Decision details

East-West Rail Bedford to Cambridge consultation response

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Decision status: Recommendations approved

Is Key decision?: No

Is subject to call in?: Yes

Purpose:

The purpose of this decision is to confirm the wording of amendments to the Council’s response to the East-West Rail Bedford to Cambridge consultation discussed by Cabinet on 6th March, as per the minute below and the appended revised response:

 

“On behalf of South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cabinet approved the draft consultation response to the East-West Rail Bedford to Cambridge consultation, attached as Appendix 1 to the report from the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development, subject to amendments to reflect the following:

·         On the approach to Cambridge section, remove  expression of a preference, and focus instead on issues that should be taken into account including emphasise the importance of connectivity, to the east of Cambridge, to the proposed Cambridge South railway station, and to other transport links;

·         an assessment of the impact on the amenity of communities located along the chosen route;

·         an expression of the Council’s disappointment that trains using the route at least at the outset would be diesel rather than electric,

·         highlighting the necessity for measures to minimise any adverse impact on the environment and on heritage assets, and to explore opportunities for environmental enhancement, including to address flood risk.

 

Delegation to the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development in consultation with the Deputy Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, to finalise the wording of the response.”

Decision:

It is recommended that the Deputy Leader: approves the appended consultation response for submission including revised wording reflecting the Cabinet minute noted above. The response will be submitted noting that it is subject to call in, and that the Council will notify East West Rail Company of any further wording changes resulting from that call in.

Reasons for the decision:

The points identified in the appended text were agreed by Cabinet on 6th March; the wording in the appended revised response was refined in discussion with the Deputy Leader.

Alternative options considered:

Option 1: Submit a consultation response that does not reflect the points identified in the Cabinet minute above.

Reason for rejection: This would not reflect the decision of Cabinet noted above.

Option 2: Submit no consultation response.

Reason for rejection: This would not reflect the decision of Cabinet noted above.

Publication date: 11/03/2019

Date of decision: 11/03/2019

Effective from: 19/03/2019

Accompanying Documents: