This council does not support the current CSET proposals. The Greater Cambridge Partnership Board member for South Cambridgeshire District Council will reflect the views of this council at future board meetings.
Decision:
Council Rejected this Motion.
Minutes:
Councillor Mark Howell proposed and Councillor Graham Cone seconded the following motion:
“This council does not support the current CSET proposals. The Greater Cambridge Partnership Board member for South Cambridgeshire District Council will reflect the views of this council at future board meetings.”
Councillor Mark Howell explained that he supported the concerns of Mr Littlewood who had asked a public question earlier in the meeting regarding CSET. He explained that the situation had changed and so the Greater Cambridge Partnership should reconsider its current proposal which would give up good agricultural land.
Councillor Peter Fane stated that CSET was more than just a busway, which was in phase 2 of the plan. Phase 1 included safety work on the A1307. He explained that the exact route of the busway would have to consider new factors such as the location of a retirement facility in Stapleford and the Mayor’s Local Transport and Community Plan. The Council should not seek to give an official instruction to the Greater Cambridge Partnership.
Councillor Neil Gough explained that he was the Council’s representative on the Greater Cambridge Board, which had to consider all the competing factors to deliver its objectives and minimise the environmental impact. No transportation scheme was ever universally welcomed but the evidence indicated that CSET was essential.
Councillor Brian Milnes expressed his disappointment that a project that had enjoyed support from Conservative County Councillors and the Conservative former Mayor was now being objected to.
Councillor Tom Bygott stated that a proper co-ordinated transport system needed to be built that took into account a new block flats in Great Shelford, which prevented the widening of the railway line. He opposed CSET which would prevent the long term rebuilding of the railway network.
Councillor Dr Richard Williams stated that the Greater Cambridge Partnership needed to take into account the impact of Covid-19 on travel patterns and reconsider its plans and consider an alternative which was less environmentally damaging.
Councillor John Batchelor, as local member for the Linton ward, stated that there were major concerns regarding congestion, pollution and safety issues with the A1307. He concluded that CSET could provide a quick, reliable alternative to using the car and he urged Council not to dismiss it.
Councillor Heather Williams stated that decision makers needed to respond to changes in circumstances and be pragmatic. The Greater Cambridge Partnership needed to consider an alternative to CSET.
Councillor Dr Martin Cahn recognised the challenges involved and suggested that there was a need for a compromise. He could not support a motion which rejected what appeared to be the best available solution without suggesting a viable alternative.
Councillor Graham Cone expressed his support for the motion, as it would avoid destroying any green belt land and would allow alternatives to be considered.
Councillor Mark Howell stated that he wanted the Greater Cambridge Partnership to consider an alternative to CSET, respond to changing circumstances and avoid building on some of the best green belt land in Cambridgeshire.
A vote was taken and were cast as follows:
In favour (6):
Councillors Ruth Betson, Tom Bygott, Graham Cone, Mark Howell, Heather Williams and Dr Richard Williams.
Against (17):
Councillors Henry Batchelor, John Batchelor, Paul Bearpark, Anna Bradnam, Dr Martin Cahn, Dr Claire Daunton, Corinne Garvie, Jose Hales, Bill Handley, Sally Ann Hart, Brian Milnes, Dawn Percival, Judith Rippeth, Bridget Smith, Aidan Van de Weyer, John Williams and Eileen Wilson.
Abstain (0)
Council Rejected this Motion.