Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan

I write in order to provide Network Rail’s consultation response in relation to Greater Cambridge Shared Planning’s (GCSP) Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan (AAP) Regulation 18 consultation. Thank you for giving Network Rail the opportunity to submit representation in relation to this policy document. Network Rail’s feedback to the draft North East Cambridge AAP is detailed below. Site L - Land at Cambridge North As detailed within Figure 6 of the Draft North East Cambridge AAP, Network Rail is the freehold owner of the Land at Cambridge North. Network Rail, together with Brookgate Land Ltd and DB Cargo UK (and through them Freightliner and Tarmac) form the Chesterton Partnership. The Chesterton Partnership is promoting the rationalisation and redevelopment of the former Chesterton Sidings site (referred to as Site L within Figure 6). Please note that in relation to the Land at Cambridge North, a separate consultation response has been prepared by Bidwells LLP on behalf of Brookgate Land Limited. Fen Road (Chesterton Junction) Level Crossing Page 195 of the Draft North East Cambridge AAP states that, ‘Any move to close the crossing will need to be initiated by Network Rail and go through due processes. The authorities will need to work together to form a view on where any alternative access route should go to deliver the best outcomes, should this situation arise; more certainty will be given as the plan process advances.’ Whilst it is acknowledged that Fen Road Level Crossing is located outside the Draft North East Cambridge AAP boundary, Network Rail welcomes further discussion with GCSP, Cambridgeshire County Council and other stakeholders in relation to the crossing and potential opportunities for alternative access routes.

Cambridge North Station (Various Policies) The Draft North East Cambridge AAP recognizes the important role that Cambridge North Station has in supporting the proposed regeneration of the surrounding area. It is vital that proposed developments on the approach to the station / surrounding the station, consider how they interact with the station environment and its operation. GCSP and Developers should engage with Network Rail at an early stage in relation to proposed developments.

Developments adjacent to operational railway land and infrastructure The proposed Draft North East Cambridge AAP proposes potential development on land located adjacent to Network Rail’s operational railway and infrastructure. GCSP and potential Developers should be aware of and consider Network Rail’s standard guidelines and requirements when developing sites located adjacent to or in close proximity to Network Rail’s land, assets and operational railway infrastructure. For more information please visit https://www.networkrail.co.uk/running-the-railway/looking-after-the-railway/asset-protection- and-optimisation/. Future developers will need to engage with Network Rail’s Asset Protection Anglia team (AngliaASPROLandClearance@networkrail.co.uk) at an early stage to ensure that any proposed development does not have a detrimental impact on the safety and operation of the railway network. Thank you again for providing Network Rail with the opportunity to comment on this consultation. I trust that the comments above are clear, but if you require any further information or have any queries do not hesitate to contact me.