The redevelopment of the Cambridge Northern Fringe Area is highly important for the long term growth of Cambridge. The Issues and Options Report and supporting documents provide a useful exposition of the constraints and opportunities that will influence the form, extent and pace of redevelopment. As the area is in fragmented ownerships and has a multitude of occupiers, it is of paramount importance that the interests of the landowners can be aligned behind a common strategy which ideally should emerge out of the current plan-making process.
Furthermore, it is vital that a co-ordinated and comprehensive approach is achieved before the redevelopment of CNFE by, say, a lead developer/development agency, with the backing of a statutory plan, complemented by an aspirational and viable masterplan.
Clearly the future location and operations of Anglian Water are fundamental to the area's development potential. Also, even with Anglian Water's operations remaining in some form, the extensive land holdings of Network Rail have considerable impact on development potential.
It is critical that the area around the new railway station is developed - and provided with excellent access - in accordance with a master plan for the whole area, to avoid prejudicing the wider regeneration of the area.