Decision details

The purpose of the report is to agree the Council’s response to Highways England’s consultation on route options for the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvement scheme.

Cabinet agreed the recommended response in principle but that delegated authority be given to the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development to make further technical comments in consultation with the Strategic Planning Portfolio Holder. The outcome of such delegation was that the following was submitted as South Cambridgeshire District Council’s formal response:

1.     Support the principle of upgrading the A428 between the Black Cat and Caxton Gibbet which will support the delivery of the national, regional and local growth agenda.

2.     On the basis of the evidence provided up to this point in the process, the Council support the Orange Route Option, provided it includes grade separated junctions at Cambridge Road / B1428 and Caxton Gibbet / A1198. The Purple and Pink options would have significantly greater environmental disbenefits, and are therefore not supported. This is subject to any final alignment and confirmation that the existing A428 will be retained as a local road and that the new road will not sever existing minor roads connecting villages either side of the proposed alignment.

3.     Support proposals for the Black Cat roundabout which enable free flowing traffic on all the strategic routes as well as providing all movements on the local road network (Options A and C).

4.     Advise Highways England that the Council is seeking to ensure that future design for the Caxton Gibbet junction minimises impacts on nearby existing and planned developments, including Cambourne West. As the junction layout was not included in the route options consultation, the Council would like to engage in early discussions about the design and how it will enable free-flowing traffic and safe cycle / pedestrian crossing.

5.     Advise Highways England that the scheme should not prejudice the delivery of any future strategic proposals, including the A1 improvement scheme and wider Oxford to Cambridge Expressway proposals.

6.     Advise Highways England that the scheme should not prejudice Greater Cambridge City Deal proposals for the A428 corridor, including bus and cycle improvement measures, and where possible synergies should be sought.

7.     The Council supports the intention to provide opportunities for improving access for pedestrians, cyclists and equestrians and would urge Highways England to secure opportunities for the enhancement of existing and/or provision of new infrastructure to the highest standard. The scheme should also seek to redress severance caused by the existing road through the provision of crossings at appropriate points.

8.     The Council would like to explore Legacy opportunities with Highways England.