Greater Cambridge Local Plan Issues & Options 2020

Dear Sir/ Madam, We note that Gonville and Caius have made a submission in respect of the Call for Sites, including a plan to build 800 houses and two new industrial sites within the Parish of Duxford; one in proximity of the AS0S, and one opposite the Huntsman Factory Site on lckleton Road. Please know that in June 2019 Gonville and Caius presented their plans to Duxford Parish Council, having previously submitted them for your consideration. The Parish Council was in no way involved with in the production of their proposals. Whilst noting the serious concerns raised by Parish Councillors and the attending public, Gonville and Caius representatives agreed to further meetings to discuss their aims. This has been scheduled for March 2020. As the consultation deadline is 24th February 2020, we would like to share our concerns in respect of these proposals, including the detrimental impact they would have on the area. 800 New Homes: Gonville and Caius have duly admitted that, at this early stage of the proposals, that they have not thoroughly investigated the impact their plans would on the area. Our concerns include: It is a matter for public record that the small roads linking the villages of Hinxton, lckleton, and Duxford are already severely congested, in comparison to other local villages, as being used to avoid the ever gridlocked AS0S. The proposed development of the Wellcome Trust site at Hinxton will have an impact on this already insupportable infrastructure. There is negligible scope to improve these roads, and the additional possibility of some 2000 extra journeys within Duxford Village each day would put an objectionable strain on the network. Duxford Parish Council are aware of the need to provide some additional homes within its boundaries and are already working with a local housing association and landowners to find potential sites for affordable housing within the area, and sustainable development within the village envelope to accommodate the housing needs of Duxford Village. We feel strongly though that any housing development needs to be modest in size (maybe 40 houses maximum) to retain the character of the village. At its current size, the Gonville and Caius proposal would potentially double the size of Duxford Village. Duxford Aviation Research Site and lckleton Road Industrial Area: Over many years Gonville and Caius have attempted to build along the AS0S corridor, including supermarkets, service centres and automobile show rooms, none of which have proven successful for the inadmissible reasons that remain valid to this day. A superior location for an aviation research park along the ASOS would be in the grounds of The Imperial War Museum (Gonville & Caius are part-owner of the IWM site) where industry infrastructure is already in place. Industry has declined in Duxford Village, with the Huntsman Site opposite the proposed lckleton Road Industrial area is now only 50% occupied. Other concerns The Gonville & Caius proposal has not taken into account the categorical impact on the Imperial War Museum's everyday flight operations and air show needs. The unfortunate history of lives lost to aeroplane accidents in Duxford Village is extremely well documented, most recently an antique aeroplane crash in 2017, in the very area detailed in the Gonville & Caius proposal. Separately, the Country Park referenced would be severely restricted under the aircraft flying zone, for example, no trees would be allowed, nor benches/ play equipment. Conclusion Duxford Parish Council regard the plans provided by Gonville and Caius are wholly negligent, with no fundamental reference to the impact this proposal would have on the already inadequate local highways infrastructure; environmental needs, including the loss of agricultural land; The Imperial War Museum's sustainable needs, flight path safety, and the needs of the local village(s) communities. The Duxford Parish Council acknowledge that well managed, incremental development of the village is fair and just, with some merit for limited development within local existing industrial sites. As such, Duxford Parish Council are continuing to explore ways to provide appropriate housing within the village to ensure its continued growth to meet the needs of the local population. Recent local improvements include a 1.5 acre nature park and pond, located opposite the small primary school, and a new village hall on the Recreation Ground (opening April 2020). At no time have Duxford Parish Council indorsed Gonville and Caius's 2019 planning proposals, and would therefore ask that the plans in question are not considered for inclusion in the South Cambridgeshire's Plans for Sites at this time.

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