Land at Thorpes Farm, Swavesey (reference 40191)
• Site area: Amend to 7.54 Ha
• Proposed employment floorspace: Amend to 30,160sq.m
• Landscape and townscape: It is acknowledged that development in this location would encroach into the countryside, and for this reason it is proposed to amend the site area to only include the land between Buckingway Business Park and the wastewater treatment plant. Development would therefore be contained to the immediate north of the A1307. Whilst the site is open, the southern portion now proposed for allocation is already heavily affected by the A14 roadworks and the existing development to the east and west (wastewater treatment plant, hotel/services, and the Business Park). It is bound to the west west by proposed allocation S/RRA/BBP and an existing hotel, to the east by the sewage treatment works, and to the south by road infrastructure and services beyond. It is requested that the score be changed to “Amber”.
• Site Access: the site is immediately north of the de-trunked A1307 and Cambridgeshire County Council is in discussion with Highways England regarding access to the site from the A1307. Access would also be possible from Buckingway Business Park to the west, through land within the County Council’s ownership. Development would have little impact on landscape. It is requested that the score be changed to “Amber”.
• Transport and Roads: Whilst the site is remote from any settlements, the nature of the use proposed (namely, a highways depot) is unneighbourly and is required to be a certain distance from residential areas. Moreover, the site proposed has excellent access to the strategic road network. It is requested that the score be changed to “Amber”.