Cambridge Northern Fringe East AAP - Issues and Options

The proposed vision is broadly supported but could be improved. It is important that CNFE is not viewed in isolation from planned strategic developments. There is clearly the potential to reinforce the strategic importance of the greater north Cambridge area, in particular, the potential for a positive relationship between CNFE area and the proposed Waterbeach New Town should be emphasised in the vision because of the potential for new homes and jobs in close proximity and the potential for new sustainable infrastructure to benefit both developments. It is also important that the regeneration vision is not compromised by the continued presence of strategic aggregates and waste management facilities.
Suggested changes
In the third bullet point under "The development will also ensure" include reference to Waterbeach New Town.

The proposed objectives are supported but could be improved. Firstly, consistent with the proposed vision, the contribution of CNFE to the wider regeneration and growth agenda of Cambridge is important and could be further emphasised in the proposed objectives. Secondly, given the scale, importance and proximity of Waterbeach New Town, it would be beneficial to include reference to the objective of ensuring a well-co-ordinated and integrated approach between the two developments. Finally, direct reference to maximising the potential of the new railway station should be made.
Suggested changes:
Proposed Objective 1: Insert "including proposed new communities" after "wider community"
Proposed Objective 6: Insert "including sustainable links with proposed new communities" after "new neighbourhood".
Proposed New Objectives:
"Ensure development is well connected and complementary to Waterbeach New Town"
"Maximise the potential of the new railway station to support regeneration and wider growth"

The current defined area is supported but the option of amending the boundary to achieve the vision and objectives should not be dismissed, providing this can be done within the Local Plan context.

The inclusion of the Science Park (Option A) may be beneficial in the long-term in delivering a more sustainable and well connected development and in achieving Draft Policy E/1 of the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan. However, the feasibility of this within the Local Plan context should be further explored and it is important that the inclusion of this area should not delay the proposed investment and development on the remainder of the CNFE area.

A comprehensive approach to the development including all areas necessary to deliver the vision and objectives is preferred. The inclusion of Chesterton Sidings Triangle is supported (if it can be done within the Local Plan context) to help deliver cycle/pedestrian access, for example as part of Chisholm Trail.

Consideration of CNFE in the context of both existing and proposed new developments will be vital to ensure a well-coordinated and integrated development. The lack of mention of other strategic developments as part of the context is a significant omission. The following issues should also be taken into account:
6.4 Neighbouring communities
Consideration will need to be given to other planned new communities and neighbourhoods in close proximity to CNFE, in particular Waterbeach New Town only 5km to the north.
6.8 Movement/Transportation
Consideration should be given to the sustainable transport links from/to the planned Waterbeach New Town including existing and new shared infrastructure such as the guided busway, cycle/pedestrian connectivity and rail connections. Waterbeach New Town will provide a future population in close proximity and it will be important to maximise sustainable transport links.

The over-arching principles are broadly supported but could be improved. There is significant economic potential to promote the wider Cambridge North area including Cambridge Northern Fringe and A10 corridor such as the Research Park and Waterbeach New Town.
An additional objective is suggested under Question 2 as follows: "Ensure development is well connected and complementary to the wider North and North of Cambridge potential, including Waterbeach New Town".
The development principles underpinning this objective are suggested as:
"contribute to delivering sustainable transport links with Waterbeach New Town including pedestrian/cycle and public transport connections and access to the new CNFE railway station.
Create a mix of uses supportive to the delivery of Waterbeach New Town."
In addition, principle 3.G on aggregates and waste uses should be qualified and subject to further work to ensure a high quality employment focus is not compromised.

There are no strong preferences on the options but the overarching objective to create a transformative gateway with a strong employment focus should remain consistent.
Option 1 (Lower Level of Redevelopment) is unlikely to deliver the full potential of the CNFE area and associated developments in the Greater Cambridge area. It would limit the development potential, the infrastructure and connectivity improvements and the role of the new station. It could be considered as an early phase of the development but greater ambition is required to deliver a transformational gateway regeneration scheme.

There are no strong preferences on the options but the overarching objective to create a transformative gateway with a strong employment focus should remain consistent.
Option 2 (Medium Level of Redevelopment) is most likely should Option 3 not be feasible or viable (particularly the rationalisation of the Water Recycling Centre (WRC). From the information provided it appears to strike a good balance between delivery and ambition however it is not without its own constraints.

There are no strong preferences on the options but the overarching objective to create a transformative gateway with a strong employment focus should remain consistent. Option 3 (Higher Level of Redevelopment) is supported but it is imperative to confirm that the rationalisation of the water recycling plant is feasible, viable and would not delay development on the remainder of the site. In addition, flexibility should be applied over the additional residential land suggested in Option 3 at Nuffield Road. The site is plainly a suitable and sustainable location for a range of uses but especially offices/R&D uses given its proximity to the new railway station and the Science Park. Consequently, the mix of uses should ensure the primacy of employment and not inhibit demand for employment related uses.