) work that can make a real difference to the future fabric of the city. It also opens up opportunities for participation in employee volunteering initiatives, environmental education programmes and bespoke conservation team building sessions.

Stephen Kay, managing director at Cambridge Water said: “For more than 150 years we have been supplying high quality drinking water to homes and businesses in and around Cambridge. In that time we’ve supported numerous charities and community initiatives that make a positive contribution to ensuring the area we supply develops in a sustainable way. Becoming a corporate supporter of CambridgePPF was a natural choice. The charity’s environmental work and involvement in local planning issues has many synergies with our own values and interests. We look forward to getting to know the team at CambridgePPF over the months ahead and exploring how best to work together.”

Nigel Brown OBE, President of CambridgePPF, said: “We are delighted that Cambridge Water has become one of our first commercial supporters and hope their endorsement of our work will inspire other businesses to follow suit. Every company based in Cambridge has a vested interest in keeping the city special. With a strong private sector, high levels of entrepreneurship and a large share of knowledge-based jobs, Cambridge has weathered the downturn far better than other centres in the UK. In part this is also because it is such an attractive place in which to live, work and do business.”

“With further growth forecast and numerous settlements planned to house forthcoming generations of workers, it is imperative that planned residential and commercial developments do not detract from the unique character of our world famous city. Our corporate membership gives local companies the chance to contribute to the future of Cambridge. Through financial donations, salary sacrifice schemes and volunteer programmes they can help maintain the green spaces and historic buildings under CambridgePPF’s management and voice their opinions on important local issues that will govern how Cambridge looks for centuries to come.”

CambridgePPF is offering local companies a range of different membership options, depending on the scale of financial support they feel able to offer. Businesses wanting to know more about the CambridgePPF Corporate Membership Programme and the full range of member benefits on offer should contact: Mary Nealon, Head of Development, CambridgePPF E: development@cambridgeppf.org / T: 01223-243830 x 204.

- ENDS -

About Cambridge Past, Present and Future (CambridgePPF)
Founded as Cambridge Preservation Society in 1928, CambridgePPF is a registered charity campaigning to keep Cambridge and its surroundings special by positively influencing planning developments, delivering environmental education and managing the green spaces and historic buildings in its care. Its diverse property portfolio includes Wandlebury Country Park and its Iron Age Ring; Coton Countryside Reserve; Barnwell Leper Chapel; Bourn Windmill plus various wildlife sites and historic buildings. Key achievements include protecting sites such as Grantchester Meadows, the Gog Magog Hills and Wandlebury Estate from development and helping to establish the Cambridge Green Belt in the 1960s. CambridgePPF has a growing membership, which makes a vital contribution to the cost of conserving, managing and developing its sites. With its HQ at Wandlebury, CambridgePPF has a mix of busy full and part-time staff and is run by a Board of Trustees together with Advisory Committees staffed by dedicated volunteers. For more information about CambridgePPF and benefits of membership: http://www.cambridgeppf.org/

About Cambridge Water Company
Cambridge Water supplies high quality drinking water to a population of 300,000 and covers an area of 453 square miles. This includes Cambridge and extends to Ramsey in the north, Gamlingay in the west, Balsham in the east and Melbourn in the south. Our customers currently enjoy the second lowest water bills in England and Wales, despite living in one of the driest and fastest-growing areas of the UK.
For more details visit our website at www.cambridge-water.co.uk or contact our customer services team on 01223 706050.

New Coton Countryside Reserve Walks

2011-04-21T11:52:00.008+01:00

new visitor guide - Coton Countryside Reserve - April 2011

There are four new way marked walks to go on this spring, all at Coton Countryside Reserve, - a great way to enjoy the nice weather!

The four walks are:

The Bin Brook Walk: A gentle half-hour stroll through arable fields and grazing meadows lined by tall hedges.

Rowan's Walk: A 50-minute walk exploring open countryside pasture and young woodland/hedgerow plantings.

View Point Walk: A one-hour route that takes in a small hill with impressive views across the local countryside to historic Cambridge - offering great opportunities for observing skylarks and watching the sun rise and set.

Spine Route Walk: A 50 minute walk on a concrete surfaced path which is suitable for cyclists, wheel chairs and push chairs.

If you would like anymore information or a leaflet sending in the post please contact us on this link or call 01223 243830.

Cambridge charity urges City Council to use New Homes Bonus to safeguard the historic environment

2011-04-06T13:40:00.001+01:00

While Cambridge PPF recognises and accepts the need to strengthen the planning team dealing with the growth areas, at the same time we cannot risk weakening the protection of what makes Cambridge so special in the first place - its historic centre, its green open spaces, its trees and cityscapes. What Cambridge PPF is seeking is a better balance in the allocation of the New Homes Bonus and asks that not all this money should be used for the growth areas.

Reference:
Cambridge City Council’s Council

Agenda 7 April 2011 – item 4a and including Appendix 1.
http://www.cambridge.gov.uk/democracy/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=116&MId=260

Full Media Release:Housing Minister Grant Shapps has called on councils in Cambridgeshire to work closely with residents to decide how to spend the rewards of building new homes. The Minister has told councils that it is vital that local people now have the opportunity to choose how these bonuses are spent. Cambridge itself has been awarded £786,646.
Cambridge Past, Present & Future is urging the city council to use this bonus to help maintain the care and protection of Cambridge’s unique historic environment, trees and open spaces.
On Thursday, the full council will vote on plans to spend the New Homes Bonus on supporting posts within the growth area planning team. Cambridge Past Present & Future believes that achieving quality in the ‘Growth Agenda’ and the new urban quarters of Cambridge is very important. However, the plans do not inspire confidence in the council’s commitment to ensuring that the impact of these new developments on the existing historic parts of the city and its residents is minimised. “With budgets under pressure, there are real concerns that this key area of the council’s responsibilities to our world-renowned historic environment will be significantly downgraded,” says Carolin Göhler, the charity’s CEO.

“The expertise of the specialist teams managing the historic environment, trees and green spaces is invaluable and needs to be robust to protect and enhance Cambridge,” she adds.“This applies to the new urban extensions as well as the historic centre of Cambridge. Approval of the budget without considering the historic environment will dramatically reduce the team’s exceptional expertise and will make the protection of the historic core of Cambridge more difficult. Equally trees and green spaces need their specialists to retain the quality of the city. Thus the proposed allocation of the New Homes Bonus needs to be discussed on a wider platform with local people and with all information in the open when making crucial decisions”.

Cambridge PPF is asking for immediate assurances on these issues . The plan for spending the Bonus goes to the vote on Thursday. “We must ensure the Local Authority still protects and enhances the city’s heritage and green open spaces despite the cuts in resources that are being made,” says Göhler. “Cambridge PPF would not like to see any reduction in the strength of the Historic Environment Team. As an example of how they work as integrated professionals, they have to deal with the difficult CB1 development which is located within a Conservation Area and rich in Listed Buildings.”

On behalf of all the residents of Cambridge, Cambridge PPF has voiced its strong concern with the City Council’s ‘Heritage Champion’ Cllr Damien Tunnacliffe and the Leader of the Council - Cllr Sian Reid - and Cllr Clare Blair - Executive Councillor for Climate Change and Growth.

Ends

Notes to editors:

About Cambridge Past, Present & Future (CambridgePPF):

Cambridge Past, Present & Future — a local charity with over 1,700 members working to keep Cambridge and its surroundings special by positively influencing planning developments, delivering environmental education and managing the green spaces and historic buildings in its care — for the benefit of all.

Coalition plans Forest Sell-Off

2011-02-09T16:32:00.000+00:00

CambridgePPF Comment

CambridgePPF members are encouraged to respond to the Government’s plans to sell-off the woodlands owned by the Forestry Commission. These plans and the response questionnaire can be found here.

To read the opinions of CambridgePPF, click here.