The North East Cambridge area includes land to the west of Cambridge North station together with adjoining business parks including the internationally renowned St John’s and Cambridge Science Park. The vision is for the area to be socially and economically inclusive – providing opportunities for existing and nearby residents as well as attracting new jobs to the City and to be a thriving, low carbon community enjoying a high quality, walkable and locally distinctive environment.
Now, the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service, a partnership between South Cambridgeshire District and Cambridge City Councils, is asking for people’s thoughts on the aspirations for the area and the issues and options to be addressed. These responses will be used to help put together a draft area action plan for North East Cambridge. The consultation runs until 5pm on Monday 25 March.
Local residents and businesses are being asked a range of questions. These include what sort of place the new development should be and how it could complement the existing communities nearby. The Councils are looking at ideas to reduce the reliance on cars within this new community, so development doesn’t add more congestion to local roads. It is also hoped that the development can help contribute to the aspirations of both Councils to make Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire carbon-neutral by 2050.
Comments are also being invited about the types of development that could take place and any constraints influencing how it the area is developed.
Anglian Water’s water treatment facility will also need to be relocated if the opportunities are to be realised. A bid to Government under their Housing Infrastructure Fund – which was set up to help sites like North East Cambridge get off the ground – was submitted to move the water treatment facility. The bid successfully passed the first round of Government assessment and a final decision is expected in the near future.
Deputy Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council and Lead Cabinet Member for Strategic Planning and Transport, Cllr Aidan Van de Weyer, said: “This is a huge opportunity to breathe new life into one of the last remaining major local brownfield sites. We are aiming to bring forward truly environmentally-friendly living by putting homes, jobs, facilities and excellent public transport links all in one place and within walking distance. We know that we need to take a different approach at North East Cambridge because local roads simply cannot cope with more cars. Please do get involved and have your say on this important consultation.”
Cllr Kevin Blencowe, Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Transport at Cambridge City Council, said: “The North East Cambridge site offers a chance to build a new kind of community, with many more homes that are much needed to address the serious shortage facing people in the Cambridge area.
“The proposals that are now starting to take shape will have an emphasis on improving access to and the use of sustainable transport modes with the rest of the city and surrounding areas, plus new job opportunities, community and leisure facilities and more. We need your input to help us make the most of this opportunity, so please do take part in the consultation.”
To find out more and take part in the consultation, visit www.scambs.gov.uk/consultations or www.cambridge.gov.uk/consultations