Waterbeach New Town Supplementary Planning Document

I am a honorary member of the Waterbeach & District Bridleways group which represents 150 riders from Waterbeach itself (including myself, a rider and horse loaner at the village riding school Hall Farm Stables) and an additional c50 riders from surrounding villages plus the College of West Anglia who share interest in the local access routes. It also represents some 200 horses owned by riders and riding establishments. The group are British Horse Society members.

The SPD executive summary mentions 7.1 provision of development that prioritises cycling and pedestrians. Pages 16, and 70-78 of the Draft SPD show non-motorised access routes including a circular route around the proposed new town, restoration of the ancient Roman Causeway, through green spaces and woodland areas, and along a series of networks within the proposed new town and beyond toward other areas and across the railway line and River Cam.

However, nowhere in the SPD is equestrian access mentioned, yet walking and cycling access is clearly defined. This omission is neglectful and discriminatory.

Most significant areas of concern to me are within Section 12 of SPD (Spatial Framework) as outlined below:

1. High and medium density build area along Bannold Drove through to junction with Cross Drove (including presence of major new rail station close to this non-motorised route); this will only mean significant increases in traffic both from the development and train commuters throughout the day, everyday making riding too dangerous for all concerned.

2. The proposed high and medium density housing along Bannold Drove and at the station area will result in the ancient byway route between Bannold Drove being surrounded. This byway travels from Waterbeach towards Cross Drove and both connect with Bannold Road and Long Drove (collectively making a circular byway route that is used regularly by horse riders and other non-motorised users).

3. In particular the proposed new station, coupled with the major station access road and the change in use of the byway 'Bannold drove' ('important access route' pg 27 Draft SPD) into a major infrastructure road- will interfere significantly with, and arguably completely sever, the existing access route of Bannold Drove used by horse riders to travel to Cross Drove and Long Drove.

The proposals mean it would be almost impossible for horse riders to continue to use this historical route, and or safely navigate this route. However, pedestrians and cyclists and vehicle access has been prioritised.

4. The type of traffic along Bannold Drove byway and out towards Cross Drove byway area will also change significantly (introduction of HGVs, various maintenance, servicing and passenger vehicles): changing this area to a highly urbanised and industrialised zone- as mentioned in 1., this creates serious complications and safety hazards for the many equestrians who use this access route.

With these objections, I am now requesting the introduction to the plans of:
i. Multiple multi-user connections across Bannold Drove and Cross Drove including equestrian suitable ones.
ii. Provision of multi-user bridleway by-passes or bridges if necessary in areas where building or traffic density presents hazards.

This is a village with village life, please consider these simple, safety amendments to allow us all to continue enjoying it the way we have always been able to.

I am a honorary member of the Waterbeach & District Bridleways group which represents 150 riders from Waterbeach itself (including myself, a rider and horse loaner at the village riding school Hall Farm Stables) and an additional c50 riders from surrounding villages plus the College of West Anglia who share interest in the local access routes. It also represents some 200 horses owned by riders and riding establishments. The group are British Horse Society members.

The SPD executive summary mentions 7.1 provision of development that prioritises cycling and pedestrians. Pages 16, and 70-78 of the Draft SPD show non-motorised access routes including a circular route around the proposed new town, restoration of the ancient Roman Causeway, through green spaces and woodland areas, and along a series of networks within the proposed new town and beyond toward other areas and across the railway line and River Cam.

However, nowhere in the SPD is equestrian access mentioned, yet walking and cycling access is clearly defined. This omission is neglectful and discriminatory.

Most significant areas of concern to me are within Section 12 of SPD (Spatial Framework) as outlined below:

1. High and medium density build area along Bannold Drove through to junction with Cross Drove (including presence of major new rail station close to this non-motorised route); this will only mean significant increases in traffic both from the development and train commuters throughout the day, everyday making riding too dangerous for all concerned.

2. The proposed high and medium density housing along Bannold Drove and at the station area will result in the ancient byway route between Bannold Drove being surrounded. This byway travels from Waterbeach towards Cross Drove and both connect with Bannold Road and Long Drove (collectively making a circular byway route that is used regularly by horse riders and other non-motorised users).

3. In particular the proposed new station, coupled with the major station access road and the change in use of the byway 'Bannold drove' ('important access route' pg 27 Draft SPD) into a major infrastructure road- will interfere significantly with, and arguably completely sever, the existing access route of Bannold Drove used by horse riders to travel to Cross Drove and Long Drove.

The proposals mean it would be almost impossible for horse riders to continue to use this historical route, and or safely navigate this route. However, pedestrians and cyclists and vehicle access has been prioritised.

4. The type of traffic along Bannold Drove byway and out towards Cross Drove byway area will also change significantly (introduction of HGVs, various maintenance, servicing and passenger vehicles): changing this area to a highly urbanised and industrialised zone- as mentioned in 1., this creates serious complications and safety hazards for the many equestrians who use this access route.

With these objections, I am now requesting the introduction to the plans of:
i. Multiple multi-user connections across Bannold Drove and Cross Drove including equestrian suitable ones.
ii. Provision of multi-user bridleway by-passes or bridges if necessary in areas where building or traffic density presents hazards.

This is a village with village life, please consider these simple, safety amendments to allow us all to continue enjoying it the way we have always been able to.

I have just been made aware of the proposed SPD.

I am a honorary member of the Waterbeach & District Bridleways group which represents 150 riders from Waterbeach itself and an additional c50 riders from surrounding villages (including myself, a rider at the village riding school Hall Farm Stables), plus the College of West Anglia who share interest in the local access routes. It also represents some 200 horses owned by riders and riding establishments. The group are British Horse Society members.

The SPD executive summary mentions 7.1 provision of development that prioritises cycling and pedestrians. Pages 16, and 70-78 of the Draft SPD show non-motorised access routes including a circular route around the proposed new town, restoration of the ancient Roman Causeway, through green spaces and woodland areas, and along a series of networks within the proposed new town and beyond toward other areas and across the railway line and River Cam.

However, nowhere in the SPD is equestrian access mentioned, yet walking and cycling access is clearly defined. This omission is neglectful and discriminatory.

Most significant areas of concern to me are within Section 12 of SPD (Spatial Framework) as outlined below:

1. High and medium density build area along Bannold Drove through to junction with Cross Drove (including presence of major new rail station close to this non-motorised route); this will only mean significant increases in traffic both from the development and train commuters throughout the day, everyday making riding too dangerous for all concerned.

2. The proposed high and medium density housing along Bannold Drove and at the station area will result in the ancient byway route between Bannold Drove being surrounded. This byway travels from Waterbeach towards Cross Drove and both connect with Bannold Road and Long Drove (collectively making a circular byway route that is used regularly by horse riders and other non-motorised users).

3. In particular the proposed new station, coupled with the major station access road and the change in use of the byway 'Bannold drove' ('important access route' pg 27 Draft SPD) into a major infrastructure road- will interfere significantly with, and arguably completely sever, the existing access route of Bannold Drove used by horse riders to travel to Cross Drove and Long Drove.

The proposals mean it would be almost impossible for horse riders to continue to use this historical route, and or safely navigate this route. However, pedestrians and cyclists and vehicle access has been prioritised.

4. The type of traffic along Bannold Drove byway and out towards Cross Drove byway area will also change significantly (introduction of HGVs, various maintenance, servicing and passenger vehicles): changing this area to a highly urbanised and industrialised zone- as mentioned in 1., this creates serious complications and safety hazards for the many equestrians who use this access route.

With these objections, I am now requesting the introduction to the plans of:
i. Multiple multi-user connections across Bannold Drove and Cross Drove including equestrian suitable ones.
ii. Provision of multi-user bridleway by-passes or bridges if necessary in areas where building or traffic density presents hazards.

This is a village with village life, please consider these simple, safety amendments to allow us all to continue enjoying it the way we have always been able to.
Regards

I have just been made aware of the proposed SPD.

I am a honorary member of the Waterbeach & District Bridleways group which represents 150 riders from Waterbeach itself and an additional c50 riders from surrounding villages (including myself, a rider at the village riding school Hall Farm Stables), plus the College of West Anglia who share interest in the local access routes. It also represents some 200 horses owned by riders and riding establishments. The group are British Horse Society members.

The SPD executive summary mentions 7.1 provision of development that prioritises cycling and pedestrians. Pages 16, and 70-78 of the Draft SPD show non-motorised access routes including a circular route around the proposed new town, restoration of the ancient Roman Causeway, through green spaces and woodland areas, and along a series of networks within the proposed new town and beyond toward other areas and across the railway line and River Cam.

However, nowhere in the SPD is equestrian access mentioned, yet walking and cycling access is clearly defined. This omission is neglectful and discriminatory.

Most significant areas of concern to me are within Section 12 of SPD (Spatial Framework) as outlined below:

1. High and medium density build area along Bannold Drove through to junction with Cross Drove (including presence of major new rail station close to this non-motorised route); this will only mean significant increases in traffic both from the development and train commuters throughout the day, everyday making riding too dangerous for all concerned.

2. The proposed high and medium density housing along Bannold Drove and at the station area will result in the ancient byway route between Bannold Drove being surrounded. This byway travels from Waterbeach towards Cross Drove and both connect with Bannold Road and Long Drove (collectively making a circular byway route that is used regularly by horse riders and other non-motorised users).

3. In particular the proposed new station, coupled with the major station access road and the change in use of the byway 'Bannold drove' ('important access route' pg 27 Draft SPD) into a major infrastructure road- will interfere significantly with, and arguably completely sever, the existing access route of Bannold Drove used by horse riders to travel to Cross Drove and Long Drove.

The proposals mean it would be almost impossible for horse riders to continue to use this historical route, and or safely navigate this route. However, pedestrians and cyclists and vehicle access has been prioritised.

4. The type of traffic along Bannold Drove byway and out towards Cross Drove byway area will also change significantly (introduction of HGVs, various maintenance, servicing and passenger vehicles): changing this area to a highly urbanised and industrialised zone- as mentioned in 1., this creates serious complications and safety hazards for the many equestrians who use this access route.

With these objections, I am now requesting the introduction to the plans of:
i. Multiple multi-user connections across Bannold Drove and Cross Drove including equestrian suitable ones.
ii. Provision of multi-user bridleway by-passes or bridges if necessary in areas where building or traffic density presents hazards.

This is a village with village life, please consider these simple, safety amendments to allow us all to continue enjoying it the way we have always been able to.
Regards