Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

Thank you for consulting Suffolk County Council (CC) on the Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues and Options. As a neighbouring authority Suffolk CC is willing to work jointly on addressing strategic, cross boundary issues. In Suffolk, these issues are mainly relevant to West Suffolk, with West Suffolk Council being in the process of developing the first local plan as this authority, however issues across the Suffolk may be relevant. Joint working would be welcome between Suffolk CC, Cambridge City Council, South Cambridge District Council, Cambridgeshire CC and West Suffolk Council as both plans develop. The focus placed on sustainable modes of transport within the Issues and Options document is welcome. The Suffolk CC is supportive of increasing uptake in sustainable modes of travel. The commitment to developing plans for the Cambridge Autonomous Metro (CAM) is noted. If this is to progress, as the aspirations for this system is to extend to Haverhill and Mildenhall, close working will need to take place between all relevant authorities in ensuring this project can integrate well with growth in current and future local plans. the CAM will likely have implications for the emerging West Suffolk Local Plan and the Suffolk Local Transport Plan (currently under review), which will need to be fully explored. Highlighting the improvements to rail infrastructure between Newmarket and Cambridge is welcome, however there are planned improvements to the rail network beyond Newmarket, including better rail connections between Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich. While Suffolk CC supports the focus on sustainable transport, there needs to be consideration of the Strategic Road network and the Major Road Network. Impacts on the A14, A11 and A1307 will need to be addressed. The A14 is an important link to Ipswich and Felixstowe, which is one of the UK’s largest container ports, making the A14 a nationally important route. Junction 37 of the A14 experiences high levels of congestions, though it has received some recent improvements. Suffolk CC is still waiting to hear whether or not Junction 37 (amongst other potential projects) will be funded through the Road Investment Infrastructure Strategy 2. I hope that these comments are helpful. Suffolk CC is always willing to discuss issues or queries you may have. The county council is willing to discuss anything raised in this response.

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