Comment

Greater Cambridge Local Plan Preferred Options

Representation ID: 58095

Received: 12/12/2021

Respondent: Mr Andrew Hobbs

Representation Summary:

I strongly object any development on site S/CBC-A. Because, it ignores the green belt, significantly harming the chalk landscape and weakening the divide between urban and rural landscapes. Alternatives have not been adequately considered. Massive impact on the Nine Wells SSSI, opportunity to enhance the utility by expansion of the nature reserve not considered. Development would increase traffic and pollution, being mainly office/lab focussed most people would not be able to live in walking or cycling distance. Flood risks and water shortage issues not adequately considered. Any consideration should be shelved until the existing biomedical campus is better used.

Full text:

I strongly object any development on site S/CBC-A. Reasons are many but include: the site is currently wholly within the Cambridge green belt and outside of the development framework. Any development here would substantially weaken the divide between urban and rural landscapes, despite other less impactful and non green belt options being available, e.g. brownfield options and even nearby land adjacent to the rail line, but not included for consideration. It would also impact wildlife and the biodiversity of the southern fringe, including important bird species. The site is close to the Nine Wells nature reserve, any development would be detrimental to this SSSI. A more appropriate option would be to expand the nature reserve to these fields and provide recreational utility for Addenbrookes and biomedical campus staff as well as local residents. As the development proposed is largely laboratory/office this development would likely cause further congestion and environmental impact as most people working on the biomedical campus would not live in walking or cycling distance. Though the Cambridge South station will be available, the limited station options on the rail route mean that most people would commute by car. The site is also liable to flooding as was clear last winter - many people can provide photos. More generally the water supply for Cambridge and the Addenbrookes site is unlikely be to adequate to support significant development. Any consideration of this site should be shelved until the existing biomedical site has been fully utilised and an assessment of the demand in a post/peri COVID context has been made. Much greater consideration of the spill over effects of further development on the wider community is required