Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan
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Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan
Policy 1: A comprehensive approach at North East Cambridge
Representation ID: 54492
Received: 05/10/2020
Respondent: Cambridge Cycling Campaign
Camcycle supports a co-ordinated approach to development at North East Cambridge, but is concerned that a piecemeal delivery may already be locked in by construction and planning applications currently underway and the reliance on individual landowners and developers. We support Cambridge Past, Present and Future’s recommendation to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle such as a locally-controlled Development Corporation to ensure that the vision for the area can be properly realised.
We think the requirement within this policy for at least 8,000 new homes and 20,000 new jobs needs to be rethought: the number of jobs implies that the new site would create demand for more housing outside the area and the likelihood is that these journeys will be made by non-sustainable means, increasing local issues of congestion and pollution.
The phasing of delivery of homes, jobs and infrastructure should be designed to support the ambition to achieve 75% of trips by walking, cycling and public transport and we suggest following the example of high-density neighbourhoods where this has been successful, such as the ‘Living First’ campaign in Vancouver (see Marshall, 2008*). It is important that infrastructure for walking, cycling, public transport and car sharing is in place before any residents move in.
*Marshall, Julian D. (2008). Reducing urban sprawl could play an important role in addressing climate
change. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2008, 42, 9, 3133–3137.
Camcycle supports a co-ordinated approach to development at North East Cambridge, but is concerned that a piecemeal delivery may already be locked in by construction and planning applications currently underway and the reliance on individual landowners and developers. We support Cambridge Past, Present and Future’s recommendation to establish a Special Purpose Vehicle such as a locally-controlled Development Corporation to ensure that the vision for the area can be properly realised.
We think the requirement within this policy for at least 8,000 new homes and 20,000 new jobs needs to be rethought: the number of jobs implies that the new site would create demand for more housing outside the area and the likelihood is that these journeys will be made by non-sustainable means, increasing local issues of congestion and pollution.
The phasing of delivery of homes, jobs and infrastructure should be designed to support the ambition to achieve 75% of trips by walking, cycling and public transport and we suggest following the example of high-density neighbourhoods where this has been successful, such as the ‘Living First’ campaign in Vancouver (see Marshall, 2008*). It is important that infrastructure for walking, cycling, public transport and car sharing is in place before any residents move in.
*Marshall, Julian D. (2008). Reducing urban sprawl could play an important role in addressing climate
change. Environ. Sci. Technol. 2008, 42, 9, 3133–3137.
Object
Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan
Policy 2: Designing for the climate emergency
Representation ID: 54493
Received: 05/10/2020
Respondent: Cambridge Cycling Campaign
Camcycle believes that all new developments should be designed as carbon negative (or carbon-neutral/zero carbon at the very least). Stating that ‘development at North East Cambridge must support the transition to a net zero carbon society’ is far too vague and open to interpretation by individual developers. Transport is a significant contributor to emissions and planning should consider construction traffic as well as the movements of early workers and residents. Actions to minimise carbon emissions from transport (including demand management measures such as congestion charging and workplace parking levies) both within the area and in surrounding communities should begin immediately in order to obtain an appropriate carbon budget for the construction of the site.
Camcycle believes that all new developments should be designed as carbon negative (or carbon-neutral/zero carbon at the very least). Stating that ‘development at North East Cambridge must support the transition to a net zero carbon society’ is far too vague and open to interpretation by individual developers. Transport is a significant contributor to emissions and planning should consider construction traffic as well as the movements of early workers and residents. Actions to minimise carbon emissions from transport (including demand management measures such as congestion charging and workplace parking levies) both within the area and in surrounding communities should begin immediately in order to obtain an appropriate carbon budget for the construction of the site.
Comment
Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan
Policy 3: Energy and associated infrastructure
Representation ID: 54495
Received: 05/10/2020
Respondent: Cambridge Cycling Campaign
An area-wide approach to energy will be essential for the site to meet its carbon targets, so the qualifiers ‘where feasible and viable’ should be removed. At least 25% of cycle parking (in all staff and residential areas) should be provided with infrastructure to permit charging e-bike batteries. Buildings should also be designed with the capacity to be retrofitted for higher capacities of charging infrastructure (and therefore futureproofed to allow for a growth in e-bike usage). Research from 2020 shows that a quarter of Europeans intend to use an e-bike this year*.
*https://cyclingindustry.news/quarter-of-europeans-likely-to-be-e-bike-riders-in-2020-says-largest-study-to-date/
An area-wide approach to energy will be essential for the site to meet its carbon targets, so the qualifiers ‘where feasible and viable’ should be removed. At least 25% of cycle parking (in all staff and residential areas) should be provided with infrastructure to permit charging e-bike batteries. Buildings should also be designed with the capacity to be retrofitted for higher capacities of charging infrastructure (and therefore futureproofed to allow for a growth in e-bike usage). Research from 2020 shows that a quarter of Europeans intend to use an e-bike this year*.
*https://cyclingindustry.news/quarter-of-europeans-likely-to-be-e-bike-riders-in-2020-says-largest-study-to-date/
Comment
Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan
Policy 4c: Flood Risk and Sustainable Drainage
Representation ID: 54496
Received: 05/10/2020
Respondent: Cambridge Cycling Campaign
Drainage should be managed in such a way that cycle and walking routes remain clear and accessible at all times of year and by all types of cycle, including in the case of a 1 in 100-year rain event.
Drainage should be managed in such a way that cycle and walking routes remain clear and accessible at all times of year and by all types of cycle, including in the case of a 1 in 100-year rain event.
Support
Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan
Policy 6a: Distinctive design for North East Cambridge
Representation ID: 54498
Received: 05/10/2020
Respondent: Cambridge Cycling Campaign
We support the need for high-quality design that positively contributes to Cambridge heritage and note that as cycling is an established part of Cambridge culture, creating streets which promote cycling for all will help build a community that reflects the wider city. Buildings that are considered from every aspect including their impact on views, creation of wind-tunnel effects, perceived and actual community safety and human-scale streetscape will help create an attractive place for people to walk and cycle through. Cycle parking should be well designed and integrated into the development so that it is easy to find and use and does not cause obstruction to footways.
We support the need for high-quality design that positively contributes to Cambridge heritage and note that as cycling is an established part of Cambridge culture, creating streets which promote cycling for all will help build a community that reflects the wider city. Buildings that are considered from every aspect including their impact on views, creation of wind-tunnel effects, perceived and actual community safety and human-scale streetscape will help create an attractive place for people to walk and cycle through. Cycle parking should be well designed and integrated into the development so that it is easy to find and use and does not cause obstruction to footways.
Comment
Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan
Policy 6b: Design of mixed-use buildings
Representation ID: 54499
Received: 05/10/2020
Respondent: Cambridge Cycling Campaign
We support a policy of mixed-use buildings as this will help achieve the objective of a place where the majority of destinations are within a 15-minute walk or cycle ride.
We support a policy of mixed-use buildings as this will help achieve the objective of a place where the majority of destinations are within a 15-minute walk or cycle ride.
Comment
Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan
Policy 7: Legible streets and spaces
Representation ID: 54500
Received: 05/10/2020
Respondent: Cambridge Cycling Campaign
Streets that prioritise pedestrian and cycle movements will help create strong, healthy and social communities and it is important that all key streets and spaces within the site conform to the strategic layout for walking and cycling.
Clear kerb-separation between the carriageway, cycleway and footway will prevent conflict between road users and a consistent design across street types will help wayfinding, especially for those with vision impairments. Generous tree planting will create attractive, shady routes and mitigate against wind tunnels on streets with high buildings. A design which limits motor traffic to speeds of no more than 20mph will create safe spaces that support the county council’s new Vision Zero approach to road collisions. The coordinated approach to street furniture should limit obstructions to movement and enjoyment of the public space.
Streets that prioritise pedestrian and cycle movements will help create strong, healthy and social communities and it is important that all key streets and spaces within the site conform to the strategic layout for walking and cycling.
Clear kerb-separation between the carriageway, cycleway and footway will prevent conflict between road users and a consistent design across street types will help wayfinding, especially for those with vision impairments. Generous tree planting will create attractive, shady routes and mitigate against wind tunnels on streets with high buildings. A design which limits motor traffic to speeds of no more than 20mph will create safe spaces that support the county council’s new Vision Zero approach to road collisions. The coordinated approach to street furniture should limit obstructions to movement and enjoyment of the public space.
Comment
Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan
Policy 8: Open spaces for recreation and sport
Representation ID: 54501
Received: 05/10/2020
Respondent: Cambridge Cycling Campaign
The provision of open space is low for the planned number of residents and surrounding spaces such as the river path and Milton Country Park are already overstretched. We support the fact that open spaces are located along key cycling and walking links, but would recommend an increase in the amount of space closer to that allocated to the Trumpington Meadows development (90 hectares per 3,500 homes). All public open spaces should incorporate formal secure cycle parking and there should be spaces where children and beginner adults can safely learn to cycle.
We support small neighbourhood greens and playspaces throughout the development so that every resident is able to access a green space area on foot and those without individual gardens have places nearby to benefit their physical and mental health. Access to playspaces within a walk or short cycle ride is also important to children’s development of independence.
The provision of open space is low for the planned number of residents and surrounding spaces such as the river path and Milton Country Park are already overstretched. We support the fact that open spaces are located along key cycling and walking links, but would recommend an increase in the amount of space closer to that allocated to the Trumpington Meadows development (90 hectares per 3,500 homes). All public open spaces should incorporate formal secure cycle parking and there should be spaces where children and beginner adults can safely learn to cycle.
We support small neighbourhood greens and playspaces throughout the development so that every resident is able to access a green space area on foot and those without individual gardens have places nearby to benefit their physical and mental health. Access to playspaces within a walk or short cycle ride is also important to children’s development of independence.
Comment
Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan
Policy 9: Density, heights, scale and massing
Representation ID: 54502
Received: 05/10/2020
Respondent: Cambridge Cycling Campaign
Camcycle supports plans to ensure that development proposals create a well-articulated and varied skyline which is pleasant and attractive to travel through at street level on foot or by cycle, and contributes to making a place that is easy to find your way around. We also support the mixed-use nature of the area and individual buildings which will help ensure that people have the opportunity to make everyday journeys without driving and that the district’s walking and cycling routes have good levels of natural surveillance at all times of the day and night.
We note that the high densities in the eastern part of the site seem to have been made necessary by the restrictions made on land-use in the western part of the site. This puts pressure on the public realm; for example cycleways are unlikely to be built wider than the 2.5m minimum, even where volumes of cycle traffic would require it, and green space is more limited than it should be. Choices should never be made between pavements, cycleways and green space: these should be the aspects the site is built around and the whole area should be as mixed-use as possible to make cycling and walking the natural choice for all short journeys. Density should be determined by factors such as liveability and local typology rather than external pressures which could lead to overdevelopment of the land.
Camcycle supports plans to ensure that development proposals create a well-articulated and varied skyline which is pleasant and attractive to travel through at street level on foot or by cycle, and contributes to making a place that is easy to find your way around. We also support the mixed-use nature of the area and individual buildings which will help ensure that people have the opportunity to make everyday journeys without driving and that the district’s walking and cycling routes have good levels of natural surveillance at all times of the day and night.
We note that the high densities in the eastern part of the site seem to have been made necessary by the restrictions made on land-use in the western part of the site. This puts pressure on the public realm; for example cycleways are unlikely to be built wider than the 2.5m minimum, even where volumes of cycle traffic would require it, and green space is more limited than it should be. Choices should never be made between pavements, cycleways and green space: these should be the aspects the site is built around and the whole area should be as mixed-use as possible to make cycling and walking the natural choice for all short journeys. Density should be determined by factors such as liveability and local typology rather than external pressures which could lead to overdevelopment of the land.
Comment
Draft North East Cambridge Area Action Plan
Policy 10a: North East Cambridge Centres
Representation ID: 54504
Received: 05/10/2020
Respondent: Cambridge Cycling Campaign
We support the locating of centres at the intersections of key walking and cycling routes which connect out into the surrounding areas. Cycle parking should be integrated into the design of buildings to avoid having a negative effect on the public realm – this will only be achieved if sufficient quantities of well-designed and secure cycle parking are provided for each building use.
We support the locating of centres at the intersections of key walking and cycling routes which connect out into the surrounding areas. Cycle parking should be integrated into the design of buildings to avoid having a negative effect on the public realm – this will only be achieved if sufficient quantities of well-designed and secure cycle parking are provided for each building use.
