Growth Fund Boost for Green Projects

02 April 2009

Green infrastructure projects in Cambridgeshire will receive a £3 million boost courtesy of the Housing Growth Fund.

The Cambridgeshire Horizons Board approved the distribution of 10% of the 2009/10 and 2010/11 Housing Growth Fund for Cambridgeshire to ensure that quality of life continues to remain a high priority for new housing developments. The allocation reinforces the importance the partnership places on making sure new developments in Cambridgeshire come forward alongside environmental improvements, better access to the countryside and increased biodiversity.

Amongst the projects approved are further improvements to the network of access routes and green spaces surrounding Cambridge, continued support for the National Trust's Wicken Fen Vision and improved habitat and access projects at St Neots and the Great Fen in Huntingdonshire. Additional funds have also been earmarked for country park projects associated with proposed new developments in Fenland and East Cambridgeshire.

John Onslow, Director for Development at Cambridgeshire Horizons and chair of the County's Green Infrastructure Forum, said: "Quality of life is a high priority for growth in Cambridgeshire and green projects have an important part to play in helping to mitigate the effects of climate change. Despite the economic downturn, we cannot afford to reduce our standards when it comes to creating sustainable new communities in Cambridgeshire.

"This is why we are working closely with our local authority and voluntary sector partners to deliver these key projects that will help ensure new and existing residents will have better opportunities to enjoy the countryside, at the same time protecting and enhancing our important wildlife habitats."

Ensuring the provision of green infrastructure throughout Cambridgeshire is just one of the ways in which Cambridgeshire Horizons is helping to deliver sustainable growth throughout the county. The Quality Charter for Growth, created by Cambridgeshire Horizons, its partners and consultants URBED, sets out the core principles for achieving excellence in the new housing developments planned for the county. The Charter aims to ensure the region remains an international leader in design, community development and low-carbon growth for years to come. The full Charter can be found here.

For further information on the individual projects please click here and see page 14.