4.1.3

I agree with the planning principles, especially regarding:

* removal of gyratory system,
* reduction of vehicle speeds,
* introduction of two-way traffic,

I note that the drawing figure #27 is very preliminary in nature and leaves many questions open regarding the exact nature of the traffic flows. Especially the nature of the connection between Victoria Road and Mitcham's Corner deserves a closer look. With reference to the long-term closure of Victoria Rd in 2014 during major road works and sewer repairs we now have proof that the connection between Victoria Road and Mitcham's Corner is indeed not essential. Victoria Rd itself has some interesting commercial infrastructure of historical nature which deserves consideration and could flourish under pedestrian oriented redesign, which corrects the narrow and dangerous pavements which are under-specified throughout.

My second comment relates to the connection between Mitcham's Corner and Westbrook Centre and the housing development on the former sports fields behind it. Connectivity and permeability is very poor in this area. Figure #44 shows a double sided yellow arrow which highlights this issue without offering a clear solution. Figure #17 actually shows Corona Rd open to Westbrook Centre. This is an error on the map, but also a very desirable outcome. Such permeability, especially for non-motorized modes, is essential to make Mitcham's Corner a success and it should be expressly included in the final version of the plan. I also note that the document has no specific guidance for the Westbrook area, whereas specific guidance is included for Giles House and the Staples Site. It is well known that dis-connected sites and sites that lack universal permeability create impactful transportation issues for the life of the development. Improved permeability and connectivity for all modes must be addressed in the final document.

Figure 5:
Theme 1 - Creating a connected place
Not maximise the benefits of "Greater city deal" but "increase the use of sustainable modes of travel" supporting the aims of the Transport Strategy for Cambridge.

Leave out "potentially" in "through severing the gyratory system"
Should be "create a low-speed, simplified and integrated highway space", followed by "considering safety for cyclist and pedestrians around Mitcham's Corner"

Theme 4
Sitting and meeting spaces and pop-up markets need careful design.

Additional objectives
There needs to be an emphasis on affordable residential accommodation in the Mitcham's Corner area. No more student hostels or apart-hotels, which turn the locality into a dormitory district and diminish cohesion for the community and its sustainability. There needs to be a balance between commerical units and residential property.
Provision of car parking is not addressed adequately. This needs immediate attention. Not to be dealt with at a later stage. The demand for short term parking is high because of inadequate bus services. The P&R bus should regularly stop at Mitcham's Corner. There needs to be more cycle parking to attract cyclists to the Mitcham's Corner area.
Planning Guidance (page 44)
Henry Giles House and Staples Site: "development should comprise of improve quality of public realm...and urban-design-led approach should be taken - surely this should always be the case!

Heights recommended will be the starting point of any new development, but where are these guidelines apart from Henry Giles House and Staples? Please no 5+1 storeys for Henry Giles House!
Barclay's and the Tivoli site: guidelines to be to included please. Tivoli should be dual use; commercial and residential. Tivoli frontage to remain.
Page 45
What architects must do and how they should design should include developers and landowners, not just architects.
Uses of recent developments in Mitcham's Corner area have been altered at Student Castle, Your Space (Trafalgar Rd), King's residence. Development Guidelines must be adhered to, also after planning approval.