BOURN AIRFIELD

LANDSCAPE STRATEGY// DECEMBER 2020 All plans are reproduced from the Ordnance Survey Map with the permission of the Controller of HMSO. Crown copyright Reserved. Licence No. AR152684. Rummey Design South Park Studios South Park Sevenoaks Kent TN13 1AN

T: 01732743753 W: www.rummey.co.uk E: [email protected] Desk Top Publishing and Graphic Design by Rummey Design Rummey Design Copyright The contents of this document must not be copied or reproduced in whole or in part without the written consent of Rummey Design

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Revision: Rev L (App1)

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Authorised by: RR

Issue Date: December 2020 Contents

1. KEY BENEFITS......

2. INTRODUCTION ...... 6. LAYOUT AND APPEARANCE DESIGN CONCEPTS . . .

2.1 The Site...... 7 6.1 Key Landscape Character Areas...... 37 6.2 Outer Edge...... 39

3. ASSESSMENT AND EVALUATION ...... 6.3 Parks...... 52

3.1 What sort of place should Bourn Airfield be?...... 9 6.4 Indicative Planting Strategy/Palette...... 70

3.2 Design Drivers ...... 12 6.5 Indicative Soil Strategy...... 78

3.3 History, Context, and Timeline ...... 14 6.6 Public Art...... 80

6.7 Play...... 81

4. DESIGN EVOLUTION ...... 6.8 The Landscape and Climate Change Resilience . . . . 83 4.1 Design Evolution...... 18

4.2 Spatial Framework ...... 21 7. CONCLUSION...... 84 4.3 Caldecote Edges...... 21

5. LANDSCAPE STRATEGY ......

5.1 Design Strategy & Masterplan ...... 23

5.2 Landscape Strategy principles...... 25

5.3 Open Space Types...... 26

5.4 Biodiversity Strategy ...... 28

5.5 Biodiversity and Hydrology Strategy ...... 29

5.6 Landscape Masterplan ...... 34 1 1. Key Benefits

• Over several years the site has been assessed These aim to create a distinctive through a series of masterplan, infrastructure place at Bourn Airfield informed by and technical studies in terms of its visual and landscape qualities, its ecology, hydrology specific landscape characters, so that and its ability to accept development. the maturing landscape will convey • These started with landscape studies. The quality, distinctiveness and care for aim was to allow the masterplan which the environment-the very qualities followed to be landscape-led and was respectful of the existing landscape and that will make Bourn Airfield special its context before making proposals which strengthened the landscape qualities of the Bourn Airfield New Village, A Spatial Framework & Infrastructure Delivery site. Plan Supplementary Planning Document (SPD), Adopted. October 2019, by Greater Cambridge Shared Planning states: • These principles are translated into the landscape strategy and outline designs “The vision for the new village is: presented here.

Bourn Airfield will be a distinct new South Cambridgeshire village acknowledging its historic past but with its own contemporary identity. (This will be) A diverse, yet integrated community, with a range of facilities and services to complement, not compete with, existing local provision. (It will be) Well connected to the wider area by high quality public transport and providing employment and homes to support the Greater Cambridge economy. The village will have a vibrant and strong heart, supporting healthy , active and inclusive community lifestyles and providing a high quality of life for its residents in a beautiful contemporary landscape setting.

The village will be embedded in a network of multi-functional green infrastructure, which is accessible and sustainable, being integrated with the natural environment. Supporting walking, cycling and public transport as the preferred mode of choice for travel for people within the new village and beyond, and facilitating a move towards net zero carbon lifestyles through an innovative approach to planning, design and construction”. 2 Landscape Strategy 7

2. Introduction

2.1 THE SITE In 2013 landscape studies were initiated by Countryside Properties to understand the nature of this large and important site, and allow future masterplanning and design to work with the ‘spirit’ of the landscape. All development relates to the character of its landscape and its underlying geology, and it is from these qualities that “distinctiveness” has traditionally been produced. The landscape studies indicated clear constraints and opportunities which have been translated into the proving masterplan design as set out on the following pages. In areas where alternative uses could be proposed the landscape treatment will need to be flexible to accept either use; where the internal landscape may reflect the detail of the selected use, the external landscape structure will be capable of accepting either.

Figure 1. SCDC Strategic Sites Allocation Plan

Figure 2. Bourn Airfield in 2016:Large, featureless openness to the site; with some vegetation in the background: our mission is to create distinctiveness here. 3 Landscape Strategy 9

3. Assessment and Evaluation

geology and topography 3.1 WHAT SORT OF PLACE SHOULD landscape and ecology BOURN AIRFIELD BE?

It is not in Cambridge, but is ‘of’ Cambridge. Nevertheless, you could commute by High Quality Passenger Transport or cycle to the Science Park in geology 20 to 25 minutes. The ‘Cambridge Effect’ has been well documented as a global force in economic development, topography research and wealth creation. This in itself does hydrology landscape character not produce the compelling environment that is attractive to would-be residents and an expanding existing population. The quality of local schools, water economic prospects, the cultural life of the City and the improved connectivity of Cambridge itself all allow for an improved quality of life. soils Over time the landscape at Bourn Airfield has changed and biodiversity has diminished. Through past studies of landscape character we landscape understand that the setting of Bourn Airfield is made up of many layers combining to create a cultural landscape and the setting of the site. Together these layers produce landscape and biodiversity related ‘drivers’ which are embedded in the draft masterplan; views, topography, heritage, biodiversity archaeology and history vegetation, ecology, water and transport routes. human settlement

modern RAF history

Figure 3. Key design drivers derived from the landscape 10 Bourn Airfield

Analysis shows that settlements historically grew along the Cam valley into the Bourn valley and up to the ridge line, eventually to connect to the east/ west trade route between Cambridge and St. Neots. This growth also appeared along Parish boundaries with a linear route connecting the primary village and its secondary settlement.

This growth did not occur with Bourn, northwards along Broadway. It is therefore a logical location for a new settlement to continue the organic growth of settlement in this area.

s

The development of the villages in this area; Bourn Airfield is part of an historic trend of ‘parent’ villages giving rise to ‘daughter’ villages higher up the slopes and onto the clay plateau.

Figure 4. Settlement succession plan. Landscape Strategy 11

.The design qualities expected by the Cambridge Quality Panel, shared by Countryside Properties and Rummey design ...

Design Qualities school, workspace, social spaces and activity The associated villages, including Bourn, have public transport, foot and great charm since their landscape origins are still cycle connections, and the design of streets are key evident. More recently, new settlements have been the climate is changing, the developed on a different scale with less respect design must recognise this for the local context which have led to concerns history, built form, transport and landscape about distinctiveness and coalescence of traditional public consultation, villages. workshops and design How to enhance distinctiveness and avoid reviews coalescence while providing complementary development? How to avoid duplication whilst taking advantage of economies of scale that a large settlement can provide? • Avoid the coalescence of West Cambourne (2,500 homes further consented), Cambourne and Bourn, with Highfields Caldecote; • Extensive woodlands (including Bucket Hill Plantation) for biodiversity, visual separation and recreation; • Control of connecting roads (public transport only at this stage); • But an extensive and increased cycle/ pedestrian footpath network; • A strong identity for Bourn Airfield, distinctively a different ‘place’.

In September 2016 the qualities of the emerging masterplan were scrutinised by the Cambridge Quality Design Panel. The Panel agreed with the principles and endorsed the approach taken.

Figure 5. Broad principles guiding the design in 2016 12 Bourn Airfield

3.2 DESIGN DRIVERS Landscape Character Geology and Topography Specific studies were commissioned between The landscape management objectives (as 2012 and 2016 aimed at finding the very essence • The gently folded landscape creates contained in the Cambridgeshire Landscape of the land to inform the design. Key questions orientation and features for the new Guidelines 1991) for the Western Claylands include: considered were whether the site has the capacity development and its infrastructure. for change, and what form that change might • Management of existing and creation of new take i.e. the size and nature of the change or woodlands; • The folds and valleys limit views and therefore development. settlement can be nestled into its topography • Planting of woodland belts to link woodland This early work considered: with reduced impact. blocks; • Geology and topography; • Creation of landscape corridors in valley • The impervious soils and subsoils create • Hydrology and water management; bottoms; a strong foundation for a ‘wet’ landscape Biodiversity • Biodiversity; creating a distinctive character and identity for • Conservation and improvement of existing new development. • Site landscape and ecology; hedgerows and reinstatement of lost • Potential to extend existing designated county hedgerow lines to emphasise the landscape wildlife corridors to and from the site. • Landscape and visibility; pattern; hedgerow trees to be replanted on • Archaeology and history; valley sides and bottoms; • Significant opportunity to enhance the site’s biodiversity, in line with county wide policy • Movement and settlement; • Footpath corridors to be improved; and objectives to create new priority habitat of • Settlement, form and character; • Road margins to be managed for floral county level importance. diversity; • Landscape character. • Species of County priority can be supported • Village approaches should have increased tree From this initial work a number of ‘drivers’ for and promoted to strengthen populations. cover with trees and woodland belts along development were derived, in principle, to help roads and planting and hedgerows at village guide the development of the masterplan. These • Opportunity to create a sub-regionally edges. drivers are reproduced here. It can be seen that important wildlife site. they have a direct relationship with the evolving Hydrology & Water Management masterplan and its underlying landscape. • The ‘Y’ shaped natural drainage pattern creates a structure for a new, broad wetland landscape that enhances the biodiversity of the region.

• The local precedents of moats and water holes on the edge of the plateau are an important influence on the character of the local area. These can be brought into the design to create distinctive characteristics to the development. Landscape Strategy 13

Site Landscape and Ecology Landscape and Visibility Archaeology and History

• Opportunities to connect habitats both on and • Retain existing woodland and tree belts as basis for • Utilise the brownfield land for off site. landscape structure and to integrate development. development but in a reconfigured form.

• Strengthening of relict treed hedgerows and • Reinforce northern edge by planting and landform • Respect the setting of the listed building woodland plantations to the site’s periphery for noise attenuation and screening, reinforcing and appreciate the character of the local for wildlife and local community benefit. east-west views. Conservation Area.

• Enhancement to entrance from Highfields • Link existing plantations and tree belts to east with • Recognise the recent WW2 heritage. Caldecote with the introduction of a new new tree planting for continuity and screening. gateway at the north east of the site. • Use powerful southern view from Runway • Reinforce western edge tree belts to strengthen 360. • Significant opportunity to increase biodiversity buffer to Cambourne and control views in from with new habitat types supporting a range of road. protected and Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) Settlement and Movement priority species. • Exploit long views southwards through New Barns Plantation with highest (most exposed) ground The driver for this analysis is the growth of retained within open space. The Grange farmstead into a linear village settlement as other farmsteads gave rise to • Use topographical separation and screening villages themselves. provided by New Barns plantation to guide land uses in the southernmost quarter of the site. Village Form • Reinforce southern boundary hedgebank to reduce visibility from footpath and views from land to the The two typologies of form evident locally south. can be applied to the masterplan site. The intersection form is relevant to the east/west site entrance similar to the original form of the precedent villages. The intersections in these villages can also be applied to the connections to the north south villages formed in the masterplan. The linear village typologies give pointers for the north/ south form of development that is generated by the alignment of the site.

Figure 6. 14 Bourn Airfield

3.3 HISTORIC CONTEXT AND TIMELINE

Whilst this is a modern development it aims to derive distinctiveness from events and lessons from the past, and the form of landscape that these generated.

Three tumuli on Alms Hill 1086 - Domesday 1602 - Bourn Hall is of the Elizabethan c1625 - Bourn Hall; stables, first half Bourn Mill, an early 1817- 1819 - Bourn Hall could be of Roman and Book : Brune listing style and stands on the site of the of 17th century European post mill, first modified Danish origin 73 households. original Bourn Castle mentioned in a deed in 8 villagers. 1636 4 smallholders. 1279 - 183 Bourn spelled 6 slaves. 7 freemen. 14th century - families and 900 Brune in the 1086 17 cottagers Bourn’s population Domesday book people in Bourn dropped to 299

Bourn - historic statutory - 180518

Legend c400 c900 1086 1279 Scheduled Monuments (England) 1602 1610 c1625 1636 1748 1817 Registered Battlefields (England) Registered Parks and Gardens (England)

Bourn three tumuli

Bourn Castle Projection = OSGB36 Map produced by MAGIC on 18 May, 2018. xmin = 527300 Copyright resides with the data suppliers and the map ymin = 254900 must not be reproduced without their permission. Some information xmax = 540200 in MAGIC is a snapshot of the information that is being maintained or (c) Crown Copyright and database rights 2018. Ordnance Survey 100022861. ymax = 261200 continually updated by the originating organisation. Please 0 0.4 0.8 refer to the metadata for details as information may be illustrative or representative rather than definitive at this stage. Map of Cambridgeshire in the middle Map indicating location of tumuli (c400) km 1610 - Map by John Speed showing Bourn 1648 - Isle of Ely by Joan Blaeu showing ages - showing the area around Bourn as and Bourn Castle (c1080 towards the end Hall woodland near Bourn heavily forested in dark grey & to the north of the reign of William the Conqueror) marshlands in light grey. 1215–1217 1337 to 1453 1803 -1815: First Barons’ War Hundred Years’ War Napoleonic Wars

Roman 43-410 Saxon c500-1066 Plantagenet 1154-1485 Tudor 1485-1603 Stuart 1603-1714 Georgian 1714-1837 Victorian 1837-1901

Figure 7. Historic Context Landscape Strategy 15

The hundred, lying mostly on the boulder clay of the Prior to the middle ages most of the area around Bourn Airfield were covered west Cambridgeshire upland, was originally well wooded. Place-names such as Eltisley, Swansley, and Papley recall in forest with marshlands to the north. By the 1750s most of the woodland where settlements were once established in clearings in and forests had been cleared for farming. The planting strategy aims to the wood, and the names Caxton and Croxton may indicate reintroduce some of the spirit of the original landscape for the enjoyment of Danish immigrants in the 9th or 10th centuries occupying people and to increase biodiverse habitat. previously uncleared land. Between 1943 & 1945 - Bourn Airfield

Bucket Hill plantation

1845 - The hundred 1924 - Map of Bourn 1944 - Map of Bourn August 2017 - Bourn Airfield -View from entrance gate on of Longstowe showing reduced woodland Airfield Broadway, to the west of the Site, looking east

1851 - the 1931 - 1951 - the 2001 Census - the population of 2011 Census population population population Bourn parish was 1,764 people - population grew to 945 fell to 587 amounted 1,053 living in 713 households stood at 1,015

1836 1845 1903 1924 1944 1945 2003 2015 2017

1836 - Map of Bourn with a small strip of 1903 - Map of Bourn showing woodland 1945 - aerial photograph of Bourn and 2003 - Bourn Airfield before the 2015 - Bourn Airfield woodland Bourn Airfield construction of the A428

1914 -1918 WWI 1939 -1945 WWII

Victorian 1837-1901 Edwardian 1901-14 Inter-war 1918-1939 Post War 1945-1999 C21st 16 Bourn Airfield A428 A428 A428A428 A428 Grange Farm Cambourne (listed building) A428 conclusions for the site justification conclusionsconclusionsconclusionsconclusions for for the forforthe site thethesite sitejustification sitejustification justificationjustification Cambourne Business Park

• Site• • isSiteSite already• isis alreadySitealready well is already enclosed wellwell enclosedenclosed well by enclosed topography, byby topography,topography, by topography, landform, landform,landform, and landform, andand and • Site is already well enclosed by topography, landform, and landscapelandscapelandscape featureslandscape featuresfeatures features landscape features • Opportunities• • OpportunitiesOpportunities• Opportunities to prevent toto preventprevent coalescence to prevent coalescencecoalescence coalescence by sensitive byby sensitivesensitive bysiting sensitive sitingsitingof the ofof siting thethe of the • Opportunities to prevent coalescence by sensitive siting of the development,development,development,development, retaining retainingretaining open retaining openopenview view corridorsviewopen corridorscorridors view and corridors enhancing andand enhancingenhancing and theenhancing thethe the development, retaining open view corridors and enhancing the Broadway existingexistingexisting treedexisting treedtreedstructure structure structuretreed structure existing treed structure • Limited• • LimitedLimited views• Limited viewsviews to visual toviewsto visualvisual receptors to receptorsvisualreceptors around receptors aroundaround the sitearound thethe sitesite the site • Limited views to visual receptors around the site • One• • OnepublicOne• publicpublic Onefootpath footpathpublicfootpath to thefootpath to tosouth thethe south tosouthof thethe ofof southsite thethe siteofsite the site • One public footpath to the south of the site high • Possible• • PossiblePossible• receptorsPossible receptorsreceptors to receptors the to toeast thethe on easttoeast the onon peripheryeast thethe on peripheryperiphery the of periphery the ofof village thethe villageofvillage of the village ofof of • Possible receptors to the east on the periphery of the village of gentle fall HighfieldsHighfieldsHighfieldsHighfields + Highfields • Existing• • ExistingExisting • bufferExisting buffer buffer planting plantingbufferplanting on plantingthe on on edge the the edge onedgeof theCambourne of ofedge Cambourne Cambourne of Cambourne is already is is already already well is already well well well • Existing buffer planting on the edge of Cambourne is already well establishedestablishedestablishedestablished established • A• • locallyAA locally• locally prominentA locally prominentprominent landform prominent landformlandform to landformthe to towest thethe westoftowest the ofof Bournwest thethe BournofBourn Airfield the AirfieldBournAirfield site Airfield sitesite site • A locally prominent landform to the west of the Bourn Airfield site visuallyvisuallyvisually separatesvisually separatesseparates the separates existing thethe existingexisting thevillage existing villagevillage of Cambourne village ofof CambourneCambourne of Cambourne and the andand thethe and the runway 36 visually separatesproposed the existing village villageof Bourn of AirfieldCambourne and the proposedproposedproposed village villagevillage of Bourn ofof BournBourn Airfield AirfieldAirfield N proposed village of Bourn Airfield site area • The• • northTheThe• north northtoThe south to tonorth south southridge to ridge ridgesouthon the on onridge site the the is onsite sitemarked the is is marked markedsite by is themarked by by main the the mainby mainrunway the runway runwaymain runway • The north to south ridge on the site is marked by the main runway whichwhichwhich visually visually whichvisually connects visually connects connects the connects site the the to site site its the to contextto itssiteits context context to and its context theand and neighbouring the the and neighbouring neighbouring the neighbouring which visually connects the site to its context and the neighbouring 250ha approx uplanduplandupland plateauupland plateauplateau to the plateau to tosouth thethe southtosouth the south upland plateau to the south + drivers for the masterplan Bucket hill plantation driversdriversdriversdrivers for for the forforthe masterplan thethemasterplan masterplanmasterplan

• Retain• • RetainRetain existing• Retain existingexisting woodland existing woodlandwoodland and woodland tree andand belts treetree and beltsasbelts tree basis asas belts basis basisfor aslandscape for forbasis landscapelandscape for landscape • Retain existing woodland and tree belts as basis for landscape structurestructurestructure andstructure to andand integrate toto and integrateintegrate todevelopment integrate developmentdevelopment development structure and to integrate development • Reinforce• • ReinforceReinforce• northernReinforce northernnorthern edge northern edgeedgeby planting by byedge plantingplanting byand planting bunding andand bundingbunding and for bundingnoise forfor noise noise for noise • Reinforce northern edge by planting and bunding for noise attenuationattenuationattenuation attenuationand screening, andand screening,screening, and reinforcingscreening, reinforcingreinforcing east-westreinforcing east-westeast-west viewshed east-west viewshedviewshed viewshed attenuation and screening, reinforcing east-west viewshed • Link• • existingLinkLink• existingexistingLink plantations existing plantationsplantations andplantations tree andand belts treetree and beltstobelts treeeast toto belts with easteast tonew withwith east newtreenew with treetree new tree • Link existing plantations and tree belts to east with new tree plantingplantingplanting for plantingcontinuity forfor continuitycontinuity for and continuity screening andand screeningscreening and screening planting for continuity and screening • Reinforce• • ReinforceReinforce• westernReinforce westernwestern edge western edgeedgetree belts tree treeedge beltstobelts treestrengthen toto belts strengthenstrengthen to buffer strengthen bufferbuffer with withbufferwith with • Reinforce western edge tree belts to strengthen buffer with CambourneCambourneCambourneCambourne and control andand controlcontrol andviews control viewsviews in from inviewsin fromroadfrom in roadroad from road Cambourne and control views in from road • Exploit• • ExploitExploit long• Exploitlong viewslong views views southwardslong southwardsviewssouthwards southwardsthrough through through New through New NewBarns Barns BarnsNewPlantation PlantationBarnsPlantation with Plantation with with with • Exploit long views southwards through New Barns Plantation with highesthighesthighest (mosthighest (most (mostexposed) exposed)exposed)(most ground exposed) groundground retained ground retainedretained within retained withinwithin open openwithinopenspace space spaceopen space highest (most exposed) ground retained within open space • use• • topographicaluseuse• topographical topographicaluse topographical separation separation separation and separation screening and and screening screening and provided screening provided provided by providedNew by by New Barns New by Barns Barns New Barns • use topographical separation and screening provided by New Barns plantationplantationplantation toplantation guide toto guideguide land to landusesguideland usesinuses land the in in southernmost uses thethe southernmostinsouthernmost the southernmost quarter quarterquarter of the quarter ofof thethe of the plantation to guide land uses in the southernmost quarter of the Runway Corridor site sitesite site site • Reinforce• • ReinforceReinforce• southernReinforce southernsouthern boundary southern boundaryboundary hedgebank boundary hedgebankhedgebank hedgebankto reduce toto reducereduce visibility to reduce visibilityvisibility from visibility fromfrom from • Reinforce southern boundary hedgebank to reduce visibility from footpathfootpathfootpath andfootpath views andand viewsviews from and fromlandviewsfrom landtoland from the to to south.land thethe south.tosouth. the south. footpath and views from land to the south. landscape and visibility landscape and visibility landscape and visibility landscape and visibility landscape and visibility 10 10 10 1010

Key Landform Key views

Figure 8. Key views related to land form, to protect or respect the north-south runway shown above and below.

Runway Corridor - heritage and a key landscape feature. The principal man-made feature on the site is the north-south runway which was crucial to the war time efforts of the airfield. The sloping runway (8m from top to the bottom) conveniently lines up with a notch in the distant hillside which was reputedly used by pilots for navigation. The retention of this runway, which is large (45m x 1.3km) would be a key feature of the scheme referring to the war time heritage but also helping to “organise” the neighbourhoods around it. It functions as a water collector, a major orientation device within the scheme and will perform social, environmental and design functions. 4 4 18 Bourn Airfield

4. Design Evolution

4.1 DESIGN EVOLUTION The design process has occurred over a number of years across a number of disciplines. From the initial landscape and contextual studies, key principles and drivers of the masterplan were derived as knowledge of the site increased.

The guiding vision for the masterplan is to: From its conception to delivery, the land at Bourn Airfield will meet South The Development: Cambridgeshire’s twelve sustainable development core planning principles: › Gross site area of 176.34 hectares; Create a new settlement that is complementary to surrounding › Circa 3500 homes; existing villages and sets a new benchmark for sustainable site planning. 1. Plan led › Employment expansion area 2. Creative › Average density of 38 dwellings per hectare; Figure 9. Initial masterplan considering the relationship with Cambourne and Highfields, 2015 3. Proactive › Typical housing mix comprised of detached, semi-detached and terraces The redevelopment of brownfield land will create a complete, self- 4. High quality design family homes, and some flats; sustaining settlement that offers a range of accommodation, 5. Area specific › Other non-residential uses include a farmers market, food store, pub, shops, Masterplanningcommunity facilities, shops and employment work to maintain has a diverse been6. undertakenLow carbon prior to the studiescafes, shownemployment, education, here. health, Post Office, community centre, and community at different stages of life. 7. Conserve natural environment leisure. 8. Re-use land Currently a more landscape-led9. approachMixed use is proposed than in previous New Community and 13 The land at Bourn Airfield is well connected by public transport, 10. Conserve heritage › New primary schools for existing and new Employment Uses walkable, efficient with land, connected to nature and offers high 11. Actively manage growth residents 1 performance buildings and infrastructure. 12. Meet local needs › Village heart with a full range of facilities including proposals for the site. a farmers market, shops and employment to Celebrating heritage accommodate a self-sustaining development

New and Improved › 14 15 New public parkland offering sport pitches, 7 7 Landscape and recreation, leisure, and children’s play 15 Amenity Space 16 15 4 7 › New allotments 14 3 7 6 17 10 11 2 7 Wildlife and 7 10 3 10 › Trees and hedgerows maintained and enhanced 5 Biodiversity 4 7 to create visual enclosure and to encourage local 8 wildlife, flora and fauna 6 8 6 › Creation of landscape corridors linking to 5 17 7 Cambourne and the wider countryside. These 8 12 2 5 15 corridors serve as productive ecological fingers. › 11 The creation of a sustainable drainage system 11 6 6 (SUDS) encourages wildlife and provides an attractive 1 14 landscape 10 16 15 8 10 11 13 6 7 2 Environmental › Development layout orientated to maximise passive 2 Sustainability solar gain and opportunities for energy generation 11 8 › 11 Creation of a SUDS including swales and 13 8 5 15 attenuation ponds to mitigate surface water and 5 11 flooding 11 6 6 15 10 10 11 Urban Design and › Range of residential accomodation for all stages of life 14 Density › Development densities and building typologies that 7 9 2 Key Bucket Hill Plantation are sensitive to the local context 6 15 9 1 Mixed use ‘heart’ 10 Existing hedgerows › Network of nieghbourhood focal points and

2 Neighbourhood focal point 11 SUDS retention ponds intimate spaces offering opportunities for formal and 15 informal social interaction 10 3 Vehicular access 12 Pedestrian link

6 11 4 Boulevard & strategic cycle route 13 Primary school

11 5 Neighbourhood Street 14 Sports facilities Movement and › Network of local and strategic bus services providing 7 Transport an alternative mode of transport to the private car. 6 Development parcel 15 Play areas 12 › Proposed high quality bus service route linking St. 7 Tree belt 16 Allotments 0 Metres 500m Neots to Cambridge 8 Green fingers 17 Employment › Network of cycleways and footpaths

Figure 10. Previous masterplan studies by John Tompson & Partners, and by Countryside Properties, c2013

LAND AT BOURN AIRFIELD, SOUTH CAMBRIDGESHIRE - VISION DOCUMENT 35 Landscape Strategy 19

The landscape-led approach to the masterplan can be imagined as a series of layers of increasing detail. The existing woodland and vegetation are linked to form an ‘architecture’ of the whole site. Other open spaces are added to identify individual areas.

The existing water regime is incorporated into the more space for school 100m landscape edge complete strategy.

additional east west green structure

structural landscape

Structural primary and secondary drainagePrimary corridor and landscape overland ow Optioneering: July 2014 onwards secondaryconveyance via SUDS drainage Throughout the design process the pros and cons of a range of options for locating corridor the centre were investigated. This has a distinct effect on the character and

Villagevillage edge edge integrity of the landscape to be provided. Attenuationattenuation ponds ponds Locating the centre in the centre of the framework has to be balanced against the location of schools, the existing employment and location of the north-south

Decreasingdecreasing vegetation 60% 60% reduction in SW (retained) runway. The neighbourhood ‘centre’ has never been in the centre runo vegetation reduction in of the site; its location is balanced by the location of the rural hub, and is offset SW run off by the location of the High Quality Public Transport to the north, the location of schools, the centres of population, and the access network.

Conceptconcept masterplan conceptConcept masterplan masterplan masterplan

Figure 11. The landscape strategy has had a formative effect on the emerging site development masterplan. 20 BournBourn Airfield Airfield 20 20 Bourn Airfield

TheTheThe Developing Developing Developing Landscape Landscape Landscape Masterplan Masterplan Masterplan FrameworkFrameworkFramework

• •Site Site• isSite is already already is already well well well enclosed enclosed enclosed by by topography, by topography, topography, landform, landform, landform, and and and landscapelandscapelandscape features; features; features; • •Opportunities Opportunities• Opportunities to to prevent toprevent prevent coalescence coalescence coalescence by by sensitive bysensitive sensitive sitting sitting siting ofof the theof development, thedevelopment, development, retaining retaining retaining open open open view view viewcorridors corridors corridors and and and enhancingenhancingenhancing the the existing existingthe existing tree tree treestructure; structure; structure; • •Limited Limited• Limited views views views to to visual visual to visual receptors receptors receptors around around around the the sitethe site site particularlyparticularlyparticularly the the viewshedthe viewshed viewshed north north north of ofthe theof theA428 A428 A428 corridor corridor corridor preventing views northwards; preventingpreventing views views northwards; northwards; SiteSiteSite Boundary BoundaryBoundary ConnectionsConnections • •One One• Onepublic public public footpath footpath footpath to to the the to south the south south of of the theof site;the site; site; • •Possible Possible• Possible receptors receptors receptors to to the theto eastthe east easton on the onthe peripherythe periphery periphery of of the ofthe the villagevillagevillage of of Highfields Highfields of Highfields Caldecote; Caldecote; Caldecote; • •Existing Existing• Existing buffer buffer buffer planting planting planting on on onthe the the edge edgeedge of of of Cambourne CambourneCambourne is is is alreadyalreadyalready well well established;well established; established; • A locally prominent landform to the west of the Bourn • •A Alocally locally prominent prominent landform landform to to the the west west of of the the Bourn Bourn Airfield site visually separates the existing village of AirfieldAirfield site site visually visually separates separates the the existing existing village village of of Cambourne and the proposed village of Bourn Airfield; CambourneCambourne and and the the proposed proposed village village of of Bourn Bourn Airfield; Airfield; • The north to south ridge on the site is marked by the main • •The The north north to to south south ridge ridge on on the the site site is is marked marked by by the the main main runway which visually connects the site to its context and runwayrunway which which visually visually connects connects the the site site to to its its context context and and the neighbouring upland plateau to the south. thethe neighbouring neighbouring upland upland plateau plateau to to the the south. south. Summary SummarySummary The early landscape masterplan shows that whilst the Centre Clusters and Links Green Blue Infrastructure Centre Clusters and Links Green Blue Infrastructure TheThe early currentearly landscape landscape development masterplan masterplan masterplan shows shows has that that changed whilst whilst the inthe detail, the Centre Clusters and Links GreenGreen Blue Blue Infrastructure Infrastructure currentcurrentoriginal development development principles masterplan masterplanremain intact: has has changed changed in in detail, detail, the the originaloriginal principles principles remain remain intact: intact: • Retain existing woodland and tree belts as basis for 100m • •Retain Retainlandscape existing existing structure woodlandwoodland and and toand integratetree tree belts belts development.as as basis basis for for 100m100m landscapelandscape• Reinforce structure structure northern and and to edgeto integrate integrate by planting development. development. and bunding for 45m 45m45m • •Reinforce Reinforcenoise attenuation northern northern edge edgeand by screening, by planting planting reinforcing and and bunding bunding east-west for for noisenoiseviewshed. attenuation attenuation and and screening, screening, reinforcing reinforcing east-west east-west 390m viewshed.viewshed. 30m 280m 390m390m 30m30m 280m280m

Centre Locations and Density Buffer Distances surrounding the Site CentreCentre Locations Locations and and DensityDensity BufferBuffer DistancesDistances surrounding surrounding the the Site Site Figure 12. The developing masterplan 2015 - 2016 FigureFigure 12. 12. The The developing developing masterplan masterplan 2015 2015 - 2016- 2016 Landscape Strategy 21

• Link existing plantations and tree belts to east with new tree planting for continuity and screening. • Reinforce western edge tree belts to strengthen buffer with Cambourne and control views in from road. • Exploit long views southwards through New Barns Plantation with highest (most exposed) ground retained within open space. • use topographical separation and screening provided by New Barns plantation to guide land uses in the southernmost quarter of the site. • Reinforce southern boundary hedgebank to reduce visibility from footpath and views from land to the south.

4.2 SPATIAL FRAMEWORK The 2019 Bourn AIrfield New village SPD states that the Spatial Framework should have Green and Blue Infrastructure that forms “A strong network of multifunctional green (and blue) spaces and corridors will connect valuable assets, improving local links, biodiversity and deliver hydrological benefits”. This very much confirms the design evolution that Public rights of way surrounding the site ensure that the site links into existing routes. has sought to develop a network of green spaces that provides for excellent walking and cycling movement for utility and leisure, natural environments for amenity and biodiversity, opportunities for children’s play in a natural setting, place for outdoor sport for all and growing spaces for gardening and small scale food growth.

4.3 CALDECOTE EDGES Caldecote Village Design Guide SPD provides design strategy influences along the eastern edge of the new village. It designates the area north west of the village in the Bourn Airfield site as “Strategic green landscape area between settlements” and to the south west of it there are valued views into the Country Park. The SPD seeks to conserve the gaps between settlements and secure access Pedshed analysis was carried out in 2016/17 which showed good pedestrian access to the main centres and bus to countryside and wildlife. The landscape design strategy stops. This, along with the street hierarchy, provides excellent pedestrian permeability throughout the site to supports this and integrates the landscape character and encourage the residents to walk. Whilst the masterplan has changed in detail these principles remain intact. settings of the existing village and the new settlement at Bourn Airfield. Figure 13. 5 Landscape Strategy 23

5. Landscape Strategy

5.1 DESIGN STRATEGY AND MASTERPLAN West Cambourne The new settlement is “wrapped” by a green framework, including some existing vegetation, that allows functional connections whilst retaining Cambourne separate landscapes and identities. As set out in Bourn Airfield the following development strategy, the landscape framework performs a valuable function in terms of amenity, facilities and biodiversity as well as separation. Footpaths will run within this substantial green framework, water will be an important part of it and it will therefore connect neighbourhoods as well as partially separating them from each other.

The landscape strategy and principles which follow all relate to the initial landscape analysis.

The three new settlements of Cambourne, West Cambourne and Bourn Airfield will share a transport and green infrastructure which will West integrate some functions, but will ensure that each Cambourne retains its own distinctiveness.

Cambourne Bourn Airfield

Figure 14. The connecting transport framework, and the separating landscape. 24 Bourn Airfield

The Landscape Masterplan opposite, incorporates the design ‘drivers’ summarised here, and explained earlier. These are broad principles which have been incorporated in the open space types and the landscape masterplan, and in turn these principles have influenced the development masterplan as it responds to the key landscapes on the site.

Figure 15. Landscape Strategy 25

5.2 Landscape Strategy principles • Open space around Bucket Hill plantation, • Allow for the potential for the secondary Bourn Airfield New Village SPD. The policy suitably planted, to assist in conserving the school sports pitches to be dual use with includes 4E Open Spaces and Landscape Character The principles of the landscape strategy are shown states “The new village will be integrated with its on the Parameter Plan – Green Infrastructure (RG- woodland and CWS grasslands; community usage outside school hours. landscape, incorporating and enhancing existing M-56 Rev N). These include: One area of outdoor sports pitches and • Strategic open space corridors along the one area of informal recreation are shown features and creating an encompassing network of landscaped green, natural and multi-functional water courses to enhance the landscape on the parameter plans as reverting to • Retention of existing woodland and tree open spaces within and surrounding new structure and provide for SUDs; residential use if dual use is agreed. The belts including Bucket Hill plantation, New development”. Design principles have been drafted to reflect Barn plantations and the principal tree belts • Planting such as orchards, hedgerows this flexibility and to provide appropriate along Broadway, around the Grange and This strategy provides for the 10 key components and meadows within the southern fields guidance whichever scenario is brought along the eastern edge of the PDS as a basis required in the Policy Document: to complement and provide a more rural forward. • a linear park utilising the alignment of the for landscape structure and to integrate character to interface with the Bourn valley; main north-south runway; development; • strategic landscape areas to create a • Linear park along the line of the north-south landscape setting for the village and • Retention and enhancement of the two runway with a character gradation from urban mitigate the effects of the new village on the north-south water courses; to rural, respecting past history; surroundings; • significant landscaped, potentially bunded, • Planted earthforms along the northern PDS buffer along the northern edge; • Country Park to south of site; boundary against the A428 within a linear • Country Park landscape within the strategic open space to achieve noise and visual landscape area to the south; • Comprehensive planting strategy for local attenuation and reinforce the east-west • network of green corridors and other open distinctiveness, character definition and viewshed; spaces; enhancement and biodiversity enrichment; • formal and informal play; • sports pitches integrated with the • A wide tract of open space along the western • North-eastern public open space with surrounding landscape; Broadway edge planted with woodland, planting, meadows and wetlands, and to • public art in key open spaces locations; grasslands etc. to supplement the existing separate settlements; • integrated approach to landscape design; tree belts and enhance separation from • environmental sustainability provision by Cambourne, whilst complementing its open spaces. • East-west tree belts and linear avenues to wooded edge, also controlling views from the ameliorate microclimate and provide visual Broadway; The strategy also covers the other requirements of baffles; the SPD in: • Woodland planting against the eastern • 4H Green Edges and Corridors; boundary to enhance the parkland/wooded • 5C integrating sustainabile drainage; • 5I protecting biodiversity areas and corridors. character and separation from Highfields Caldecote; 26 Bourn Airfield

5.3 OPEN SPACE TYPES The Landscape Masterplan shows the main open space types within the masterplan, varying from formal to informal, “human-centred” to biodiversity formed. These open space types are consistent with the Green Infrastructure Parameter Plan produced by Barton Willmore showing the areas fulfilling planning requirements.

KEY

The schematic landscape masterplan shows open space types, the landscape underlying the masterplan and the incorporation of green infrastructure parameters.

Figure 16. Schematic Landscape Masterplan. Landscape Strategy 27

Informal structural landscape - 9 1 1 wildflower meadow with copses and 9 scrub

7 7 7 1a As above, but copses of trees will not be appropriate for archaeological 4 6 reasons 3 2 Mixed native deciduous woodland 8 1 9 3 Meadow with orchard planting of 5 heritage local fruit varieties - with tall 1 5 hedgerows for windbreaks on exposed edges 6 9 4 5 4 Central runway parkland mixed planting gradient from ornamental 5 and urban to north and naturalistic 1 5 with native deciduous species to south 3 5 Amenity parkland with tree copses and mix of native and amenity shrubs. 5 6 Informal recreational area with mown 7 7 amenity grassland allowing use as 8 2 4 recreational surface though without sport markings or posts

7 Formal mown sports ground with sports turf for pitches and shelter belt 3 trees in amenity grassland at edges 3 8

1 8 Wetland and wet meadows with reeds, sedges and marginals to 1a 3 attenuation basins and occasional wet woodland copses 8 9 Deciduous native woodland shelterbelt with understorey shrubs

Figure 17. Open space types 28 Bourn Airfield

Design of the water edge to Retain existing be considered for water voles hazel hedge Matrix of woodland and dry south facing Bat route - this crossing slopes and neutral grassland 5.4 BIODIVERSITY STRATEGY breaks development The creation and linking of new habitats are key A418 to the biodiversity strategy enhancing the existing features of the landscape as well as creating a Herpetiles mosaic of interconnected new habitats such as: Bat • Wet woodland; bridge Urban square • Woodland edge;

• Wetland;

Tree planting Complete • Scrub; as bird routes woodland gradually getting gap • Species rich meadow; more informal Woodland and scrub boundary • 2 types of grassland; Newt and bat corridor Water ‘Moat’ shaded • Open and running water; Wood with • Orchards. controlled Runway park bird corridor park bird Runway pedestrian This enriched biodiversity complements the “place- Bats and access making” potential of the masterplan by creating badgers distinctively specific ‘places’ for residents and visitors; biodiversity, landscape and place-making work in tandem, as illustrated on the following pages. The Broadway Orchards Islands in as priority water for Bat bridge habitat nesting Bat corridor birds Bat corridor Enhancement Dry edges for badgers

Figure 18. Landscape types related to biodiversity requirements. Landscape Strategy 29

5.5 BIODIVERSITY AND HYDROLOGY The hydrology strategy and biodiversity potential are closely related. The plan shows principal 2 drainage routes and attenuation related to key landscape areas. 4

Sunny more open matrix of small woods, 1 small water areas and meadows bordering The Broadway.

Northern boundary: Dry south facing slopes 2 for reptiles. Matrix of grassland, scrub, and 1 woodland for visual separation. Hedges at road side for trapping particulates and woodland for carbon sequestration. 3 Eastern boundary: Shadier, scrub and 3 woodland bat/bird community route. Southern boundary and northeast gateway; Country Park Wetland landscapes 4 attenuating run-off before the Bourn Brook. New wetland habitats. 4

4

Caldecote Meadows Hardwick SSSI Wood SSSI

Figure 19. Hydrology and biodiversity areas.

Caldecote Meadows SSSI 30 Bourn Airfield

1 Dry neutral tussocky meadow with small scrub areas and broken copses

1a As above, but copses of trees will not be appropriate for archaological reasons

Landscape habitats 2 Wet grassland meadow with scrapes and sedges 6 1 6 3 Mixed deciduous native 12 12 hedgerow with rough margins & 1 scattered trees. 11 11 7 11 4 Mown amenity grass and 4 2 12 parkland amenity tree and 10 3 shrub planting 12 6 5 1 5 Wetland & ditches with reeds 12 and marginals

14 6 Deciduous native woodland mix 4 1 13 2 7 with ground flora & logpiles 4 12 4 7 Amenity rye grass for informal 13 sport use with rough margins 5 6 4 1 8 Native woodland edge marinal 6 12 13 grass-land & shrubs with thorny 8 & berry bearing species 10 9 Traditional orchard with wet 14 grassland meadow (local heritage varieties of fruit and 4 11 2 11 nut trees) Traditional orchard with dry 5 14 10 grassland meadow (local heritage varieties of fruit and 4 nut trees) 9 2 11 Sports grass with rough natural 15 3 margins 1 12 Deciduous native tree 9 shelterbelt with woodland 1a 15 ground flora & logpiles Avenue trees - mixed deciduous 2 13 amenity street trees

14 Existing deciduous woodland/ plantations managed for biodiversity and regeneration

Figure 20. The mosaic of landscape habitatss 15 New ponds, ditch network & open water with islands Landscape Strategy 31 A progression of water management at small and large scales

small ponds, fed by ditches, overall village control - form important parts of the 4 water captured in cascade 1 public space of local villages - of basins before exit to the proposals likewise include the existing watercourses capture of water next to main south of the site. These act streets in ponds, with reeds and to attenuate final run-off rushes - putting the landscape peak flows, and create rich fully in the public eye habitats, meadows and wetland for birds, reptiles and other wildlife.

The western entrance

RD1438 Bourn Airfield

The southern boundary - area control - the landscape Country Park ‘sponge’ intermediate source control - surface water 3 capture: even when the source capture in street blocks heavy clay fields (locally 2 The eastern entrance and greens at centre of parcels. called ‘denes’) prevent These are linked to the main absorption, the landscape network through green streets ditches, ponds and swales with rills and swales. trap run off and attenuate it in downpour conditions

Generic diagram 32 Bourn Airfield

Tradition of water management in South Cambridgehire villages

Figure 21. Ford over watercourse at Hinton Figure 22. Village pond at Barton Figure 23. Watercourse expands into small wetland at Barrington

Figure 24. small ditches front houses at Orwell Figure 25. watercourse forms the centre of the street at Elsworth Figure 26. green, pond & wetland - Fenstanton Landscape Strategy 33

Biodiversity net gain • Retention of woodland habitat corridors and Natural habitat enrichment Landscape and ecological Management The proposals will achieve a biodiversity net gain in additional buffer/infill planting to protect The proposals create as broad a range of landscape The long term management of the landscape excess of 10%. This involves taking what is remnant and enhance the connectivity of corridors habitats as possible within the parameters of local habitats of all kinds will be important in sustaining airfield along with agricultural improved soils, (for wildlife and particularly for bat foraging, soil type, microclimate and soil water regimes. The the landscape enhancements and biodiversity spartan watercourses and deciduous woodland with commuting and roosting); intention is to make this mosaic of natural habitats gains. little diversity of age of habitat and turning them using both design of topography through scrapes Detailed methodologies for mitigation and habitat into environments that will sustain native species and profiles that increase surface roughness . management relevant to ecological features • Retention and enhancement of existing water of grass, herb and shrub life and re-build a more are described in the Ecological Mitigation and resilient and self-sustaining biological order. This bodies and creation of additional waterbodies This involves a level of ecological design of Management Plan [EMMP] and Construction is turn will provide the eco-environments of soil for drainage purposes and to provide habitat landscapes to utilise Environmental Management Plan [CEMP] to benefit species including water vole, mycorrhiza, fungus, micro-organisms, annalids and • nutrient level - utilising low nitrogen soil, appended to the Environmenal Statment [ES] and insects that are the food source for insects, and an amphibians including great crested newt, ES Supplement. planting of yellow rattle etc improved quantity and diversity of shrub and tree reptiles and birds; and canopy for and birds, bats and other higher order • drainage; mild scarifying to profiling ridge mammal wildlife, including many locally important • Provision of public open space and play areas, and furrow, subsoiling, wetting through water Climate resilience and threatened native birds and mammals. which would be predominantly outside the channelling ditches, forming of scrapes and Pressure of climate change on plant and fauna green infrastructure areas created for sensitive basins to create wet and dry contrasting areas habitats means that greater diversity is required Biodiversity design principles wildlife. in any ecological matrix. The need to deal with • planting and seeding: using native species for • Provision of green infrastructure areas located drought and extreme weather conditions, with woodland, scrub, wetland and grassland, using global warming and the increasing threat of to protect the most ecologically important local heritage varieties of fruit and nut trees in biosecurity threats from disease of trees and parts of the site from development, including community orchards. other wildlife, means that planting, new habitats the Bucket Hill Plantation woodland and and their ecological management will need to be County Wildlife Site; • habitat management: open meadow cutting adaptable to these risks. The proposals include a and drying to retain local seed; woodland wide range of micro habitats, and a selection of • Minimum 25m-45m habitat buffer (green edge maximisation through thinning; plants with known climate resilience. infrastructure) around the site boundary, environmentally sensitive control of noxious woodlands and statutory and non-statutory weeds designated sites within or adjacent to the site; • control of invasive species (Cotoneaster horizontalis within woodland, and mink in water courses)

• monitoring / management of ash die back and dutch elm disease 34 Bourn Airfield

CAMBOURNE

5.6 LANDSCAPE MASTERPLAN Education campus with adjacent secondary and The Landscape Masterplan is presented here. It primary school with linked community sports incorporates the broad principles identified, and area and playing fields allowing flexible shared/ forms the framework for development. partitioned use; playing fields and environmental landform from northern boundary.

Village square as focus for the village.

Village centre - provides high street, High Quality Pasenger Transport (HQPT), food store and other Primary retail, services, community facilities and civic school space - an urban landscape.

Water attenuation, woodland and recreational The Broadway linear park.

Secondary sports facilities glimpsed from The Broadway.

Runway Park - mixed social, park and play space with walkways, courts, PV shade canopies and rain gardens becoming more rural to the south.

Archaeologically sensitive area; open space, with interpretation in surface-only landscape treatment. Below surface not to be disturbed by tree roots etc.

Country Park with wetland, ponds, scrapes and shallow bogs, alongside meadow and scrub. Walkways provide leisure trails and links to Bourn valley footpaths. Community orchard provides transition from natural park space to development edge. Landscape Strategy 35

Environmental landform as noise shelter, High Quality Public Transport, cycle route biodiversity A428 corridor and recreational linear park. Embankment includes a Photovoltaic Ribbon VILLAGE Dedicated HQPT provides fast public transport CENTRE connection to Cambridge and Cambourne.

Gateway park provides public space, wetlands and separates settlements.

Informal recreation space forms part of structural landscape

Core green space in valley around watercourses RURAL and existing woodland forming key village park. HUB New woodland infill to create solid woodland edge and screen containing cycleway and footpath.

Rural hub - lower intensity local facilities based around primary school and work/community spaces at the interface between Bucket Hill Plantation and Primary Recreation HIGHFIELDS the valley landscape. school ground CALDECOTE Bucket Hill Plantation retained actively enhanced and conserved, with wildlife management areas, natural play, glades and rides as the core of a wider woodland system.

South-facing community orchard.

Figure 27. Landscape Masterplan 6 Landscape Strategy 37

6. Layout and Appearance Design Concepts

North Edge and North 6.1 KEY LANDSCAPE CHARACTER A428 Eastern Gateway AREAS 1 The landscape character areas, water catchment and biodiversity areas, and other landscape types combine to form a site-wide series of linked landscape areas, each with its own character. These landscapes inform the distinctiveness of 3 The Broadway/ adjacent residential or social areas, and form 4 Cambourne woods Valley the basis of a site-wide pedestrian and cyclist Park movement system connecting with the existing footpaths. The landscape character areas and their extent and 6 treatment are a key element in the place-making of 2 the development. 5 Runway The numbered areas are explained in more detail Bucket Hill Grange Farm Park in the pages which follow. They represent key recreation area Plantation landscape types within the project.

7 Portway Country Park

Portway

Figure 28. Key landscape areas. 38 Bourn Airfield

A variety of landscape types are proposed within the basic landscape character areas previously set out. These range from the ‘urban’ to the ‘natural’ that all aim to make the environment of Bourn airfield a rich experience for residents, neighbours and wildlife alike.

North Edge and North Eastern Gateway Runway Park Valley Park The principal entrance to the site A series of smaller landscapes contained An existing water course is controlled 1 forming a sequence of views to connect 2 within a larger “structure”, 1.3km long, of 3 and augmented, and is the focus of the the different characters of open space, trees, avenues, shelters and water. surrounding neighbourhoods. water attenuation and bus transport link together.

Western Edge Broadway Fields Bucket Hill Plantation Country Park 4 The Broadway is currently a relatively fast 5 Glimpsed water and new tree planting 6 The existing plantation falls within the 7 Drainage attenuation ponds and swales road but the adjacent landscape could make from the Broadway; the cricket pitch would adjacent County Wildlife Site. The new create a rich mosaic of wetlands, scrub and it more enclosed and more ‘rural’; traffic imply some of the timeless qualities of landscape becomes the centre of the copses with bird hides, boardwalks and calming by landscape treatment. village cricket. woodland system for improved micro- piers to control access to creating a strong climate, diversity, place-making and sense of place. recreation. Landscape Strategy 39

housing gable ended 6.2 OUTER EDGE with views across park Landscape Character Area 1 HQPT built into landform Environmental land form on northern community North Eastern Gateway perimeter Landscape “closes” junction orchard to create a sequence of Entrance roundabout The North Eastern Gateway is a key landscape in views as part of the the development as it forms one of the principal landscape entrances to the site. It also has open space, A428 connectivity, water attenuation and avoidance of coalescence functions. Boardwalk cycle/ footpath linking entrance with the eastern boundary route, across the wetland Hotel to provide activity to square next to bus halt Direction of water Key playspace off pedestrian route channels to give long views on entry

Additional attenuation basin in grass areas

Existing landscape structure augmented and enhanced to contain new development and maintain wildlife corridors

Selected northern views New park - water attenuation wetland and from Highfields grassed areas and new native deciduous Caldecote shelterbelts to separate settlements remain open

CALDECOTE HIGHFIELDS

Figure 29. 40 Bourn Airfield

Making Connections - 1 A sequence of views 4 5 The entrance to the site from the east has been 3 conceived as a sequence of views, and the 2 landscape design, arrangement and design of development will reflect this. As a key entrance the ‘sense of arrival’ at the site is clearly important.

1 Long view of natural landscape with ditches and wetland to woodland backdrop.

2 Glimpsed view of pond.

View along access road contained by new 3 woodland.

4 View of hotel architecture and square at bus halt.

5 Landscape “closes” either side of the road, as road passes into main woodland to emerge into main settlement later. 6 6 View of wider landscape northwards for Highfields Caldecote

Figure 30. The sequence of views in North-Eastern Gateway. Landscape Strategy 41

Making Connections - A series of nodes High Quality Public Transport - foot and cycle routes The plans shown here and following give more detail Fast cycleway Bridleway Local cycleway of area 1. The North-Eastern Gateway is important to provide a sense of arrival as described, but this is also an important landscape as it combines a number of pedestrian, cycle, vehicular and public transport routes. These, and other functions, are labelled in this and the following pages. B E

G A

C H D

F

Figure 31. Area 1 explained in detail. 42 Bourn Airfield

A Dutch-style roundabout with cycle lanes could be used at the Highfields Road junction to enhance cycle priority on connections to/from Cambridge on the St Neots Road. A Entrance roundabout (subject to GCP plan(

Cycle superhighway providing fast cycle route Cambourne to Cambridge

Local cycle route combines off road shared footway and cycle-path with on route segments through quiet residential streets

Example of a Dutch style roundabout. Boardwalk cycle/footpath linking entrance with the eastern boundary route, across the wetland

B Strategic Public Transport Route

Traffic calmed informal designed zone of main street to enhance pedestrian and cycle connectivity across street Example of a cycle superhighway. Fast cycle superhighway connects to High Quality Public Transport halt

Direct pedestrian route to hotel from High Quality Public Transport

High Quality Public Transport halt built into landform

Potential for pedestrian connection from High Quality Public Transport halt to employment area

The bus halt design could be “organic” fitting into the landform. Landscape Strategy 43

C Cylcleways and Footpaths

Play Area

Local cycleway

Peri-site footpath, cycleway and bridleway

Residential streets can be designed as sociable spaces that balance the environment in favour of pedestrians and cyclists.

D Cylcleways and Footpaths

Local footpath across parkland

Shared footpath and local cycle path connecting Highfields Caldecote to High Quality Public Transport halt

Local footpath across parkland. 44 Bourn Airfield

A compact cycle friendly roundabout (Kingston on Thames) could be used at employment site junction to improve cycle access to employment area. E Cylcleway super highway

Cycle superhighway providing fast cycle route Cambourne to Cambridge follows High Quality Public Transport along A428

Local shared off road cycleways provide alternative routes into village centre

Peri-site footpath, cycleway and bridleway

F Edge of site footpath and cycle roads

Example of a shared cycle and footpath Local shared cycle and footpath

Community orchard

Informal recreation space

Peri-site footpath, cycleway and bridleway

Example of a peri-site footpath cyclepath. Landscape Strategy 45

The playing fields are part of the terracing of the landform as it extends southwards from the northern environmental landform screen. This is Terraced Sports Fields intended to allow for playing fields but avoid the G open, windswept featureless character which often occurs in this situation.

Terraced sports fields

Boundary planting to provide relief to an open expanse of sports fields

Terraced sports fields.

H Boardwalk and Water Attenuation

Local cycle route combines off road shared footway A novel approach to landformed sports fields for and cycle-path with on route segments through juniors. quiet residential streets

Attenuation ponds for drainage

Boardwalk cycle/footpath linking entrance with the eastern boundary route, across the wetland

Footpath and cycleway through the open space Boardwalk; a connection giving close access to overlooking the attenuation ponds nature but avoiding damage. 46 Bourn Airfield AA BB CC DD EE North Edge: A428 Landform

The objective is to make the landform perform as A428 public recreational space (with routes for walking, riding and cycling), noise barrier against the A428, High Quality Public Transport route visible to A428 drivers, south facing ecological areas, reusing construction earthwork arisings, along with solar photovoltaics to generate renewable energy.

Figure 32.

The figure, right, is a generic illustrative section looking east to show the principle of the noise attenuation landform. The proposed noise attenuation levels shown are “idealised” at present. The north facing slopes to the A428 are steeper and include planting to trap particulates; the south facing slopes provide space for amenity, biodiversity and renewable energy generation. The influence of the landforms can be extended into the adjacent playing fields so that the large undifferentiated spaces so typical of this land use can be moderated. This principle is also illustrated opposite, top.

Figure 33. Concept section showing environmental landform potential. Landscape Strategy 47

The environmental landform could incorporate a photovoltaic array facing south at an angle of approximately 18 degrees to optimise energy capture to the south. The intention is that this array will become “part of” the landform rather than being perceived as a separate structure. The cross sections of the landforms are not uniform and the photovoltaics could take up this irregularity, appearing as a fluid ‘ribbon’ in the landscape .

Figure 34. Concept section to show “routes” integrated into environmental landform.

Figure 35. Illustrative Section AA: Mixed /open use.

Figure 36. Illustrative Section BB: Secondary school 48 Bourn Airfield

Figure 37. Illustrative Section CC: Community sports fields

Figure 38. Illustrative Section DD: Housing

Figure 39. Illustrative Section EE: Main access at east Landscape Strategy 49

Landform & Contours

The indicative landform is shown, below. The final, designed landform will be calculated to take account of the level of the A428 relative to the site, the sensitivity of landuse to the south of the landform, the amount of spoil, arisings and fill material available on site, and the precise need for noise attenuation relative to the adjacent land uses. The highest new landform relative to the existing land will be in the range 5-8m. The intention is that the appearance of this landform will be consistent Noise protection Noise protection with the surrounding landscape and will not appear The landform for the new for the new “over engineered”. links into the Landform to proposed mixed residential highest point follow the form of use development. development. within the site. the overpass.

A428

Residential Mixed use Residential Sports fields development development development

Village Employment Square

Figure 40. 50 Bourn Airfield

In places the A428 is already in a cutting. This landform could be extended with appropriate benches for High Quality Public Transport, cycle route etc and for stability. The intention is to provide a wooded skyline as seen from the south so that the photovoltaic panels, right, are seen as a manmade element integrated within this new landscape. The foreground planting and the shallow angle of the PV panels will avoid risk of creating glare if there is a possibility that they are seen from the development.

connecting woodland and south facing meadows environmental landform

photovoltaic St Neot’s Road A428 High Quality ribbon existing woodland Public Transport Figure 41. Long section north-south, looking east. route Landscape Strategy 51

Figure 42. View into the site from the over pass, 2015 Figure 43. View from the site to the A428, 2015

Bourn Airfield

playing fields beyond secondary school beyond mixed use development beyond

High Quality Public Transport trees continue habitat corridor Village Square Runway Park 52 Bourn Airfield

Urban Square space the most urban part of the Park, incorporating transport 1 infrastructure.

6.3 PARKS Landscape Character Area 2 Runway Park 2 Central space (some variation to edge alignment but keeping Runway corridor is a 1.3km long park from top to the runway itself free), sports pitches, gardens etc, water more bottom and comprises three principle types of space. obvious. These provide for functions of the community, storage and sustainability as well as amenity: The diagram, right, shows the main principles. • urban square spaces - parking, market, paved 3 Southern zone - full width, more social and courts spaces with tree canopy. ecological, “watery”, cafe/interpretation • central space with mix of community, play and area in the space providing a prestigious social spaces along with some parking, and water setting for lower density housing with runoff attenuation. good views… all connected by PV • Southern area - with more rural and naturalistic, high value area with fantastic views to Bourn shelters, lines of trees, water. valley.

Figure 44. Runway Park in principle Landscape Strategy 53

Urban Square

A lively space, the focus of the community; a place for celebration and commemoration; public transport and access enliven the space in a controlled way; taller buildings ‘contain’ this space to signal its vital function as the focus of the Bourn Airfield development.

Central Space

The landscape becomes more relaxed, and greener. Water attenuation plays an architectural role to enliven the space. PV shelters and formal planting accentuate the north-south view whilst individual spaces become the focus of specific residential areas.

Southern Zone

The southern zone becomes semi rural, and the vegetated landscape predominates, water areas become larger and take on a biodiversity function; play areas become more ‘natural’. The trees provide essential shade and channel views. 54 Bourn Airfield

Runway Park Design Strategy Water runoff captured Runway Park is 1.3km long and has heritage from roofs and hard significance. It has an 8m drop from top to bottom surfaces and these critical dimensions will allow the park to be treated as a series of spaces and squares, specific to individual residential areas, contained within the dramatic north-south view. The diagrams show in principle how the park should be designed in detail.

72m SuDs Cascades

The old runway alignment flows gently down the hill to the viewpoint across Bourn valley. The fall is 8m (3 storeys) over the approximately 1000m distance. This change of level gives opportunities for integrating buildings 70m and sports facilities into the park without Figure 46. Runway Park design considerations interrupting the central view.

68m

Existing contours utilised to terrace the spaces throughout the runway park

66m

Terracing Levels view over Bourn Valley The retention of level terraces could allow 64m community buildings to be embedded in the Park while retaining views, and creation of imaginative spaces separated without fences. Figure 45. Diagrammatic plan showing levels related to development 2016 Figure 47. Runway Park design considerations Landscape Strategy 55

Community buildings Bus route Trees and avenues

significant play space Squares and terraces Sport and play Summary

Figure 48. Runway Park design considerations 56 Bourn Airfield Northern environmental Strategic public transport route screen and woodland disappears into woodland

The view from the northern end where the principal buildings are located will be dramatic. Conversely it is important that these key buildings “Urban” (secondary school, village centre buildings) define and enclose the space seen from the south. Further south, adjacent to the Country Park the buildings are smaller and enjoy expansive countryside views. So, moving from north to south the park would allow the visitor to experience a range of “parks” within the overall structure, ranging from urban and lively, to quiet, green and contemplative to the south. These aspirations are shown in the illustrations on these pages.

Water channel as ‘thread’ getting larger southwards Cherry ‘orchards’ for urban/ spring effect

Sports

View ‘Framing’ tree structure

Planting Auditorium/informal terraces

Recreation/ cafe/community building set in “Rural” slope of land with ‘architectural’ Cherry tree wetland facing orchards for south in front urban/spring effect

Figure 49. View from Country Park. Landscape Strategy 57

The landscape of the Linear Park is a series of smaller spaces, contained by a “structure” of trees directing the views. The sketch below illustrates a possible design related to the aerial view, previous page.

Possible community Linear building set into levels boulevard

Navigation notch in the distance is an important view

Wetland planting Cherry Grove Informal amphitheatre

Figure 50. Sketch view. 58 Bourn Airfield

Landscape Character Area 3 Valley Park

Valley park is a shallow, existing valley with watercourse which is used as the focus for the eastern development which can be at lower densities. It takes as a precedent the local village of Eltisley where the stream runs through the main village green. Existing vegetation will be retained giving exceptional opportunities for quality residential design looking onto the park. The south western corner of the park focuses on the Rural Hub so that the park acts as a car free access to the second primary school and community facilities.

Existing plantation retained and managed to improve diversity

Neighbourhood natural play area

Attenuation ponds and swales run alongside existing watercourse and provide additional wetland and scrub

Path network for walking and cycling with links Existing watercourse improved across watercourse to village centre with riffles and weirs along with re- profiled embankments to improve variety of edge conditions Prestigious houses overlooking Ford across street with ford raised paths for cyclist and swale pedestrians Ped/cycle bridge

Rural Hub Shallow road ford

Figure 51. Figure 52. Landscape Strategy 59

Natural Woodland Play

Bourn Airfield gives exceptional opportunities for natural play experiences for young children. The forest school movement in primary schools would allow the landscape presented in this document to act as outdoor classrooms. Play should be exciting, challenging with controlled risk, reconnecting children with their environment.

Weirs

Weirs will help control the proposed hydrology system ensuring that some areas remain as permanent water; social, environmental and hydrological value.

Fords

Fords are a natural focus for play, activity and interesting architecture. The water is part of a controlled system so that it never dries out but never becomes an uncontrolled torrent so that safety is ensured. Cyclists and pedestrians will have their own footbridge (right). Planning policy position (policy SS/6)

The submitted South Cambridgeshire Local Plan proposes the development of a new village of approximately 3,500 dwellings at Bourn Airfield. As part of the new village, the proposed non-coalescence policy requires the Bourn Airfield development to:

• maintain the rural character and separation of Cambourne, Caldecote, Highfields and Bourn • provide excellence in sustainable development and healthier living ThyssenKrupp site • include employment development within class B1 incorporating the existing ThyssenKrupp employment site • contain shops, services, leisure and other town centre uses appropriate in scale for a rural centre • have smaller local centres • include community services and facilities, including health, primary school and second school education • provide open space, sports and leisure facilities • deliver a high quality landscaped setting around the boundary of the settlement through strategic landscaping • ensure the retention of existing woods, hedges and water features which would contribute to the character and separation of the village South Cambridgeshire Local Plan • include a segregated bus link from Cambourne to Bourn Airfield through the Proposed Submission development to the junction of St Neots Road/Highfields Road July 2013

• create a network of attractive, direct, safe and convenient walking and cycling policy SS/6 area routes • provide at least two separate vehicular access points to the north-west and north- east of the site

avoiding• ensure coalescence no direct vehicularto Cambourne, access the onto Broadway the Broadway and Highfields (except for buses & bicycles)

landscape structure to edges

A428 100ha

• a 100m width to the A428 100m • 45m/50m minimum width to Broadway and Highfields Caldecote Planning policy position45m (policy SS/6) 185 • 10-30m to the southern windbreak incorporating existing 52m linear woodland plantations The submitted South Cambridgeshire Local Plan proposes the development of a new village of approximately 3,500 dwellings at Bourn Airfield. As part of the new village, the proposed non-coalescence policy requires the Bourn Airfield development to: 390m

• maintain the rural character and separation of Cambourne, Caldecote, Highfields 280m and Bourn 30m • provide excellence in sustainable development and healthier living ThyssenKrupp site • include employment development within class B1 incorporating the existing ThyssenKrupp employment site • contain shops, services, leisure and other town centre uses appropriate in scale for a rural centre • have smaller local centres • include community services and facilities, including health, primary school and second school education • provide open space, sports and leisure facilitiesCambourne Development Framework Highfields Caldecote • deliver a high quality landscaped setting(S/7) around area the boundary of the settlement through Development Framework (S/7) strategic landscaping area 60 • ensure the retention of existing woods, neighbourshedges and water features are which physically would contribute separated toBourn Airfield but need to be functionallly connected the character and separation of the villageThis strong landscape structure will avoid coalescence, but it will also be a valuable resource for biodiversity and leisure. It will South Cambridgeshire Local Plan • include a segregated bus link fromCambourne Cambournecontain wetlands, towoodland Bourn paths, Airfield exercise trailsthrough and small the scale Cambourne woods plantations Proposed Submission meadows. It will help to define Bourn Airfield as an attractive place. development to the junction of St Neots Road/Highfields Road July 2013

• create a network of attractive, direct, safe and convenient walking and cycling policy SS/6 area routes 11 • provide at least two separate vehicular access points to the north-west and north- The Broadway The east of the site Brand identity avoiding• ensure coalescence no direct vehicularto Cambourne, access the onto Broadway the Broadway and Highfields (except for buses & bicycles) manual Landscape Character Area 4 7 landscape structure to edges The Western Edge A428 100ha • a 100m width to the A428 100m Countryside Brand Identity Manual 2014© | Version 1 | February 2014 • 45m/50m minimum width to Broadway and Highfields Caldecote

This linear landscape45m system running parallel185 to The • 10-30m to the southern windbreak incorporating existing 52m linear woodland plantations Broadway provides biodiversity connections, new woodland and water attenuation, footpaths390m and bridleways and takes the form of a 280mmatrix of open 30m glades and small woodlands with glimpses of the new lower density development to the east. The new Figure 53. development is designed to overlook these public Cambourne woods - The Broadway - Green margin to The Broadway with Housing areas penetrated by green wedges spacesCambourne for security Development Framework reasons. The landscapeHighfields Caldecote varies in (S/7) area Development Framework (S/7) green infrastructure area traffic calmed and woodland, glades, grassland and and street greens. Lower density plots permit widthneighbours from 45-100m, are physically and is approximately separated but 0.8km need long. to be functionallly connected This strong landscape structure will avoid coalescence, but it will plantations ruralised wetland scrapes and swales skyline trees in gardens also be a valuable resource for biodiversity and leisure. It will The woodlandcontain wetlands, woodland edge paths, exercise facing trails and smallBroadway scale creates a new meadows. It will help to define Bourn Airfield as an attractive place. rural edge to that increasingly suburbanised road. It continues the woodland system which is emerging 11 on the western side of the Broadway as part of the Brand identity manual Cambourne development. 7

Countryside Brand Identity Manual 2014© | Version 1 | February 2014

55m nominal (45m min. to approximately 100m) Planning policy position (policy SS/6)

The submitted South Cambridgeshire Local Plan proposes the development of a new village of approximately 3,500 dwellings at Bourn Airfield. As part of the new village, the proposed non-coalescence policy requires the Bourn Airfield development to:

• maintain the rural character and separation of Cambourne, Caldecote, Highfields and Bourn • provide excellence in sustainable development and healthier living ThyssenKrupp site • include employment development within class B1 incorporating the existing ThyssenKrupp employment site • contain shops, services, leisure and other town centre uses appropriate in scale for a rural centre • have smaller local centres • include community services and facilities, including health, primary school and second school education • provide open space, sports and leisure facilities • deliver a high quality landscaped setting around the boundary of the settlement through strategic landscaping • ensure the retention of existing woods, hedges and water features which would contribute to the character and separation of the village South Cambridgeshire Local Plan • include a segregated bus link from Cambourne to Bourn Airfield through the Proposed Submission development to the junction of St Neots Road/Highfields Road July 2013

• create a network of attractive, direct, safe and convenient walking and cycling policy SS/6 area routes • provide at least two separate vehicular access points to the north-west and north- east of the site avoiding• ensure coalescence no direct vehicularto Cambourne, access the onto Broadway the Broadway and Highfields (except for buses & bicycles) landscape structure to edges

A428 100ha

• a 100m width to the A428 100m • 45m/50m minimum width to Broadway and Highfields Caldecote

45m 185 • 10-30m to the southern windbreak incorporating existing 52m linear woodland plantations

390m

280m 30m

Cambourne Development Framework Highfields Caldecote (S/7) area Development Framework (S/7) area neighbours are physically separated but need to be functionallly connected Landscape Strategy 61 This strong landscape structure will avoid coalescence, but it will also be a valuable resource for biodiversity and leisure. It will Housing parcel contain wetlands, woodland paths, exercise trails and small scale meadows. It will help to define Bourn Airfield as an attractive place.

11

Brand identity manual Figure 54.7

Countryside Brand Identity Manual 2014© | Version 1 | February 2014

View looking west towards Upper Cambourne from Bourn Airfield

100m

45-55m

Housing overlooks greenspace to ensure good security 100m

Edge greenspace penetrates into development parcels

residential overlooking

Peripheral footpath, cycletrack and bridleway with trim trail and green gym features 62 Bourn Airfield

Cycleways cross The Broadway and disguise and camouflage the traffic calming infrastructure to appear as cycle and pedestrian priority areas. Soft materials (timber and resin bonded aggregates) lessen the intrusion into the rural lane. Bourn Airfield site Broadway The

The addition of strengthened planting will reinforce the visual “narrowing” of the road. (See page 32, point 4)

The diagram shows a crossing point between Cambourne and Bourn Airfield. The pedestrian/ cycle paving material is carried across The Broadway.

Informal road surface THE BROADWAY continued across The Broadway

Figure 55. Concept sketch showing calming / ruralising / crossing principles. Landscape Strategy 63

Landscape Character Area 5 Broadway Fields

Broadway Fields provides a lower key sports facility away from the more formal pitches to the north. It could be used for village cricket so that the game is glimpsed under the trees bordering the Broadway adding a particular character to that existing road. THE BROADWAY

Community orchard

Sports pavilion

Grange Farm

RD1438 Bourn Airfield

Figure 56. Aerial view. Sports / cricket at the informal “edge” near the listed buildings. 64 Bourn Airfield

View looking west from Highfields Caldecote towrds Bourn Airfield and Cambourne beyond Landscape Character Area 6 A428 boundary area Bucket Hill Plantation is a landscape area necessary for noise Bucket Hill plantation was used in the second world CAMBOURNECAMBOURNE attenuation war for ammunition storage, and has a number of hardened tracks through it which will be the basis of a footpath and interpretation system. The plantation and its surroundings, including Eastern boundary the County Wildlife site, have conservation value A428 comprises strategic and therefore a balance has to be struck between woodland planting conservation and public access. The woodland to the eastern boundary will be to ensure green strengthened to augment the separation between network joins up and Highfields Caldecote and Bourn Airfield. This new prevents coalescence boundary provides a green-way for recreation and an important cycle connection to Cambridge. HIGHFIELDS CALDECOTE Modified SCDC MDA oli oundr 1

rooed Are 3

eleen oundr

erln ie oundr

The existing boundary gap would be filled by a 45m wide densely planted woodland to close its canopy after 3 years, see left. It would be thinned and managed between 5 and 10 years to create a valuable connecting woodland.

After 3 years Highfields Caldecote 45 m

After 10 years

Figure 57. Woodland to avoid coalescence. Landscape Strategy 65

Highfields Caldecote Approved housing S2764-16-OL beyond settlement boundary

Caldecote Primary School View looking east from Bourn Airfield towards Highfields Caldecote

Recreation Ground

Housing overlooks greenspace to ensure good security Bucket Hill Plantation overlooking

Edge greenspace penetrates into development parcels County WildlifeRD Site1438 Bourn Airfield Peripheral footpath, cycletrack and bridleway with trim trail and green gym features

Figure 58. Illustrative view 66 Bourn Airfield

The wooded boundary will be strengthened as shown on the previous page; however the diagrams, right, also show that the distance between the Bourn Airfield boundary and the main Highfields Caldecote development is considerable, up to 136m. FF

GG

Approved proposed woodland play trail

Approved housing S2764-16-OL

Caldecote primary Recreation ground school

Existing play area

Figure 59. Landscape Strategy 67

Existing village

Existing village

Figure 60. Sections showing separation of Bourn Airfield from Highfields Caldecote. 68 Bourn Airfield

Landscape Character Area 7 Country Park

The Country Park serves a number of functions including for water attenuation land receiving the run- off from the development including its existing water courses, and retaining the water prior to releasing it slowly into the Bourn brook and the system beyond. Secondary purposes are as a wetland reserve and as a The Country Park with access from the scheme and from Broadway the public right of way to the south. The Country Park is a valuable amenity of 30.3ha (including drainage basins and orchards) adding greatly to the biodiversity and amenity value of the area, terminating the Recreation southern view down Runway Park and providing the ground culminating transition from urban to rural described earlier.

Country park water attenuation basins with native wetland marginal planting

Interpretation of Romano-British archaeological Portway remains

Community orchard-growing space along with meadow with potential for green burial

RD1438 Bourn Airfield

Figure 61. Illustrative view Landscape Strategy 69

Community Orchard The proposed community orchard would provide a collection of fruit and nut trees planted among grasses and wild flowers creating a habitat of quality and biodiversity. It would present a place for people to come together to cultivate local and unusual varieties of fruit trees and to use as a focal point for community activities such as Apple Day, picnics or as a green haven in which to relax and wind-down. Orchards are a Biodiversity Action Plan environment.

Attenuation Ponds The proposed ponds would provide attenuation of peak flows, treat surface water run-off before entering watercourses and create a landscape feature with a high visual amenity and biodiversity value. These would respect and be integrated into the surrounding landscape character and qualities of Bourn Airfield whilst creating diverse, self-sustaining and resilient ecosystems which contribute to habitat connectivity and enjoyment of local residents.

Allotments The proposed allotment would offer a healthy lifestyle, an enjoyable hobby, relaxation, contact with nature whilst playing a significant role in promoting biodiversity. For children it would offer places to play and to learn about nature. For the elderly and disabled, who may benefit from raised beds, it would present an opportunity to meet people, to share in activity with like-minded people, and to experience activities such as planting and harvesting food and flowers. 70 Bourn Airfield

6.4 INDICATIVE PLANTING STRATEGY/PALETTE

Planting Criteria and Indicative Planting Palette Typical trees choices Typical large shrubs choices 1 North Edge The proposed plants have been chosen to enhance the distinctiveness Acer campestre Malus sylvestris of each character area. Fagus sylvatica Viburnum opulus North edge and Prunus avium Viburnum lantana Caldecote Gateway Sorbus aucuparia Ulmus ‘New Horizon’ A428 1 North Eastern Gateway CAMBOURNE Betula pendula Salix alba Betula pubescens Salix caprea Carpinus betulus Salix cinerea 3 Valley Populus nigra Salix viminalis Park Salix pentandra 2 Rhamnus frangula

Runway 2 Runway Park Park HIGHFIELDS Amelanchier lamarckii CALDECOTE Prunus avium ‘Plena’

The Broadway Prunus × yedoensis ‘Somei-yoshino’ Prunus ‘Shirotae’ Prunus x subhirtella ‘Autumnalis’ Prunus serrulata ‘Kanzan’ Prunus ‘Snow Goose’ Carpinus betulus ‘Frans Fontaine’ Liquidambar styraciflua

Portway

3 Valley Park Alnus glutinosa Rhamnus frangula Carpinus betulus Salix triandra Populus tremula Salix cinerea Quercus robur Salix purpurea Tilia cordata Viburnum opulus

Figure 62. Landscape Strategy 71

Methodology for tree planting choices Precedents for tree planting choices 1 North Edge and North Eastern Gateway 1 The proposed trees have been chosen to accentuate landforms along the northern edge adjacent to the A428 in terms of shape, foliage, texture, canopy, biodiversity and seasonal interest. The proposed tree planting at North Eastern Gateway is in homage to the original marshlands of the Middle Ages north of this area, and includes reed-bed, wet meadows, woodland and scrub planting.

2 Runway Park The proposed trees could create an impact along the whole length of Runway Park to commemorate 22 those who died in WWll , allowing for ecological interest and greening / shading in an urban environment as well as providing excellent living quality. The proposed Japanese and European cherry trees create, within the linear framework of other tree species, special colour accents along the runway reflecting various scales, transitioning to a more natural landscape in the southern part with orchards. The park becomes the trademark for the area with continuous seasonal interest.

3 Valley Park 3 Proposed trees close to the river are chosen to provide shelter, shade and stabilise river/stream banks as well as creating a dynamic environment for wildlife and interest for recreational users. Proposed sentinel trees create punctuation and a framework for Valley Park whereas larger tree species in the more open parkland areas aim at creating a connection to Bucket Hill Plantation. 72 Bourn Airfield

Planting Criteria and Indicative Planting Palette Typical trees choices Typical large shrubs choices 4 Western Edge Acer campestre Carpinus betulus Fagus sylvatica Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ Quercus robur Ulmus ‘New Horizon’ A428 Tilia cordata

CAMBOURNE

The Broadway/ 4 Cambourne woods 5 Broadway Fields Acer campestre Grange Farm Bucket Hill 5 6 Crataegus laevigata recreation plantation Euonymus europaeus area Juglans regia HIGHFIELDS CALDECOTE Liquidambar styraciflua ‘Worplesdon’ Liriodendron tulipifera ‘Aureomarginatum’ The Broadway Malus sylvestris Quercus robur Fastigiata ‘Koster’ Sorbus torminalis Tilia cordata

Portway 6 Woodland and scrub Acer campestre Euonymus europaeus Alnus glutinosa Ilex aquifolium Fagus sylvatica Ligustrum vulgare Pinus sylvestris Malus sylvestris Quercus robur Rhamnus cathartica Quercus petraea Sorbus aria Sorbus torminalis Viburnum lantana Taxus baccata Viburnum opulus Ulmus ‘New Horizon’

Figure 63. Landscape Strategy 73

Methodology for tree planting choices Precedents for tree planting choices 4 Western Edge 4 Proposed trees form a buffer between housing developments in Cambourne and Bourn with a rural woodland feel. The emphasis is on shaping an environment which focuses on cyclists and pedestrians allowing tree canopies to create shade, tranquillity and enclosure. Ulmus ‘New Horizon”, which is a disease resistant elm tree, has been included to reintroduce an historically important tree for future generations to enjoy.

5 Broadway Fields 5

Proposed tree planting is to allow for softening of boundaries. Groups of deciduous trees to create interest around the cricket pitch and dappled shade in summer.

6 Woodland and scrub 6 Proposed trees will increase biodiversity, seasonal interest and contribute to habitat creation, but mainly to capture the feel of complex and dense woodlands which covered this area in the Middle Ages. These woodlands could also reconnect along hedgerows and through tree belts to the ‘West Cambridgeshire Hundreds’, a Living Landscapes project, comprising of clusters of ancient woodlands which aim to give wildlife of woodlands the opportunity to spread and thrive through better management. 74 Bourn Airfield

Planting Criteria and Indicative Planting Palette Typical trees choices Typical large shrubs choices

7 Country Park Corylus avellana Acer campestre Crataegus laevigata Alnus glutinosa Crataegus × media Carpinus betulus Euonymus europaeus Fraxinus excelsior Malus sylvestris Juglans regia Rhamnus frangula A428 Prunus avium Salix aurita Prunus cerasifera Salix cinerea

CAMBOURNE Prunus padus Salix fragilis Prunus spinosa Sambucus nigra Pyrus communis Viburnum opulus Quercus robur Sorbus torminalis

Orchard Apple trees HIGHFIELDS CALDECOTE Malus domestica ‘Laxton Superb’ Malus domestica ‘Red Falstaff’ The Broadway Malus domestica ‘Spartan’ Malus domestica ‘Worchester Pearmain’ Malus x atrosanguinea ‘Gorgeous 7 Country Park Cherry trees Prunus avium ‘Celeste’ Prunus avium ‘Petit Noir’ Prunus avium ‘Summer Sun’ Portway Prunus avium ‘Sweetheart’ Pear trees Pyrus communis ‘Concorde’ Pyrus communis ‘Conference’ Pyrus communis ‘Louise Bonne of Jersey’

Figure 64. Landscape Strategy 75

Methodology for tree planting choices Precedents for tree planting choices

7 Country Park 7

Proposed tree planting to contain some native fruit trees with a more detailed selection of old British varieties to create a heritage orchard in the northern section of the park. Country Park is to contain a species rich selection of trees to reflect the wetland setting.

Planting Strategy/Palette - Planting Criteria Trees The proposed trees have been chosen to enhance the distinctiveness of each character area.

Criteria used for selection of species are: • Vigour and form / habit / eventual size. • Appearance ( foliage / texture / canopy). • Seasonal interest. • Appropriate combination of species for purpose. • Site specific requirements (position, exposure, soil). • Contribution to wildlife and biodiversity. • Robustness for an urban environment. • Likely maintenance requirements. • Enjoyment for the wider public. 76 Bourn Airfield

Planting Criteria and Indicative Planting Palette Typical Plant Mixes for 1 North Edge Achillea millefolium Lotus corniculatus North Edge and North Anthyllis vulneraria Onobrychis viciifolia Eastern Gateway Centaurea nigra Origanum vulgare Centaurea scabiosa Plantago media 1 Clinopodium vulgare Poterium sanguisorba Daucus carota Primula veris Galium verum Prunella vulgaris Western Edge Knautia arvensis Ranunculus acris Leontodon hispidus Ranunculus bulbosus 4 Leucanthemum vulgare Scabiosa columbaria 3 6

Bucket Hill 2 Bucket Hill Plantation & Cambourne Woods Plantation Alliaria petiolata Agrostis capillaris Allium ursinum Anthoxanthum odoratum Digitalis purpurea Brachypodium sylvaticum Galium album Cynosurus cristatus Geum urbanum Deschampsia cespitosa Hyacinthoides non-scripta Festuca rubra Hypericum hirsutum Poa nemoralis Silene dioica Teucrium scorodonia 7 Country Park

3 Valley Park & 7 Country Park Achillea millefolium Rumex acetosa Achillea ptarmica Sanguisorba officinalis Betonica officinalis Silaum silaus Centaurea nigra Silene flos-cuculi Filipendula ulmaria Succisa pratensis Galium verum Plantago lanceolata Geum rivale Prunella vulgaris Lotus pedunculatus Vicia cracca Plantago lanceolata Prunella vulgaris Ranunculus acris Figure 65. Rhinanthus minor Landscape Strategy 77

Methodology for Meadow Types Precedents for Meadow Types

1 Grassland - Dry Meadows 1 Species-rich dry meadows and pastures, which are found on limestone and chalk outcrops, the Brecks and on neutral soils in the Cambridgeshire county, are now very rare in the county. There is scope for the creation of dry grassland habitats of wildlife value particularly on the northern edge utilising crushed concrete from site and the possibility for creating species-rich grasslands using wild flower seed mixes.

2 Woodlands & Parkland Cambridgeshire is one of the least wooded areas in 2 the UK, so wooded habitats play a vital role in the 2 county as important wildlife habitats and landscape features. It is important to increase the area of woodland cover in the county by creating different and interlinked wooded habitats which support a variety of species, achieved through varying planting mixes and subsequent management regimes. Bucket Hill Plantation and The Broadway/ Cambourne woods could raise awareness about such rare habitats.

3 Wetlands Rivers and wetlands have always been an important 3 feature of Cambridgeshire. There is a great need to conserve existing wetland habitats and to create wildlife rich valleys containing additional areas of grassland, marshes and other wetlands. Valley Park, The Country Park and Highfields Caldecote Gateway would increase the area of wetland habitat in order for rivers and streams to maintain water quality provide dispersal corridors for plant and animal species, so increasing the value and diversity of habitats. 78 Bourn Airfield

6.5 INDICATIVE SOIL STRATEGY

Bourn Airfield Soil Considerations

Bourn - agricultural land - 1805 17

Legend Built Up Areas 2011 (England and Wales) Post 1988 Agricultural Land Figure 66. Waste from runway removal could be utilised to create low fertility soils for perennial species-rich grassland meadows forming part of the soils strategy Classification (England) Grade 1

Grade 2 Post 1988 Agricultural Land Classification (England) Grade 3a Grade 3b

Grade 4

Grade 5

Not Surveyed

Other

0 0.25 0.5

km Grade 3a Built up Grade 2 Grade 3b Projection = OSGB36

xmin = 527500 0 0.3 5 0.7 Figure 67. The soil strategy at Bourn Airfield could perform a number of valuable functions Figure 68. Soil types at Bourn Airfield areas ymin = 255600

xmax = 539100 km ymax = 262000 Map produced by MAGIC on 17 May, 2018. Copyright resides with the data suppliers and the map must not be reproduced without their permission. Some information in MAGIC is a snapshot of the information (c) Crown Copyright and database rights 2018. Ordnance Survey 100022861. that is being maintained or continually updated by the originating organisation. Please refer to the metadata for details as information may be illustrative or representative rather than definitive at this stage. Landscape Strategy 79

Soil Strategy - First Thoughts Low Nutrient soils

The sustainable use and protection of soil has Perennial species-rich grassland meadow consisting become increasingly important in recent years, of low fertility levels are generally required to driven by the requirements of European and encourage species diversity and discourage the national environmental legislation. establishment of dominant species (for example, Bourn Airfield’s soil strategy could provide a nettle, dock, rye grass) into a monoculture . To sustainable approach to the landscape design for the achieve this crushed concrete and other inert waste development through four particular areas – support materials could be used to form the base of the of the landscape, creation of ecological habitats, land forms along the north boundary and a mix of environmental interaction and water attenuation/ inert waste materials and subsoils used in proposed filtration. meadow areas. These techniques have been used to great effect in a number of prestigious settings. The use of crushed concrete and soil could serve two purposes . One would be for soil making specially low nutrient grasslands and the other to Soil Strategy for England create concrete land form for noise barriers, earth form or sub-bases for roads contributing to the The Soil Strategy for England identifies a number sustainability development process. of priority areas. Defra’s priority area 3 objective Soils with low fertility are generally required is the Sustainable Soil Management in the Built to achieve high floristic diversity and reduce Environment. Bourn Airfield could perform a maintenance requirements. This also discourages number of valuable functions or ecosystem services the establishment of dominant grass species such for society including nutrient cycling; water as perennial rye grass and ‘weed’ species such as regulation; carbon storage as well as support for dock and nettle. biodiversity and wildlife. It is recommended that a detailed materials and soils strategy is developed for the site to ensure optimum and beneficial use of concrete and other materials arising from the site clearance in landscaped areas and that valuable resources Soil Strategy for Bourn Airfield such as subsoil and topsoil are also conserved and redeployed effectively. Ideally this sustainable The selection of soils for a project of this scale approach should aim for minimal import or export should be part of the overall ‘design’ process. When of soils and waste materials. soils types are considered, it is normal to evaluate them for plant growth. However, a number of other factors and drivers need to be examined as part of the process, including the project’s remediation and drainage strategies, programme constraints and an awareness of sustainability issues. 80 Bourn Airfield

6.6 PUBLIC ART Public art can enliven the public spaces, interpret its history or be provocative. It enriches the public realm and can take many forms; sculpture, ground textures, lighting, signage or even soft landscape. The detailed strategy will be worked up in relation to the developing detail of the residential areas. As part of the landscape design there is scope for art in the form of landform and vegetation to add delight to otherwise practical matters as well as to reflect the past military history of the site through public art. Landscape Strategy 81

6.7 PLAY Open space standards for play are set out in Open Space in New Developments SPD 2009 and are detailed in Policy SF/11 of the Development Control Policies DPD. inue l The minimum quantitative standard for outdoor 4 A A 3 lay space and informal open space is 2.8 hectares play routes per 1000 people, comprising: A 1 a. Outdoor Sport – 1.6 hectares per 1,000 people A b. Children’s Play Space – 0.8 hectares per 1,000 people c. Informal Open Space – 0.4 hectares per 1,000 people 1 inue l 1 The guide suggests Children’s Play Space should be A 50% formal and 50% informal. A lower percentage A 4 of formal space may be acceptable if it can be demonstrated that provision of the LAPS / LEAPS / NEAPs hierarchy can be achieved appropriately with less than 50% formal provision. All play spaces will be well-overlooked and accessible on firm surfaced A paths without the need to cross busy roads. All spaces will be provided with diverse planting that will form part of the play provision. The “play routes” shown in orange, right are play routes candidates for natural play so that children can experience the natural world in an exciting and informative format. NEAPS

NEAPS will have a minimum activity zone of 1,200m2, will be freely accessible to all and provide cycle parking. The centrally located NEAP will have one or two of the following elements as identified through local consultation: • Traditional fixed equipment with safety surfacing aimed at the older age group such

Figure 69. Play area provision including equipped NEAPS and LEAPS, and imaginative play 82 Bourn Airfield

requirement a small games / kick about area is not defined but will be provided where secure as aerial runways and more challenging and adjacent to the main equipped play area. A buffer overlooking is available, where there may be gaps adventurous equipment; zone of 20m will be allowed for. in catchment for LEAPs and where the green space HEMANS ESTATE provision provides ideal opportunity to reinforce • Ball Court or “informal” MUGA; LEAPS will be designed with naturalistic equipment play spaces to complement other more formal Key Equipmentand fencing& Elements in semi-rural character areas, whilst in provision. These facilities will not be fenced. • Wheeled sport facilityRecreational or skate park; Activities the denser centre more formal equipment mayCommunity be Spaces for Multiple Uses used, though still maintaining a village rather than • Facilities for disabled users play; heavily urban character. Spaces for Imaginative Play (SIPs) Bars at varying heights Signage for trim and activity trail Table tennis Picnics and barbecue Meadow Dog Domain • A buffer zone to play equipment of 30m and of 80m to skate parks or informal MUGAs/ball In addition to the formal play space provision, courts. spaces for imaginative play are laid out with contoured areas and naturalistic features and Sit up bench Climbing wall Overhead ladder Wall art Mini orchard Allotments

future link for Hemans Estate to the New planting - without the use of conventional moving LEAPS Covent Garden Market site in 2020 The Link equipment. They may include paving, rills, ditches, embankments, hollows, fallen trees, large rocks, In accordance with the PSD guidance LEAPs stepping stones, moveable features such as will have as minimum a total of 9 pieces of play Hemans Street Omni-stadium velopa Standard sports fence logs or seating as appropriate to the character, improved main equipment, which will comprise at least 6 piecesproposed access to inner garden Social Heart building whethermeeting urban point in the Runway Park or rural along of play equipment for 4-8 year olds and at least with benches the development edge. The catchment for these tree planting for 3 pieces of equipment for toddlers. The area for living street softer edges

tarmac area toddlers should be separated in some way from enhanced existing trees the rest of the facility. The minimum activity retained

greened zone is 500m2 to include in addition to this space entrance 2 Sawn stepped timber log in oak by Infinite Playground 3 Space rocker by Richter or similar - 1.5.1 4 F1A Broxap’s “Swan Soft Land” picnic table - 1.6.1 5 Wooden stepping stones and logs - 1.5.6 6 Robinia posts - 1.5.7 areas7 Sand pit with concrete edge and drainage - 1.5.9 or similar - 1.5.5 and ecomulch - 1.7.1 focal point 1 multi coloured & start of surface trim trail

screened 45.00 fence bin area Darlington House multi use games area P8A amenity grass fun wall Hemans Street lockers 44.50 living street 4 repainted P7A meadow P1C tall woodland edge pocket park P4A tree group 3 no Prunus avium with Art greened with seating Hunter House undulating area 5 entrance areas6 3 2 P7A meadow 7 meeting point 7 with seating 1 City movers spinners by Playdale or similar - 1.5.2 P7A meadow slope swing existing trees and hedge 11.5m greened

1 P8A amenity grass slope entrance Gate P4A tree group areas astro turf - 1.7.2 1 no Carpinus betulus 8 Sawn timber stepping stones in oak and posts in robinia - 1.5.6 & 1.5.7 ecomulch Music 9 46.50 Orchard 20m buffer zone with flower 46.00 3 pocket park tree & low maintenance 2 meadow Fount Street 45.50 P8A amenity grass slope with seating shrub planting for softer natural play 45.00 14 4 3 2 1 edges 2 1 2 3 44.50 4 nature play trim trail to connect 3 passive surveillancedog domain passive surveillance 43.50 44.00 with inner garden Art 12 P8A amenity grass greened 10 painting wall entrance willow house picnic with areas 11 9 Embankment slide by Eibe or similar1.45m length barbecues PA4 cut meadow path and 1.0m wide in red - 1.5.3 Gate allotments 13 Trim Trail existing trees P4A tree group P2A specimen oak 14 Timber log steps in robinia leading onto the top of the 1 no Acer campestre mound - 1.5.8 2.5m tar spray and chip path tree planting for tree planting for softer edges softer edges P4A tree group existing tree 1 no Acer campestre 4 5 passive surveillance passive surveillance Inner Garden green gym Example of a NEAP Example of a LEAP Example of a SIPtarmac area 6 bench enhanced & A428 Play Area reduced Fount Street climbing wall with rubber mulch below SO1 LEAP PLAY AREA PLAN Green Gym

1:100 tree & low maintenance 13 Timber fence and gate for play space - 1.8.1 and 1.8.2 12 F1A Kennington timber seat BX17 4019 by Broxap -1.6.2 11 F2A Okehampton redwood slatted bin BX17 4030 by Broxap - 1.6.3 10 Multiple swings with team, cradle and flat seats by Playdale or shrub planting Paving surfaces similar - 1.5.4 Willow House Disabled Play for softer edges

Thorparch Road

Climbing structure from felled trees Eco mulch Swings Play house with roof N 0 10 20 30 m

1:250 at A1

22 June 2017 Landscape Strategy 83

6.8 THE LANDSCAPE AND CLIMATE Carbon Sequestration Biodiversity Shade for Pedestrian Areas. CHANGE RESILIENCE Carbon sequestration is a key element in planning Biodiversity is a key element of the environmental The proposal encourages people to walk and cycle, “The Paris Agreement requires all Parties to and procuring development, but also in the way strategy, and climate change resilience will be key so routes need to be convenient and attractive. put forward their best efforts through “nationally that ‘non-built’ uses such as farming are conducted. Shading is important to this, and will be achieved determined contributions” (NDCs) and to strengthen to eventual species selection. Vegetation needs to these efforts in the years ahead. This includes By converting arable land to woodland, for example, be resilient to higher temperatures, flooding, and by new woodlands, copses, street trees, and a requirements that all Parties report regularly on their significant carbon sequestration can be expected. carefully considered landscape ‘structure’ to the changed winter conditions. The scale of landscape emissions and on theirimplementation efforts.” - The The scheme proposes many hectares of new important open space of Runway Park. Here Paris Agreement, 2016. proposals, water attenuation and earth shaping woodland, and further work will be undertaken to the south westerly winds up the valley will be A rapidly changing climate makes demands on determine species, management regimes etc to brings outstanding opportunities for biodiversity conditioned by the water in Runway Park to the the design of the landscape where people live. A optimise this. The wetland has similar potential. enrichment relative to the low base of the existing south, funnelled through a series of green spaces, sustainability appraisal is included elsewhere in environment. and shaded by the framework of street trees and this application, but this broad discussion sets out avenues. the contribution that “landscape” could make to Water Attenuation & Management making the site more resilient to climate change. The water attenuation strategy for avoiding Renewable Energy problems downstream on the Bourn Brook is an inherent part of the landscape design strategy. It Renewables need not be confined to buildings. also aims to strengthen the local environment’s Bourn Airfield has major landscape areas which resilience to severe weather events. could provide renewable energy, including shelters, public art and landforms as part of a rich landscape.

Trees in avenues, groves and ‘orchards’ for shade, following pedestrian routes

A428 Environmental landform for new habitat Tree planting for landscape character and Tree planting for shade and as a marker for Increasing use of water capture, informally, to the south for creation and renewables shade to pedestrian routes bat migration routes water attenuation and biodiversity 84 Bourn Airfield

Figure 70. 7. Conclusion

Through study of the site, the surrounding area, and REFERENCES the technical requirements of the development a landscape strategy has been produced which will create Bourn Airfield New Village, A Spatial Framework & distinctiveness for those that live there or visit. The Infrastructure Delivery Plan Supplementary Planning landscape strategy will avoid coalescence with the nearby Document (SPD), Adopted. October 2019, by Greater villages, but its very distinctiveness will not mark it out as Cambridge Shared Planning foreign to this part of Cambridge. It is “of Cambridgeshire” but will reinstate some of those characteristics which Caldecote Village Design Guide Supplementary Planning have been lost in the twentieth century; woodland cover Document, Adopted January 2020, Greater Cambridge wetlands, the connection with the wider landscape which Shared Planning have been a factor of village life. Cambridgeshire Quality Charter, 2010 The principles of the landscape design will use the available resources efficiently, (landform, water, vegetation Open Space SPD Adopted January 2009, SCDC types and on site waste material) and they respond to the challenges of climate change. Landscape in New Developments SPD, 2010, SCDC

In an era of rapid climate and social change this is an Public Art SPD Adopted January 2009, SCDC integrated approach to a landscape strategy so that the requirements of transport, hydrology, biodiversity, and District Design Guide SPD, 2010, SCDC above all community all work together to produce a rich landscape for the future. This is a landscape where young Biodiversity SPD 2009, SCDC children in particular will feel connected to their past and the natural world around them. Landscape Strategy 85