Agenda item

To consider a report by Graham Hughes, Executive Director (Cambridgeshire County Council), scheduled for consideration by the Executive Board on 3 March 2016.

The Joint Assembly RECOMMENDED that the Executive Board:

(a)        Notes the results of the public consultation.

(b)        Gives approval to submit a planning application based on the widths and path types as set out in the report and the route proposed as shown in Plan 1 of the report.

(c)        Supports the continuation of land negotiations.

(d)        Gives approval to use Compulsory Purchase Orders if needed.

The Joint Assembly considered a report which summarised the results of the consultation undertaken on the proposed route for the Chisholm Trail.

Mike Davies, Team Leader of Cycling Projects at Cambridgeshire County Council, presented the report and stated that 1,457 responses had been received to the consultation, as well as ten additional letters.  Over 90% of those responding supported some form of mostly off road walking and cycling route to link the north and south of the city.  86% supported the specific route and 84% said that they would ‘probably or definitely use the route’.  When broken down into sections, Mr Davies reported that there was support of over 83% for each of the five sections, with most support being shown for the length linking to the existing station.  It was noted that most opposition appeared to be associated with the lengths north of Coldhams Common, particularly in respect of the impact on green space and proposed path sizes.  Mr Davies reported that the project team would continue to engage with landowners, stakeholders, interest groups and specialists, especially over key issues such as flood mitigation, ecology and heritage. 

Councillor Tim Bick, Chairman, invited three members of the public who had given notice to put forward their questions in respect of this item.  These were noted as follows:

Rob King

Mr King explained that he ran a group of local cycling businesses in the area, with the logistics arm specialising in urban deliveries by bicycle.  He said that the Chisholm Trail on the route proposed would be hugely important in supporting his work, creating a new route through the heart of the City’s business district and linking Addenbrooke’s and the Science Park.  He asked whether the Joint Assembly would support the adoption of quality cycling infrastructure and, particularly, the Chisholm Trail to ensure Cambridge was a world leading, modern, fit and active city ready for the challenges of the future. 

Edward Leigh

On Edward Leigh’s behalf, Lynn Hieatt read out a statement by Edward Leigh which fully endorsed the recommendation to proceed with building the Chisholm Trail.  He hoped to see the City Deal bring forward many more similar schemes for connecting up Cambridge and its surrounding villages in a network of high quality cycle ways. 

Chris Smith

Mr Smith was not in attendance to present his question, but Members noted his statement and question.  He asked on what design the consultation had been made and felt that more scrutiny should be given to the scheme before any further approval was granted.

In discussing the content of the report and issues raised by public questions, the following points by Members of the Joint Assembly were noted:

·         the cycles used by Mr King’s business were quite large, weighing approximately a quarter of a tonne, so clarification was sought as to whether the route had been designed to accommodate vehicles such as this.  Mr Davis confirmed that these vehicles, as well as motorised mobility vehicles, could be accommodated on the route;

·         Mr King’s logistics aspect of his business, in terms of undertaking urban deliveries by bicycle, provided a competitive advantage over road-based haulage operators.  It was suggested that the added economic benefit in this context should be investigated further and potentially used as evidence to support the inclusion of more cycle schemes in future Tranches of the City Deal programme;

·         in terms of reference to green space, Councillor Dave Baigent asked that officers made specific reference to the status of such areas in future reports, rather than using the rather generic term ‘green space’;

·         part of the proposed route went through the Ridgeons site development.  It was noted that this was a long-term aspiration, subject to discussions and negotiations with landowners, and that alternatives and temporary measures could be put in place;

·         the proposed route was very dependent on land acquisitions, so it was suggested that the Joint Assembly should receive regular progress updates;

·         Cambridge Past, Present and Future, in discussions with the Chairman, confirmed that the proposed route accommodated a concern it had originally raised in respect of the proximity of the route to the Leper Chapel.

Mr Davies reminded the Joint Assembly that approximately ten different landowners had been spoken to in respect of this scheme and the proposed route and at this stage verbal agreement had been reached with them all.  Negotiations were also on-going with Network Rail, which he was seeking to progress as quickly as possible.

The Joint Assembly RECOMMENDED that the Executive Board:

(a)        Noted the results of the public consultation.

(b)        Gave approval to submit a planning application based on the widths and path types as set out in the report and the route proposed as shown in Plan 1 of the report.

(c)        Supported the continuation of land negotiations.

(d)        Gave approval to use Compulsory Purchase Orders if needed.