Comment

Representation ID: 55856

Received: 05/10/2020

Respondent: Veolia and Turnstone Estates

Agent: Carter Jonas

Policy 27 sets out the purpose and approach to planning contributions for development within the
North East Cambridge Area. It is acknowledged that the policy contains some flexibility, in that
contributions will be assessed on a site by site basis and that viability will be assessed where
relevant. It is requested that the level of planning contributions and viability matters should also
take into account whether a development is related to the relocation of an existing business or
use within the AAP area and enable the delivery of wider aspirations and a coordinated strategy
for the area. For example, it is proposed in the AAP that the existing waste recycling transfer
facility operated by Veolia will relocate off site. The Veolia site needs to be redeveloped for high
value business and housing uses. However, there will be costs associated with the relocation of
the waste recycling transfer facility to an alternative site including the purchase of land. The
relocation of the waste recycling transfer facility is a prerequisite and essential for the successful
redevelopment of this part of the AAP area. It should be noted that HIF funding has been
provided to enable the relocation of Cambridge Waste Water Treatment Works, but no public
funding is available to support the relocation of Veolia’s operations. Therefore, it is requested that
any planning contributions and viability considerations for the redevelopment of the Veolia site
reflect and take into account the costs associated with the relocation of the waste recycling
transfer facility. As outlined within these Representations the value of the Veolia site needs to be
maximised to enable a future relocation and therefore the introduction of business (B1) and
housing uses are supported. S106 or other associated development costs should be minimised.
If the redevelopment of the Veolia site and the associated relocation of the existing waste
recycling transfer facility is not viable, then it will either not happen or adjustments will need to be
made to the proposed quantum of development or mix and type of uses provided at the site
and/or to the level of planning contributions provided.