PLEASE NOTE: You only need to register / login if you wish to make representations.

If you haven't got an account you can register now.
If you have forgotten your password you can request a new password.

Draft Open Space and Recreation Strategy - June 2011

Please note: To read the document online please click on one of the links in the table of contents below.When printing this document, the contents list, council banner, login details and the footer will not be printed.

Dial-up users please note that although the documents have been split into chapters to facilitate a faster download, some chapters are still quite large and may take some time to download.

Previous Chapter || Next Chapter

4.0 Provision of Open Space across the City

Introduction

4.1 This section of the Draft Strategy discusses the findings of the Open Space and Recreation Assessment. It breaks the information down by ward and provides data on the deficits in each ward and the ward’s strengths and weaknesses in terms of open space provision. It also discusses the level of provision proposed in the urban extensions to the City, which have not been assessed in this Draft Strategy as they have not yet been delivered on site. An indicative map of the existing Protected Open Space in the City and the proposed provision in the urban extensions is set out in Appendix 4.

4.2 Across the City, there are some 736.11 hectares of Protected Open Space on 286 sites², of which 346.63 hectares on 154 sites are publicly accessible. Overall, this equates to approximately 6.2 hectares of Protected Open Space per 1,000 people based on mid-2009 population estimates, of which 2.9 hectares per 1,000 people is publicly accessible. This can be compared to the existing standard for all open space provision through new residential development of 3.3 hectares per 1,000 people (3.7 hectares per 1,000 people in the urban extensions as allotments are included). Open spaces are not evenly distributed, with many suburbs experiencing a relative paucity of open space in comparison with the City Centre and the west of the City.

4.3 Within the City, Protected Open Spaces have been sub-divided into categories, given their main purpose. Table 1 below indicates the amounts of each typology of open space. The abbreviation used for each type of site is included in the table. This abbreviation is use as part of the unique number for each site, e.g. AGS 32 would be Amenity Green Space 32 - Fanshawe Road Amenity Green Space.

Table 1: Primary function of open spaces in Cambridge

Typology	Sites	Total Hectares
Allotments (A)	22	35.87*
Amenity Green Space (AGS)	69	34.45
Cemeteries and Churchyards (CEM)	12	17.70
Provision for children and young people (CYP)	28	5.24
Natural and Semi-Natural Green Spaces (NAT)	36	167.55
Parks and Gardens (P&G)	56	257.78
Outdoor Sports Facilities (SPO)	63	217.52
Total	286	736.11

*Excludes Victoria Almshouses (categorised as AGS 51 due to the amount of amenity green space on site for residents) and Histon Road Allotments (located within South Cambridgeshire, but functionally and geographically contiguous with the City).

Green corridors are not included within the table above as each green corridor in the city is split down into different sites of a range of typologies.

Future Provision of Open Space in the Urban Extensions

4.4 A key aspect of the development strategy for the Cambridge area is a number of major new urban extensions to the City. The 2003 Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Structure Plan required a review of the Cambridge Green Belt to release land for the long term development needs of Cambridge, in specified locations and subject to the purposes of the Cambridge Green Belt (Structure Plan policy P9/2b). The required review of the Cambridge Green Belt has already been completed through the development plans of the City Council and of South Cambridgeshire District Council. These plans have released land to meet the long-term development needs of Cambridge at the southern fringe, at North West Cambridge and at Cambridge Airport. Many of the urban extensions include land in both Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council’s administrative areas. They are at various stages of implementation, with some having obtained planning permission. The urban extensions to Cambridge create additional demands for access to open spaces at the same time as providing opportunities to deliver new areas of open space, both strategic and local. These areas play a key role in linking the urban area with the surrounding countryside.

Cambridge Southern Fringe: Trumpington Meadows

4.5 Trumpington Meadows comprises 1,200 new homes alongside supporting facilities. It lies within both Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District Councils’ areas, and is allocated in the Cambridge Local Plan 2006 and South Cambridgeshire’s Cambridge Southern Fringe Area Action Plan. Planning permission was granted in 2009. Throughout the residential development there will be ‘green fingers’ – areas of open space that extend into the development from the arable fields to the south and country park to the west. All ‘green fingers’, except one which runs above the main gas pipeline, will be planted with two rows of trees to create avenues. Pocket parks and greens will also be provided throughout the development. A new riverside community park (Country Park) is to be provided along the River Cam extending north and south of the M11 motorway. It will include a variety of habitats, including wet and dry meadowland and woodland alongside tussocky grassland at the river edge. There will be two balancing ponds within the Country Park, sited on land to the north of the M11 and east of the River Cam, and new planting around the balancing ponds. Shared cycle and pedestrian routes will be provided, linking the Country Park to the built up area. The two parts of the Country Park on either side of the M11 will be linked by a cycle and footpath using the existing bridge over the motorway, and there will be a good network of informal footpaths across the park. Land directly to the south and south west of the built up area will remain in arable use and be rented out to local farmers. The illustrative land strategy within the Design and Access Statement accompanying the planning application seeks to break up these large fields between the M11 and the development edge into smaller fields that replicate the old pattern of field boundaries. New trees will be planted within the new hedgerow boundaries to break up the expanse of arable fields and improve biodiversity.

Cambridge Southern Fringe: Bell School

4.6 This site lies entirely within Cambridge’s administrative area and comprises 347 residential units and 100 units of student accommodation. It is allocated in the Cambridge Local Plan 2006 and received planning approval, subject to a Section 106 agreement, in 2008. Bell School has informal open space centred around two balancing ponds along the southern edge, the provision of allotments, play areas and pocket parks together with a central linear informal space ending in a crescent on its southern end and a landscaped area adjacent to Greenlands on its northern end. The layout provides an opportunity for an attractive pedestrian link with views out to the countryside beyond the site, including the Gog Magogs to the south. The open spaces on Bell School are not in themselves strategic in nature. As a part of the greater offer of the Southern Fringe, Bell School’s open space forms a local part of the strategic provision of open space for the South of the City.

Cambridge Southern Fringe: Clay Farm

4.7 This site lies entirely within Cambridge’s administrative area and provides 2,300 new homes and a mixture of other supporting uses. It is allocated in the Cambridge Local Plan 2006 and planning permission was granted in 2010. This site is an important gateway to Cambridge and will form a new edge to the City. Landscape and open space are key elements of overall character of the proposed development, with the existing trees, plantations, hedges, Hobson’s Brook and associated ditches characterising the development, and providing the background around which the new landscape will be designed. The green corridor provides the transition between the urban fabric and the open countryside to the south, and remains in the Green Belt. A transition is proposed within this corridor from formal recreation/open space adjacent to Long Road to informal open space further south to merge with the countryside character beyond. This is achieved with the majority of active uses located north of The Busway’s Addenbrooke’s spur. South of The Busway spur will comprise wet/dry balancing ponds, a permanent wetland feature, informal species rich grassland and tree planting primarily along the western and southern edges. An allotment site of 1 hectare is included on the western edge of the southern section.

Cambridge Southern Fringe: Glebe Farm

4.8 This site lies entirely within Cambridge’s administrative area and provides for residential development of just under 300 homes. It is allocated in the Cambridge Local Plan 2006 and planning permission was granted in 2010. The public open space is spread across three main areas: a central open space, a western open space and an eastern open space, each of which contains a play area. The layouts and play specification for the spaces provide for a range of different ages, from toddlers to teenagers. The open space on the northern side of the site is much less animated and smaller in scale and seeks to implement a native tree planting mix with a wildflower seeded area along its northern edges. Along the sides of the site that face Hauxton Road and the Addenbrooke’s Access Road is a buffer of native structural landscaping arranged in a series of thickets. The allotments are provided at the very eastern side of the site and are sub-divided by a roadway and potential strategic pedestrian/cycle link to Exeter Close. A number of pedestrian and cycle links are provided at regular intervals, and a strategic link is provided centrally that meets with Bishop’s Road and crosses to meet Hauxton Road further north. The open spaces on Glebe Farm are not in themselves strategic in nature. As a part of the wider Southern Fringe, Glebe Farm’s open spaces form a local part of the strategic provision of open space for the South of the City.

Cambridge Southern Fringe: Addenbrooke’s 20:20

4.9 The site lies within Cambridge’s administrative area but is highly visible from public vantage points beyond the City to the south and the west and is flat, exposed and relatively featureless. The Cambridge Local Plan allocates this area for enhancements to Addenbrooke’s Hospital as part of the creation of a wider Cambridge Biomedical Campus, which received planning permission in 2009. It is set against the backdrop of the existing hospital, which appears as a mass of institutional buildings with minimal landscaping. Long distance views of the site are most evident from the Gog Magog Down to the south. The Addenbrooke’s site has a number of proposed areas of public realm within it and provides scope for informal areas for relaxation. The site links with the wider City and the surrounding countryside via strategic footpath and cycleway routes. As with Bell School and Glebe Farm, smaller open spaces will contribute to the high-quality sustainable environment being created in the Southern Fringe.

North West Cambridge: Land between Huntingdon Road and Histon Road (NIAB1)

4.10 A park is proposed in the centre of this development of 1780 dwellings within Cambridge’s boundaries and a green corridor is proposed along the outer boundary of the development that runs between Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire. The site is allocated in the Cambridge Local Plan 2006 and planning permission was granted in 2010 subject to a legal agreement, although the frontage area has a separate permission and construction began in Spring 2010. The green corridor along the boundary will include the retained hedgerows and additional planting, the existing definitive footpath linking Huntingdon Road and Histon Road, an additional cycle route and new drainage facilities which take the form of swales, ditches or ponds. A park will be provided in the centre of the development, near the community centre and linked to two of the green corridors that cross the site. This park will contain sports pitches, landscaped areas for informal play and recreation, drainage facilities including drains or swales along the edges of the park and wetland areas. Children’s play areas will be provided throughout the site. Some of the open spaces are purely local in nature, whilst the green corridor has a more strategic role.

North West Cambridge: Land between Madingley Road and Histon Road

4.11 Land in Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire has been released from the Green Belt specifically to address the long-term development needs of the University of Cambridge. The joint North West Cambridge Area Action Plan provides for academic and research and development facilities, accommodation for 2,000 students and 3,000 dwellings, half of which will be for University key workers. A large central area of open space will be provided in the strategic gap between the two parts of the site, which will be retained as Green Belt. There will also be a substantial open landscaped area between the development and the M11, retained in the Green Belt. The Plan requires improved linkages into the wider countryside and other areas of publicly accessible open space such as the Coton Countryside Reserve and the NIAB 1 and 2 developments. The open spaces which make up the green corridor and the strategic gap are of strategic importance.

Cambridge East

4.12 The joint Cambridge East Area Action Plan sets out the planning requirements for this site which lies within both Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire, and which plans for 10,000 to 12,000 new homes in the area based on the Cambridge airport site. Whilst the urban quarter as a whole requires the airport to relocate, the Plan identifies potential for early development north of Newmarket Road and north of Cherry Hinton with the Airport remaining on site. In addition to the creation of strategic routes connecting Green Infrastructure in the City with the surrounding districts and key projects such as Wicken Fen Vision, a Country Park is proposed to the east of Airport Way, as part of the development of this site as a new urban quarter for Cambridge. An urban park is also proposed on the existing Park and Ride Site, along with a range of smaller open spaces and allotments. A Green Corridor will be retained through the new urban quarter, linking Coldham’s Common with the wider countryside. This corridor is retained as Green Belt.

Ward Assessment

4.13 A simple way of assessing the adequacy of the amount of existing open space provision is to compare the quantity of provision in an area with its population. In principle, this is a sensible approach, except that ward boundaries are essentially arbitrary and not all local communities identify with them. In addition, a ward can appear to be poorly provided for, but have very good provision just outside its boundary.

4.14 However, it is considered relevant to provide information on Protected Open Spaces at a ward level as this approach allows data to be viewed at a more comprehensible level. Ward profiles can also be combined to view provision at an Area Committee level, if necessary.

4.15 Each ward profile contains the following information:

Population of the ward (based on Cambridgeshire County Council’s 2009 population estimates);
Number of hectares of Protected Open Space per 1,000 population;
Percentage of Protected Open Space which is publicly accessible;
Description of the ward;
Strengths of the Protected Open Spaces within the ward;
Weaknesses of the Protected Open Spaces within the ward;
Opportunities to improve Protected Open Spaces within the ward;
Threats to Protected Open Space within the ward.

4.16 Additionally, following the descriptive text, each ward profile also has a map showing the location and number of each area of Protected Open Space within the ward and an accompanying list of the Protected Open Spaces by number and name. The table of sites also indicates whether the sites are publicly accessible or are private, requiring membership of a College or allotment society for example. State schools have currently been categorised as public, based on the availability of community access to these sites outside school hours. This is not intended to reflect public access within school hours, which could compromise the well-being of pupils. The number of hectares occupied by each site is also noted. Despite not being generally publicly accessible, the many private open spaces in Cambridge are essential components of the City’s character; providing a setting for the City’s many historic buildings; offering a recreational resource for their users, e.g. students and staff of a College; supporting biodiversity and supplying a green lung to the surrounding area.

4.17 A number of the ward maps show Protected Open Spaces that span two or more wards. Any cross-boundary Protected Open Space is shown on the maps of each ward, but is only shown on one ward list in order to avoid double-counting of the site’s area. For example, the Lakes adjacent to Cherry Hinton Brook (NAT 28) fall into more than one ward, but are only listed under Coleridge ward as the majority of the land area is within Coleridge. This approach has been used throughout the document.

4.18 Where opportunities are expressed in the ward profiles, they are intended to be illustrative rather than exhaustive. If allocated or windfall sites come forward for residential development in wards where there are clear deficiencies in publicly accessible open space, the development should be required to provide high quality provision on site, unless it can be clearly demonstrated that this is not possible. If provision cannot be secured on site, financial contributions should be paid in order to enhance open space in the locality to allow it to support a greater number of users. Site allocations will be reviewed as a part of the review of the Local Plan.

4.19 As a result of the presentation of the Draft Open Space and Recreation Strategy at Development Plan Scrutiny Sub-Committee on 12^th July 2011, a number of additional sites were suggested by Councillors. These sites include a number of private gardens and a civic space:

1 The Willows, Camside
2 The Willows, Camside
Lane End, Thrifts Walk
The Moorings, Thrifts Walk
Roebuck House, 28 Ferry Lane
Central open space on Cambridge Leisure Park

The sites mentioned above will be the subject of assessment prior to the Draft Open Space and Recreation Strategy being presented at Environment Scrutiny Committee. If anyone has any questions regarding the assessment of these sites, they should contact the Planning Policy team during the consultation period to progress discussion.

4.20 Abbey Ward Profile

Total Population (2009):	9,360
Protected Open Space hectares per 1,000 population:	12.3 hectares (89.5% of which is publicly accessible open space)
Description:	The ward has a mix of housing types and land uses, with much of the western part of the ward made up of retail and industrial uses along Newmarket Road. The area between the river and Newmarket Road up to Stanley Road is predominantly 19^th century housing, with a mix of 20^th and 21^st century housing up to the railway. The 20^th century housing estate areas in the ward consists of a mix of flats, terraced and semi-detached housing. Some of the flatted blocks have little or no access to gardens. The ward is bounded by commons and other open spaces to the north and the south-east. To the north, Stourbridge Common and Ditton Meadows are contiguous, providing an extensive green corridor, which runs adjacent to the River Cam into the heart of the City. Cambridge Airport forms the south-eastern edge of the ward with the open areas of closely cut grassland adjacent to the runway linking the notional countryside with Coldham’s Common and the former gravel quarries and Cherry Hinton Hall through to the chalklands to the south.
Strengths:	In comparison to the majority of the City, Abbey ward contains a good mix of publicly accessible open spaces. In addition to the presence of a number of allotments and children’s play spaces, there is good access to the nearby commons and sports facilities at the Abbey Pools complex.
Weaknesses:	Although the amount of open space provision is comparatively good and the areas of open space are well-used, the quality of the open spaces is very varied, with the quality of maintenance only average on Ditton Fields (AGS 04), the Dudley Road Recreation Ground (AGS 06) and the Velos Walk Play Area(CYP 14). A number of sites in the ward, including Silverwood Close (AGS 33) suffer from fly-parking on the edges of amenity green space. On Coldhams Common (P&G 22), the relationship between the common and the adjacent football ground (SPO 07) is poor due to the hostile environment created by high security fencing and hard landscaping.
Opportunities:	Children’s play spaces on Peverel Road and at Abbey Pools Complex need significant improvement. River Lane Play Area only provides for toddlers, but is used by older children as they have no alternative space within the site. Enhancement of Barnwell West Local Nature Reserve to improve access and reduce fly tipping and damage caused by recreational dog walkers. Development of Cambridge East with significant open space and recreation provision.
Threats:	Potential for loss of football pitch at Cambridge United FC.

Protected Open Spaces in Abbey Ward

Site No.	Site Name	Public/Private	Size
A 05	Elfleda Road Allotments	Private	4.29
A 13	New Street Allotments	Private	0.47
A 26	Peverel Road Allotments	Private	1.08
AGS 04	Ditton Fields Recreation Ground	Public	0.64
AGS 06	Dudley Road Recreation Ground	Public	0.80
AGS 07	Thorpe Way Play Area	Public	1.16
AGS 33	Silverwood Close Amenity Green Space	Public	0.16
AGS 36	Amenity Green Space outside 73 - 87 Peverel Road	Public	0.19
AGS 37	Amenity Green Space outside 33 - 47 Peverel Road	Public	0.18
AGS 38	Rawlyn Road Amenity Green Space	Public	0.24
AGS 39	Jack Warren Green large Amenity Open Space	Public	0.24
AGS 40	Jack Warren Green small Amenity Green Space	Public	0.15
AGS 56	Ditton Lane Amenity Green Space	Public	0.26
AGS 63	Fison Road Amenity Green Space	Public	0.30
AGS 71	Peverel Road Small Amenity Green Space	Public	0.07
AGS 72	Barnwell Road Amenity Green Space	Public	0.04
AGS 73	Wadloes Road Amenity Green Space	Public	0.32
AGS 75	Whitehill Close Amenity Green Space	Public	0.25
CEM 03	Newmarket Road Cemetery	Public	7.82
CYP 12	Peverel Road Play Area	Public	0.41
CYP 14	Velos Walk Play Area	Public	0.09
CYP 28	River Lane Play Area	Public	0.01
NAT 07	Stourbridge Common	Public	19.38
NAT 08	Barnwell Pit (lake)	Private	2.45
NAT 09	Barnwell Junction Pasture and disused Railway	Private	2.97
NAT 10	Ditton Meadows	Public	15.85
NAT 30	Barnwell East Local Nature Reserve	Public	3.26
NAT 31	Barnwell West Local Nature Reserve	Public	4.02
P&G 22	Coldhams Common	Public	44.74
SPO 01	Barnwell Road Recreation Ground	Public	0.56
SPO 07	Cambridge United FC	Private	0.84
SPO 39	Abbey Meadows Primary School	Public	2.00
Total			115.24

Abbey Ward Map

4.21 Arbury Ward Profile

Total Population (2009):	9,280
Protected Open Space hectares per 1,000 population:	0.81 hectares (98% of which is publicly accessible open space)
Description:	Situated to the north of the City Centre, Arbury predominantly consists of flatted blocks, terraced and semi-detached housing dating from the late 1950s onwards, with pockets of older terraced housing close to the City Centre. The ward has the lowest levels of Protected Open Space in the City. Although the amount of publicly accessible open space is high relative to the amount of Protected Open Space, the types of open space are limited. Adjacent to the ward, Jesus Green (P&G 09) and Arbury Local Centre Play Area (CYP 16) are accessible for residents of Arbury.
Strengths:	The St. Alban’s Road Recreation Ground (P&G 19) at the northernmost point of the ward has a community centre, sports pitch and children’s play space located on the same site. This site is used extensively by local residents.
Weaknesses:	The Play Area behind 70 - 80 Hazelwood Close (CYP 05) and Hazelwood Close Toddler Play Area (CYP 18) are both in very poor condition with significant disrepair evident. Given their relatively isolated locations, they have been subject to vandalism. CYP 05, in particular, was unappealing for children. Greater consideration should be given to allocation of children’s play spaces. Poor distribution of open spaces of any quality or size close to areas of housing.
Opportunities:	Site 5.07 Willowcroft, Histon Road and Site 5.17 295 Histon Road are both allocated for housing in the Cambridge Local Plan 2006. If these sites were to come forward for their allocated use, the quality and quantity of open space made available on site should be high in line with the Council’s standards in order to avoid further negative impact on deficiencies in publicly accessible open space in both Arbury and Castle wards. Blandford Way Play Area (AGS 01) is currently very limited with two play items for toddlers. This space could be considerably better used if more thought was given to equipment. Opportunities to improve the quality of green spaces close to flatted blocks and to consider consolidating children’s play spaces onto larger, better-overlooked sites.
Threats:	Ongoing damage to green spaces.

Protected Open Spaces in Arbury Ward

Site No.	Site Name	Public/Private	Size
AGS 01	Blandford Way Play Area	Public	0.18
AGS 27	Ferrars Way Amenity Green Space	Public	0.10
AGS 28	Harris Road Amenity Green Space	Public	0.24
AGS 45	Harvey Goodwin Gardens	Private	0.18
AGS 46	Redfern Close Amenity Green Space	Public	0.22
AGS 68	Borrowdale Amenity Green Space	Public	0.17
CEM 05	Histon Road Cemetery	Public	1.38
CEM 10	St Giles’ Churchyard	Public	0.11
CEM 12	St Luke’s Churchyard	Public	0.24
CYP 05	Play Area behind 70 - 80 Hazelwood Close	Public	0.07
CYP 18	Hazelwood Close Toddler Play Area	Public	0.07
P&G 01	Alexandra Gardens	Public	1.15
P&G 19	St Albans Road Recreation Ground	Public	2.09
P&G 28	Jubilee Gardens	Public	0.56
SPO 48	St Luke’s Primary School	Public	0.79
Total			7.55

Arbury Ward Map

4.22 Castle Ward Profile

Total Population (2009):	7,750
Protected Open Space hectares per 1,000 population:	10.1 hectares (7% of which is publicly accessible open space)
Description:	Situated to the north-west of the City Centre, Castle ward is bisected by Huntingdon Road. Between the south-western side of Huntingdon Road and Madingley Road, College uses dominate, with Colleges such as Fitzwilliam, Churchill and Murray Edwards having significant presences within the streetscene. All the Colleges within this area have established and well-maintained gardens, whilst some Colleges also have extensive playing fields within the ward. Residential uses within this area predominantly consist of large detached houses with large gardens. To the north-east of Huntingdon Road, terraced housing dominates, with limited pockets of publicly accessible open space.
Strengths:	The open spaces associated with the Colleges can be glimpsed travelling through the area, adding to the greenness of the ward. Histon Road Recreation Ground (P&G 08) is well-maintained, accessible from different directions, has high quality play equipment for all ages, and has patches of semi-natural green space. Castle Mound, a scheduled ancient monument, provides an opportunity to view the City’s skyline and allows people to appreciate the historic context of the City.
Weaknesses:	The main challenge in Castle ward is the level of public access to Protected Open Spaces. Although some residents of the ward will be associated with the Colleges and will have access to the College gardens and playing fields, many residents in Castle, particularly those in the north of the ward, have very limited access, with Histon Road Recreation Ground providing the most sizable piece of public open space in the area.
Opportunities:	Whilst the NIAB and North West Cambridge sites will provide open space primarily for the residents of the sites themselves, it is anticipated that nearby residents of Castle ward will make use of the range of open spaces to be offered at both NIAB and North West Cambridge. Both sites will allow better access to the countryside beyond. Access to the Travellers’ Rest Pit SSSI (NAT 24) will be enhanced as a result of the development at North West Cambridge.
Threats:	The loss of or deterioration of existing open spaces. Loss of College sports pitches.

Protected Open Spaces in Castle Ward

Site No.	Site Name	Public/Private	Size
AGS 30	Northampton Street Amenity Green Space	Private	0.09
AGS 58	Sherlock Close Amenity Green Space 2	Private	0.19
AGS 59	Sherlock Close Amenity Green Space 1	Private	0.16
AGS 60	Westminster College	Private	1.12
AGS 70	Carisbrooke Road Amenity Green Space	Public	0.25
CEM 08	All Souls Lane (Ascension) Cemetery	Public	0.93
CEM 11	St Peter's Churchyard	Public	0.11
CYP 15	Albion Yard Children's Play Area	Public	0.13
NAT 17	Madingley Rise Meadow	Private	1.86
NAT 20	Conduit Head Road Lake	Private	0.81
NAT 24	Traveller's Rest Pit (SSSI)	Private	3.71
P&G 08	Histon Road Recreation Ground	Public	1.80
P&G 23	St John's College Gardens	Private	11.39
P&G 24	Royal Observatory	Private	3.10
P&G 29	Magdalene College Gardens	Private	1.30
P&G 32	Trinity College Gardens	Private	7.48
P&G 41	Wychfield	Private	1.74
P&G 42	Lucy Cavendish College Gardens	Private	1.30
P&G 43	Fitzwilliam College Gardens	Private	1.46
P&G 44	Murray Edwards College Gardens	Private	2.69
P&G 45	Castle Mound	Public	1.17
P&G 47	St Edmund’s College Gardens	Private	2.95
P&G 48	Trinity Hall Gardens	Private	1.10
P&G 49	Gonville & Caius College Gardens	Private	0.81
P&G 54	Trinity College Fellows Garden	Private	2.37
P&G 55	Trinity College - Burrell's Field	Private	1.48
SPO 10	Churchill College Grounds	Private	9.06
SPO 19	Fitzwilliam College Playing Fields	Private	2.61
SPO 46	St John's & Magdalene Colleges Playing Field	Private	10.31
SPO 51	Trinity Hall Playing Field	Private	3.89
SPO 58	Mayfield Primary School	Public	1.10
Total			78.47

Castle Ward Map

4.23 Cherry Hinton Ward Profile

Total Population (2009):	8,740
Protected Open Space hectares per 1,000 population:	7.71 hectares (58% of which is publicly accessible open space)
Description:	The ward has a mix of housing types and land uses, with industrial uses located on the northern edge of the ward adjacent to Cambridge Airport and office and research and development uses on Fulbourn Road. The rest of the ward predominantly consists of 20^th century housing, with the original village core still evident along the High Street. This ward is bounded by a range of open spaces to the north and west, which form part of a green corridor running through to adjacent Abbey Coleridge and Romsey wards. To the south and east, the Cambridge Green Belt bounds the built-up area, with a number of sites of local and national nature conservation importance forming the edge of the built-up area of the City.
Strengths:	Cherry Hinton has a good range of open spaces, including the parkland of Cherry Hinton Hall, sports provision within recreation grounds, high quality allotment provision and a range of natural and semi-natural green spaces, which form a strong green corridor. In recent years, improvements have been made to the East Pit (NAT 15) in order to enhance biodiversity and reduce damage from off-road biking.
Weaknesses:	Many of the natural and semi-natural green spaces are not well-managed and maintained. Whilst a balance should be sought between access and biodiversity, the sites adjacent to the lakes (NAT 11, 32 and 26) are suffering from poor quality maintenance. On some of the sites, self-set trees are taking over, reducing the biodiversity of the scrubland. The most significant problem, however, relates to access. There is obvious demand to enter the lakes from adjacent sites, including the Spinney Primary School and Cherry Hinton Brook. This desire for access has given rise to vandalism and other anti-social behaviour.
Opportunities:	Improvements to facilities at Cherry Hinton Hall – this need has already been recognised through the masterplanning work undertaken for the site. Improvement of access to currently restricted natural and semi-natural green spaces. If land adjacent to Hatherdene Close comes forward for housing, there are opportunities for open space to be provided within the site. Development of Cambridge East with significant open space and recreation provision.
Threats:	Further deterioration in quality of natural and semi-natural green spaces.

Protected Open Spaces in Cherry Hinton Ward

Site No.	Site Name	Public/Private	Size
A 04	Dawes Lane Allotments	Private	2.21
A 11	Wenvoe Close Allotments and Paddock	Private	0.87
AGS 35	Fulbourn Road Amenity Green Space	Public	1.14
AGS 41	Queen's Meadow Amenity Green Space	Public	0.23
CEM 04	Church End Cemetery (St Andrew's Church)	Public	1.08
CYP 13	Reilly Way Play Area	Public	0.10
CYP 23	Ainsdale Children's Play Area	Public	0.05
CYP 27	Kathleen Elliott Way Children’s Play Area	Public	0.02
NAT 03	Limekiln Close Local Nature Reserve	Public	2.86
NAT 14	West Pit SSSI (Limekiln Caravan Club)	Public	4.91
NAT 15	East Pit (south of Limekiln Close LNR)	Public	8.10
NAT 16	Lime Kiln Hill Reservoirs	Private	3.39
NAT 26	Meadow and Small Wood (Peterhouse) - South of Hayster Drive	Private	0.95
NAT 32	Hayster Drive Open Space	Private	0.57
NAT 36	Giant’s Grave	Public	0.37
NAT 37	Former Landfill Site West of Norman Way	Private	11.59
NAT 38	Former Landfill Site East of Norman Way	Private	8.86
P&G 03	Cherry Hinton Hall	Public	14.12
P&G 04	Cherry Hinton Recreation Ground	Public	2.90
P&G 26	Church End Green Space	Public	1.15
SPO 13	Colville County Primary School	Public	0.55
SPO 42	Spinney County Primary School	Public	0.87
SPO 67	Cherry Hinton Infants School	Public	0.50
Total			67.39

Cherry Hinton Ward Map

4.24 Coleridge Ward Profile

Total Population (2009):	8,550
Protected Open Space hectares per 1,000 population:	5.72 hectares (34.6% of which is publicly accessible open space)
Description:	Coleridge has a mix of housing types and land uses, with leisure and industrial uses located on the western edge of the ward and some retail and industrial uses located on Cherry Hinton Road at the southern edge of the ward. The 19^th and 20^th century housing development in the ward has a small number of flatted blocks and areas of terraced housing mingled with streets of semi-detached housing.
Strengths:	Coleridge Recreation Ground (P&G 07) is used extensively by local residents, including many dog-walkers, people with young children and a number of sports teams. As the largest and most varied, publicly accessible Protected Open Space in the ward, it offers a vitally important resource to local people. Despite its strengths and the level of use, there is still significant scope for improvement of facilities on site. The paddling pool attracts many visitors in the summer months and should be maintained effectively.
Weaknesses:	St Thomas’ Road Play Area (CYP 10) is situated to the rear of housing off St. Thomas’ Road. In addition to its poor siting, the condition of the site is poor, with vehicles regularly driving across the land and some evidence of anti-social behaviour. The Lakes adjacent to Cherry Hinton Brook (NAT 28) are in a mix of ownerships and are not publicly accessible. Although the lakes are both deep and dangerous, due to the crumbling nature of the banks and the lack of surveillance, they are frequently accessed informally from a number of access points.
Opportunities:	Site 5.02 The Paddocks Trading Estate and Site 5.08 Territorial Army site on Cherry Hinton Road are both allocated for housing in the Cambridge Local Plan 2006. If these sites were to come forward for their allocated use, the quality and quantity of open space made available on site should be high in line with the Council’s standards in order to avoid further negative impact on deficiencies in publicly accessible open space in Coleridge ward.
Threats:	Further expansion of Coleridge Community College, Ridgefield Primary School and St. Bede’s School with related loss of open space.

Protected Open Spaces in Coleridge Ward

Site No.	Site Name	Public/Private	Size
A 03	Burnside Allotments	Private	3.34
A 07	Fanshawe Road Allotments	Private	0.62
A 16	Perne Road Allotments	Private	0.68
AGS 31	Davy Road Amenity Green Space	Public	0.22
AGS 32	Fanshawe Road Amenity Green Space	Public	0.18
AGS 47	Rustat Avenue Amenity Green Space	Public	1.24
CYP 10	St Thomas’ Road Play Area	Public	0.30
NAT 11	Spinney - Blue Circle	Private	0.65
NAT 28	Lakes adjacent to Cherry Hinton Brook	Private	26.72
P&G 07	Coleridge Recreation Ground	Public	5.08
SPO 12	Coleridge Community College Playing Fields	Public	2.16
SPO 44	St Bede's School	Public	7.74
Total			48.93

Coleridge Ward Map

4.25 East Chesterton Ward Profile

Total Population (2009):	8,830
Protected Open Space hectares per 1,000 population:	2.66 hectares (63.7% of which is publicly accessible open space)
Description:	Whilst the north-east of East Chesterton ward contains many employment and industrial uses, the south-west of the ward is mainly occupied by housing, with some retail uses along Chesterton High Street. Older housing is concentrated around Chesterton High Street and Ferry Lane, with 20^th century housing forming much of the rest of the ward between the River Cam and Milton Road. Although there is not a high level of provision of open space within the ward, almost two-thirds is publicly accessible.
Strengths:	The ward has a significant amount of allotment provision, with one particularly large site at Pakenham Close (A15). There is a range of open space of different types with access to a number of natural and semi-natural green spaces both within and adjacent to the ward. Chesterton Recreation Ground (P&G 05) is one of the ward’s main assets, with scope for formal and informal use of the space, with pitch provision and a children’s play area suitable for a range of ages.
Weaknesses:	Causeway Park (P&G 30) is in very poor condition. The site is rough grassland with few trees and paths. The site seems to lack any real purpose. The Pye Meadow site (AGS 61) is also in poor condition at the moment, although it is understood that the Council is looking to provide new pitch provision on part of the site, which should improve the use and condition of part of the site.
Opportunities:	Consideration should be given to how Causeway Park functions and what improvements could be made to improve its use, safety and attractiveness. Paths across Chesterton Recreation Ground should be improved to allow better access on the clear desire line between Longworth Avenue and Church Street. Delivery of further open space if the Shirley School site comes forward for housing.
Threats:	Further deterioration in quality of open spaces.

Protected Open Spaces in East Chesterton Ward

Site No.	Site Name	Public/Private	Size
A14	Nuffield Road Allotments	Private	2.58
A15	Pakenham Close Allotments	Private	4.84
A21	Maple Close Allotments	Private	0.06
A22	Kendal Way Allotments	Private	0.10
AGS 08	Green End Road Recreation Ground	Public	0.90
AGS 11	Scotland Road Recreation Ground	Public	0.39
AGS 15	Brownsfield Recreation Ground	Public	0.47
AGS 54	Pearl Close Large Amenity Green Space	Public	0.08
AGS 61	Pye Meadow	Public	4.13
CEM 07	St Andrews Church Cemetery	Public	1.02
CYP 19	Pearl Close Toddler Play Area	Public	0.04
CYP 25	Discovery Way Children’s Play Space	Public	0.13
NAT 01	Bramblefields Local Nature Reserve	Public	2.20
NAT 04	Logans Meadow Local Nature Reserve	Public	1.11
NAT 13	Lynfield Lane	Private	0.70
P&G 05	Chesterton Recreation Ground	Public	2.30
P&G 30	Causeway Park	Public	0.68
SPO 43	St Andrews Primary School	Public	1.52
SPO 65	Chesterton Bowls Club	Private	0.24
Total			23.49

East Chesterton Ward Map

4.26 King’s Hedges Ward Profile

Total Population (2009):	8,260
Protected Open Space hectares per 1,000 population:	3.06 hectares (100% of which is publicly accessible open space)
Description:	Predominantly 1960s and 1970s estate housing with numerous three and four storey flatted blocks. The ward is peppered with small areas of amenity green space adjacent to housing. Open spaces are more limited close to Milton Road, with the largest parks located in the north-western end of the ward.
Strengths:	Edgecombe Flats Green (P&G 25) provides one of the few natural and semi-natural green spaces in the ward with copses of trees. The two largest recreation grounds at King’s Hedges (P&G 10) and Nun’s Way (P&G 15) are sizable spaces and are used extensively.
Weaknesses:	Whilst most of the children’s play areas are in a usable condition, the play area on Hawkins Road (CYP 20) is very poor. Consideration should be given to removing the play equipment or completely rethinking the provision in this area. King’s Hedges County Primary School has a very poor playing pitch. Although the playing space is sufficient, the quality of the turf is very low and the ground is uneven. This is not helped by the playing pitch having been built on the foundations of the former school buildings.
Opportunities:	Both King’s Hedges and Nun’s Way Recreation Grounds have the potential to be very pleasant spaces and are used by local residents, but both suffer from damage due to vandalism and anti-social behaviour. Beales Way Play Area (CYP 02) would benefit from a better range of play equipment and improvement to the level of maintenance of the site. Cameron Way Play Area (CYP 01) would benefit from enhancement of seating and hard landscaping in particular. There are many amenity green spaces around flats which could be enhanced with trees and more landscaping.
Threats:	Further deterioration in quality of open spaces. Loss of playing pitch space due to any future expansion of St Laurence’s and King’s Hedges schools and Manor Community College.

Protected Open Spaces in King’s Hedges Ward

Site No.	Site Name	Public/Private	Size
AGS 16	Campkin Road/St Kilda Avenue	Public	1.36
AGS 18	Land at end of Moyne Close	Public	0.14
AGS 19	Land west of 43 Ashvale	Public	0.07
AGS 20	Minerva Way Amenity Green Space	Public	0.15
AGS 21	Walker Court Amenity Green Space	Public	0.45
AGS 65	Hanson Court Amenity Green Space	Public	0.42
CYP 01	Cameron Road Play Area	Public	0.19
CYP 02	Beales Way Play Area	Public	0.25
CYP 03	Ramsden Square Play Area	Public	0.29
CYP 16	Arbury Local Centre Play Area	Public	0.43
CYP 20	Hawkins Road Children's Play Area	Public	0.08
P&G 02	Arbury Town Park	Public	1.66
P&G 10	King's Hedges Recreation Ground	Public	3.90
P&G 15	Nun's Way Recreation Ground	Public	4.65
P&G 25	Edgecombe Flats Green	Public	1.43
SPO 21	Grove Primary School	Public	1.6
SPO 25	Kings Hedges County Primary School	Public	1.08
SPO 30	Manor Community College Playing Fields	Public	5.41
SPO 47	St Laurence Catholic Primary School	Public	1.77
Total			25.33

King’s Hedges Ward Map

4.27 Market Ward Profile

Total Population (2009):	8,460
Protected Open Space hectares per 1,000 population:	7.82 hectares (60.7% of which is publicly accessible open space)
Description:	This area includes the commercial core of the City, which is surrounded by Colleges, University and residential buildings. Beyond these buildings are the River Cam and a number of open spaces. Apart the residential provision of the Colleges and larger townhouses on streets like Park Terrace, much of the rest of the housing is terraced. The residential areas of the ward benefit from being located close to open spaces such as Christ’s Pieces (P&G 06), Jesus Green (P&G 09), Midsummer Common (P&G 12) and Parker’s Piece (P&G 09). The open spaces in the ward include a number of the City’s parks and many of the City’s older College grounds. Directly adjacent to Peterhouse on the edge of Market ward, Coe Fen (NAT 06) is an valuable area of open space, which provides a green foreground to the historic core, is an important semi-natural green space and hosts a key cycle route.
Strengths:	The open spaces in this area make a considerable contribution to the City and to the setting of the historic core of Cambridge. They allow a range of views across different parts of the City and provide a peaceful contrast to the bustle of the City Centre. Market Ward contains a number of important City-wide resources in the form of Christ’s Pieces (P&G 06); Parker’s Piece (P&G 16); Jesus Green (P&G 09); and Midsummer Common (P&G 12). Christ’s Pieces serves local residents, but is also important to people from further afield, due to its proximity to the Drummer Street Bus Station. Within Market, there are a number of Colleges with associated gardens and sports facilities. The quality of the open space provision on these sites is extremely high. However, these open spaces have limited public accessibility.
Weaknesses:	As the publicly accessible open spaces in the City Centre attract many visitors, the level of littering and damage to sites is particularly high in the summer months, despite attempts made to resolve these issues, e.g. through the introduction of barbeque stones.
Opportunities:	Site 7.08 New Museums Site and Site 7.10 Mill Lane/Old Press Site are both allocated in the Cambridge Local Plan 2006 for redevelopment/refurbishment for predominantly University uses, with enhancement of the public realm. However, due to the density and type of development expected, the number and size of open spaces are likely to be limited.
Threats:	Deterioration in the quality of publicly accessible open spaces due to high levels of use.

Protected Open Spaces in Market Ward

Site No.	Site Name	Public/Private	Size
A 01	Auckland Road Allotments	Private	0.30
CEM 09	St Mary the Less Churchyard	Public	0.17
NAT 29	Emmanuel College Gardens	Private	3.09
P&G 06	Christ’s Pieces	Public	4.07
P&G 09	Jesus Green	Public	11.74
P&G 12	Midsummer Common	Public	13.80
P&G 13	New Square	Public	0.77
P&G 16	Parker’s Piece	Public	9.63
P&G 33	Christ’s College Gardens	Private	3.09
P&G 34	Peterhouse Gardens	Private	2.83
P&G 36	Pembroke College Gardens	Private	1.53
P&G 52	Sidney Sussex College Gardens	Private	1.52
P&G 56	Corpus Christi College Gardens	Private	1.23
SPO 24	Jesus College Gardens	Private	8.36
SPO 63	Downing College Gardens	Private	4.06
Total			66.19

Market Ward Map

4.28 Newnham Ward Profile

Total Population (2009):	8,450
Protected Open Space hectares per 1,000 population:	14.7 hectares (24.7% of which is publicly accessible open space)
Description:	Situated to the west of the City Centre, Newnham is characterised by significant levels of open space, much of it playing fields for the Colleges. The northern part of the ward has a number of spacious streets inhabited by large mainly detached houses and University and College buildings. The southern part of the ward includes the Newnham Croft area where many of the streets are made up of terraced housing, with some larger houses on Barton and Millington Roads. The ward lies adjacent to the countryside, with areas of Green Belt running through and around the built-up area. Many of the open spaces are vital to the setting of the City and the quality of the Cambridge Green Belt.
Strengths:	The Backs with their interplay of grand College buildings and the well-treed landscape form Cambridge’s most famous landscaped area. To the south, the semi-natural areas of Sheep’s Green and Coe Fen have a totally different character, but provide an important wildlife and recreational resource and contribute significantly to the setting of the ward and its buildings between the historic core and the urban edge of the City. In addition to being home to many Colleges and their gardens, there are a considerable number of College and University playing pitches. The ward contains two of the City’s rugby clubs, Cambridge University RUFC (SPO 53) and Cambridge RUFC (SPO 05) and the University Athletics Track (SPO 52). On Lammas Land (P&G 25), the mix of activities, including the paddling pool, allows visitors to stay for long periods of time.
Weaknesses:	Although the ward is host to many Protected Open Spaces, only approximately 25% of open spaces are publicly accessible.
Opportunities:	Penarth Place Play Area (CYP 04) would benefit from a better range of play equipment.
Threats:	Loss of sports pitch provision and College gardens due to expansion of Colleges.

Protected Open Spaces in Newnham Ward

Site No.	Site Name	Public/Private	Size
AGS 25	Cripps Court, Selwyn College	Private	0.35
AGS 26	Gonville & Caius (Finella)	Private	1.36
AGS 62	The Pightle and Principals Lodge	Private	0.50
AGS 67	Pinehurst	Private	2.72
CYP 04	Penarth Place Play Area	Public	0.29
NAT 05	Paradise Nature Reserve	Public	2.53
NAT 06	Sheeps Green & Coe Fen	Public	20.61
NAT 18	Barton Road Lake	Private	1.22
NAT 19	Meadow Triangle near Wilberforce Road and Cycle Way	Public	0.62
NAT 22	Adams Road Sanctuary (lake)	Private	1.70
NAT 23	M11 Verge and scrub east of M11	Private	2.27
NAT 35	The Grove	Private	0.97
P&G 11	Lammas Land	Public	5.45
P&G 31	Queens' College	Private	5.61
P&G 35	King’s College	Private	9.71
P&G 37	Ridley Hall Grounds	Private	0.40
P&G 38	Gonville & Caius Fellows Garden	Private	0.81
P&G 39	Selwyn College Gardens	Private	2.26
P&G 40	Newnham College Gardens	Private	2.12
P&G 50	Clare College Gardens	Private	4.77
P&G 53	Robinson College Gardens	Private	3.93
SPO 05	Cambridge Rugby Football Club	Private	8.55
SPO 06	Cambridge Tennis & Hockey Club	Private	2.41
SPO 14	Corpus Christi Playing Fields	Private	4.29
SPO 16	Emmanuel College Playing Field	Private	4.02
SPO 20	Gonville & Caius College Playing Field	Private	2.71
SPO 26	King’s College School	Private	1.76
SPO 33	Newnham College Playing Field	Private	1.76
SPO 34	Newnham Croft Primary School	Public	1.16
SPO 35	Pembroke, Peterhouse, Downing, St Catherine's & Christ's College Playing Field	Private	11.30
SPO 41	University Croquet and Tennis Club (Cocks & Hens Lawn Tennis Club)	Private	0.89
SPO 50	Trinity College Playing Field	Private	3.90
SPO 52	University Athletics Track	Private	7.52
SPO 53	University Rugby Club	Private	1.77
SPO 54	University Rugby Club Practice Ground	Private	1.25
SPO 66	Trinity College Hockey Field	Private	0.62
Total			124.11

Newnham Ward Map

4.29 Petersfield Ward Profile

Total Population (2009):	7,770
Protected Open Space hectares per 1,000 population:	1.53 hectares (65.3% of which is publicly accessible open space)
Description:	Lying to the south-east of the City Centre, this densely built-up ward is home to the Cambridge campus of Anglia Ruskin University, retail and employment uses in addition to a considerable amount of residential development. Much of the housing provision consists of older terraced housing, with some pockets of 20^th century development. Most gardens are relatively small and narrow and there is little in the way of street trees given the densely urban nature of the area.
Strengths:	Compact high-density residential neighbourhoods with strong identity and sense of place. In addition to its role as a graveyard, Mill Road Cemetery (CEM 06) is used extensively for recreation by local people and is also important for wildlife. Peter’s Field (AGS 12) has recently been refitted with new children’s play equipment and soft landscaping has been cut back, which have both given rise to significant improvements in the quality of the space.
Weaknesses:	Limited amount of Protected Open Space, of which approximately two-thirds is publicly accessible. Although there is a range of publicly accessible open spaces close to the ward including Parker’s Piece and Coldham’s Common, the amount of informal open space in the ward is low given the local population density and natural and semi-natural green space is restricted to Mill Road Cemetery (CEM 06). There is no publicly accessible formal outdoor sports provision within Petersfield.
Opportunities:	Improvements to St. Matthew’s Piece dependent on the future of the Howard Mallett Centre. Site 5.09 Travis Perkins is allocated in the Cambridge Local Plan 2006 for housing. If these sites were to come forward for their allocated use, the quality and quantity of open space made available on site should be high in line with the Council’s standards in order to avoid further negative impact on any deficiencies in publicly accessible open space in Petersfield.
Threats:	Deterioration in the quality of open spaces. Further expansion of St. Matthew’s Primary School with associated loss of play space.

Protected Open Spaces in Petersfield Ward

Site No.	Site Name	Public/Private	Size
AGS 05	Donkey Common	Public	0.69
AGS 12	Peter’s Field	Public	0.89
AGS 14	Ravensworth Gardens	Public	0.25
AGS 34	Staffordshire Gardens Amenity Green Space	Public	0.10
AGS 48	St Matthew’s Gardens	Public	0.44
AGS 53	Fazeley House Amenity Green Space	Private	0.24
AGS 66	Hughes Hall Amenity Green Space	Private	0.22
CEM 06	Mill Road Cemetery	Public	3.99
CYP 06	Ainsworth Street Play Area	Public	0.03
CYP 07	Ravensworth Gardens Toddler Play Area	Public	0.07
CYP 08	Flower Street Play Area	Public	0.10
CYP 09	Shenstone Play Area	Public	0.08
CYP 21	St Matthew's Primary School	Public	0.36
P&G 20	St Matthew’s Piece	Public	0.76
SPO 18	Fenners Cricket Ground	Private	3.66
Total			11.88

Petersfield Ward Map

4.30 Queen Edith’s Ward Profile

Total Population (2009):	8,750
Protected Open Space hectares per 1,000 population:	6.89 hectares (49.8% of which is publicly accessible open space)
Description:	Apart from the presence of Addenbrooke’s, Homerton College and a number of state and private schools, Queen Edith’s ward is predominantly residential in nature, with housing of a range of ages and types. The northern part of the ward is more densely developed, with areas adjacent to Hills Road and south of Queen Edith’s Way having larger houses set in more spacious gardens. Barring natural and semi-natural green spaces, the range of open spaces within the ward is varied and the southern boundary includes land within the Cambridge Green Belt. However, only 3.43 hectares of Protected Open Space per 1,000 population is accessible to local people. Some of the ward lies in the Cambridge Green Belt and forms part of the setting of the City.
Strengths:	Within Queen Edith’s, levels of allotment provision are reasonable. Both allotment sites are used extensively and are well located for access. Nightingale Avenue Recreation Ground (P&G 14) has a good range of facilities and is clearly visited by many local residents. Sports facilities at Netherhall School are accessible to the wider community.
Weaknesses:	The distribution of publicly accessible open space within the ward is not even. The western portion of the ward is dominated by open spaces in private use. Whilst some will allow paid entry, others are generally inaccessible to the ward’s wider population. Whilst the condition of Nightingale Avenue Recreation Ground is generally good, the pavilion is in poor condition and the pitches may be subject to heavy usage for formal sports as a result of the loss of sports provision at Bell School.
Opportunities:	The ongoing development of Addenbrooke’s will involve the delivery of open spaces for use by patients, visitors and staff. Enhancement of the pavilion at Nightingale Avenue Recreation Ground and of the children’s play spaces at Gunhild Way (CYP 11) and Holbrook Road (CYP 24).
Threats:	Loss of further playing field provision as a result of school or College expansion at Queen Edith’s, Queen Emma, the Perse and Netherhall Schools, and Homerton College.

Protected Open Spaces in Queen Edith’s Ward

Site No.	Site Name	Public/Private	Size
A 02	Baldock Way Allotments	Private	1.50
A 10	Holbrooke Road Allotments	Private	2.34
AGS 55	Faculty of Education	Private	0.72
CYP 11	Gunhild Way Play Area	Public	0.32
CYP 24	Holbrook Road Children’s Play Area	Public	0.30
NAT 25	Netherhall Farm Meadow	Private	0.51
P&G 14	Nightingale Avenue Recreation Ground	Public	5.09
P&G 17	Bell School of Language	Private	1.98
P&G 46	Homerton College Grounds	Private	8.94
SPO 22	Hills Road Sports Centre (Tennis Courts)	Private	0.65
SPO 29	Long Road Sixth Form College	Public	7.15
SPO 31	Netherhall School (South)	Public	11.68
SPO 32	Queen Emma Primary School	Public	4.33
SPO 37	Perse School For Boys Playing Field	Private	8.58
SPO 40	Queen Edith Primary School	Public	1.12
SPO 59	Cantabrian Rugby Football Grounds	Private	5.05
Total			60.26

Queen Edith’s Ward Map

4.31 Romsey Ward Profile

Total Population (2009):	8,950
Protected Open Space hectares per 1,000 population:	1.18 hectares (36% of which is publicly accessible open space)
Description:	Densely built-up, predominantly residential environment to the south-east of the City Centre. Much of the housing provision consists of terraced housing, although there are pockets of semi-detached housing in the northern part of the ward. Most gardens are relatively small and narrow and there is little in the way of street trees given the densely urban nature of the area.
Strengths:	Significant level of allotment provision within the ward, although this provision is also used by people living outside the ward, particularly Stourbridge Grove. Romsey Recreation Ground has a wide range of facilities suitable for children of all ages and is subject to high levels of usage.
Weaknesses:	Apart from the relatively informal pitch provision on Romsey Recreation Ground, there is no formal sports provision in Romsey. However, Coleridge Community College and Coleridge Road Recreation Ground are relatively close to the ward. The amount of informal open space in the ward is low given the local population density and the amount of natural and semi-natural green space is very low and is restricted to tree belts within Romsey Recreation Ground and Brooks Road Play Area.
Opportunities:	Site 7.12 Former Magnet Warehouse on Mill Road is allocated for housing, community facilities and student housing in lieu of affordable housing in the Cambridge Local Plan 2006. If this site comes forward for its allocated use, the quality and quantity of open space made available on site should be high in line with the Council’s standards in order to avoid further negative impact on deficiencies in publicly accessible open space in Romsey ward.
Threats:	Inadequate open space delivered as a result of new residential development coming forward and deterioration in the quality of existing open spaces.

Protected Open Spaces in Romsey Ward

Site No.	Site Name	Public/Private	Size
A 06	Fairfax Road Allotments	Private	1.64
A 12	Vinery Road Allotments	Private	1.48
A 17	Stourbridge Grove Allotments	Private	3.47
AGS 02	Brooks Road Play Area	Public	0.29
AGS 09	Montreal Square	Public	0.07
AGS 13	Nuttings Road Amenity Green Space	Public	0.44
AGS 44	Mill Road Amenity Green Space	Private	0.16
AGS 74	Hampden Gardens Amenity Green Space	Public	0.2
P&G 18	Romsey Recreation Ground	Public	2.81
Total			10.56

Romsey Ward Map

4.32 Trumpington Ward Profile

Total Population (2009):	7,420
Protected Open Space hectares per 1,000 population:	11.6 hectares (18.7% of which is publicly accessible open space)
Description:	Trumpington Ward is varied in character with older terraced housing situated closest to the City Centre, larger detached housing and private schools dominating the eastern side of Trumpington Road between the Brooklands Avenue junction and the village of Trumpington. The western side of Trumpington Road contains fields used for sport, recreation and agriculture, which run down to the River Cam. The nucleus of Trumpington village contains both Anstey and Trumpington Halls and established houses and cottages. To the east of the village centre, the area predominantly consists of post-war housing. Although, a significant proportion of the open space in the ward is not publicly accessible, many of the private Protected Open Spaces can be viewed from the streetscene and contribute to the greenness of the ward. Many of the open spaces to the west of Trumpington Road are vital to the setting of the City and the quality of the Cambridge Green Belt.
Strengths:	The ward has a good mix of different types of Protected Open Space. Many of the sites contribute to the green corridor of open spaces which runs through from the Clay Farm site up to Lammas Land and the green corridor running down from Paradise Local Nature Reserve through Grantchester Meadows along the River Cam.
Weaknesses:	Whilst many of the sports fields within the ward are of a good standard, the level of accessibility to sports provision is not high.
Opportunities:	Whilst the residential sites at Glebe Farm, Clay Farm and Trumpington Meadows will provide open space primarily for the residents of the sites themselves, it is anticipated that nearby residents of Trumpington ward will make use of the range of open spaces to be offered at the sites. Site 5.06 British Telecom, Long Road is allocated for housing in the Cambridge Local Plan 2006. If this site comes forward for its allocated use, the quality and quantity of open space made available on site should be high in line with the Council’s standards in order to avoid further negative impact on any deficiencies in publicly accessible open space in Trumpington ward.
Threats:	Loss of playing field sites to other forms of development without appropriate replacement facilities.

Protected Open Spaces in Trumpington Ward

Site No.	Site Name	Public/Private	Size
A 08	Foster Road Allotments	Private	2.08
A 09	Empty Common Allotments	Private	1.65
AGS 23	Southacre Amenity Green Space	Private	0.87
AGS 29	Anstey Way Amenity Green Space	Private	0.13
AGS 42	Brooklands Court Amenity Green Space	Private	0.11
AGS 57	Accordia Amenity Green Space	Private	2.10
AGS 64	St Mary’s Amenity Green Space	Private	0.30
CEM 01	Trumpington Church Extension Churchyard	Public	0.39
CEM 02	Trumpington Church Cemetery (St Mary & St Michael's Church)	Public	0.46
NAT 02	Byrons Pool	Public	3.07
NAT 12	Wetland Area (Perse School Playing Fields)	Private	0.30
NAT 33	Empty Common (Copses and Pastures)	Public	2.81
NAT 34	Brookside	Private	0.56
P&G 21	Trumpington Recreation Ground (King George V Memorial Playing Field)	Public	4.06
P&G 27	Cambridge University Botanic Garden	Private	16.40
P&G 51	Anstey Hall	Private	3.92
SPO 03	Cambridge Football Stadium	Public	1.43
SPO 11	Clare College Playing Fields	Private	6.54
SPO 15	Cambridge University Press Playing Fields	Private	3.21
SPO 17	Fawcett Primary School	Public	3.84
SPO 27	Leys School Playing Field	Private	3.94
SPO 28	Leys & St Faiths Schools Playing Field	Private	7.94
SPO 36	Perse Preparatory School (Peterhouse)	Private	3.65
SPO 38	Perse School for Girls Playing Field	Private	1.78
SPO 45	St Faith’s Playing Field	Private	2.29
SPO 49	St Mary's School Playing Field	Private	2.03
SPO 60	Cambridge Lakes Golf Course	Private	7.91
SPO 61	Cambridge & County Bowling Club	Private	0.58
SPO 62	Perse Preparatory School	Private	1.60
Total			85.95

Trumpington Ward Map

4.33 West Chesterton Ward Profile

Total Population (2009):	8,510
Protected Open Space hectares per 1,000 population:	1.26 hectares (79.8% of which is publicly accessible open space)
Description:	West Chesterton is mainly residential in nature, with some retail and office uses located around Mitcham’s Corner and a number of school sites in the north of the ward. The southern part of the ward largely comprises Victorian housing, with a range of dwelling types from small terraced workers’ cottages to suburban villas. The housing in the northern part of the ward is generally younger than that of the southern part of the ward and is predominantly semi-detached set in larger plots.
Strengths:	Given the age of development and the size of gardens, some areas of the ward appear quite verdant. The block of school playing fields serving Castle School; Arbury and Milton Road Primary Schools and Chesterton Community College contribute significantly to the amount of open space available in the ward.
Weaknesses:	There is a limited range of open spaces available within the ward itself. Although other Protected Open Spaces such as Alexandra Gardens (P&G 01) Chesterton Recreation Ground (P&G 05), Jesus Green (P&G 09) and Jubilee Gardens (P&G 28) are close to the ward, there is very little informal open space and space for children and teenagers.
Opportunities:	Improvements to children’s play space, particularly Chestnut Grove Recreation Ground (CYP 22) and Bateson Road Play Area (CYP 17). Site 5.15 Henry Giles House is allocated for housing in the Cambridge Local Plan 2006. If this site comes forward for its allocated use, the quality and quantity of open space made available on site should be high in line with the Council’s standards in order to avoid further negative impact on any deficiencies in publicly accessible open space in West Chesterton ward.
Threats:	Loss of Cambridge City Football Club without re-provision of facilities.

Protected Open Spaces in West Chesterton Ward

Site No.	Site Name	Public/Private	Size
A18	Bateson Road Allotments	Private	0.12
A 25	Hawthorn Way Allotments	Private	0.15
AGS 22	College Fields Amenity Green Spaces	Public	0.56
AGS 49	Mulberry Close Amenity Green Space	Private	0.19
AGS 50	The Beeches Amenity Green Space	Public	0.08
AGS 51	Victoria Almshouses Allotments and Amenity Green Space	Private	0.87
AGS 52	Victoria Park	Private	0.13
CYP 17	Bateson Road Play Area	Public	0.07
CYP 22	Chestnut Grove Recreation Ground	Public	0.32
CYP 26	Castle School Playground	Public	0.64
SPO 02	Cambridge City Football Club	Private	0.71
SPO 04	Arbury County Primary School	Public	1.08
SPO 08	Chesterton Community College	Public	0.75
SPO 55	Chesterton Community College Playing Field	Public	3.93
SPO 56	Milton Road Primary School	Public	1.16
Total			10.76

West Chesterton Ward Map

² Over 350 sites were assessed in Spring 2011, but a number were discounted as they did not meet the criteria for environmental or recreational importance.