Comment

Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan

Representation ID: 55934

Received: 05/10/2020

Respondent: Ridgeons Timber & Builders Merchants and Turnstone Estates

Agent: Carter Jonas

Representation Summary:

It is proposed at this stage that the existing Ridgeons operation will remain on-site, however it
is allocated for residential led redevelopment in the draft AAP. If Ridgeons are to relocate from
the site, then a suitable alternative site should be identified within the AAP area to enable the
relocation of its existing operations. It is important to reiterate that Ridgeons would be
affected by the redevelopment of its existing site, and would welcome discussions with the Council
to find a suitable alternative viable site from which it can operate a building merchants and
release of value from their existing site to facilitate any move. It is disappointing that they
have not been included within the wider Masterplanning sessions for the AAP area which have taken
place to date.

It would not be necessary or appropriate for compulsory purchase to be used because the Ridgeons
site could be redeveloped in conjunction with Cambridge City Council for the proposed housing uses,
and designed to meet the policy requirements specified in the AAP and the existing builders
merchant could be relocated to Cowley Road Industrial Estate or elsewhere if the appropriate
support is given by the Councils to such relocation. As set out above, the design and layout of the
proposed residential uses at Nuffield Road Industrial Estate, and the design of the strategic
walking and cycling routes on Nuffield Road, should be integrated and compatible with the existing
builders merchant operations at the Ridgeons site. If that is not possible, then an alternative
site should be identified for the relocation of the Ridgeons operation, which is in close
proximity to Cambridge and existing customers.

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