Mill Road Depot Draft Planning and Development Brief SPD

Object

Representation ID: 31204

Received: 22/07/2016

Respondent: Cambridge GRT Solidarity Network

We feel that Paras 4.4.4-7 of the draft SPD do not go far enough in proposing and requiring a landscape strategy, in relation to not just open space but also the role of trees in assimilating developments into context, in mitigating the impacts of the adjacent busy road and railway, and in moderating summer heat.

Object

Representation ID: 31205

Received: 22/07/2016

Respondent: Cambridge GRT Solidarity Network

The document states only that trees make 'a significant contribution to the appearance and character' on the area but not to our health and wellbeing.

The trees at the southern end of the site bordering Mill Road and the railway are rightly noted as significant, although overlooked by the Conservation Area Appraisal. They are strong features in the street scene, they would screen the railway bridge and its traffic from any new development, but they would also heavily overshadow what is proposed as a new public space. Has any assessment been made of their long-term prospects, or of the potential need for succession planting?

Object

Representation ID: 31206

Received: 22/07/2016

Respondent: Cambridge GRT Solidarity Network

The document fails to address how open space will be a community resource, positioned as it is three-quarters of the way down the development, considered primarily as a water run-off area, despite the suggestion of using ditches, swales and ponds to deal with minor surface water issues. At the consultations, people expressed the desire for the open space to be directly accessible from Mill Rd, and to be well integrated throughout the built environment. The area allocated for 'Mill Park' is smaller than any of the current listed open spaces on Fig13 and does little to increase the ratio of open space to housing density. More green spaces could be accommodated and safe play areas for children provided throughout the site if the development was car-free.

Object

Representation ID: 31207

Received: 22/07/2016

Respondent: Cambridge GRT Solidarity Network

The Councils also need to assess the space needs of the existing community-related uses, most particularly the Women's Resources Centre and the present and future occupants of the former Library.

There is also a need for an assessment of the major gaps in current community provision in the area, and the outcome of this assessment to be reflected in the community provision on the site.

Appendix 1:
The following community aspirations were stated at a public meeting:

*Green space

*Creative community Space - multi functional and flexible.

*A Space for community and teaching kitchens

*Space to enable a maintenance hub for cyclists, along with a teaching and learning facility

*Affordable workshop, gallery and storage Space for local artists

*Safe space for the homeless. A space to offer the homeless room to breathe and to be able to start to build lives for themselves.

*A strong message from the community is to emphasise the call to develop and take part in community teaching and learning.