Comment

Representation ID: 30622

Received: 03/02/2015

Respondent: RLW Estates

Agent: Boyer Planning

RLW Estates does not wish to comment in detail on Options 1 - 4. However, consistent with our earlier comments we wish to highlight the principles which we believe should underpin the selected strategy:
* The priority should be to optimise the development of the area as a high quality employment hub;
* The new station should be recognised as a key piece of infrastructure to support this role;
* Provision of all sustainable transport modes (including walking and cycling) must be encouraged and safeguarded, both to serve CNFE itself and as part of the wider strategy for the Ely corridor, including Waterbeach new town;
* Careful consideration should be given to the potential to relocate or re-configure constraining uses so as to enhance the overall objectives. If that is not possible the land use strategy will need to reflect how best to accommodate them whilst minimising any prejudicial impacts.

As regards the last of these points RLW Estates notes that Option 4 is entirely dependent upon relocation of the Water Recycling Centre off-site, with no certainty that this is either viable or deliverable. It is acknowledged within the consultation document that no alternative sites for this facility, which is itself regarded as a vital item of infrastructure for the Greater Cambridge area, have yet been identified. Furthermore it is noted that exercises aimed at finding an appropriate alternative location in the relatively recent past were unsuccessful, and on this basis this option must be considered unlikely to be deliverable, potentially risking the regeneration of this area as a whole. That does not, though, preclude the possibility of reconfiguring and modernising the Water Recycling Centre to reduce its negative impacts on development.

Nevertheless, given the constraints clearly in evidence, and in line with our responses to earlier questions, it is not considered that additional residential development would be feasible.

Moreover this could not be achieved without diluting the employment focus for the area in accordance with Local Plan policy.