Decision details

The consultation is an opportunity for the Council to express its views on the main changes made to the scheme in response to feedback from the consultation last year, further design development and environmental assessments. These changes are a combination of refinements to the design, methods of construction and changes to the use and extent of the land we need to build, maintain and operate the road. Of particular relevance to South Cambs is the new borrow pits at Caxton Gibbet to the NE and NW of the junction.

No Objection subject to recommendations set out in the body of the attached letter.

The A428 improvements will improve capacity on the highway network. However the borrow pits proposed as Caxton Gibbet would give rise to noise pollution, as well as significant biodiversity and landscape impacts and these will need to be mitigated.

There should also be a greater level of information provided as part of the DCO process in respect of safeguarding against contamination in the backfilling of the borrow pits.

Finally, more measures to reduce carbon emissions need to be employed during and after the development.

Option 1: To not respond to the consultation.

This would not have been the best option because there are matters that are in the interest of the Council that the A428 Supplementary Consultation touches on.

Option 2: To provide a no comment response.

This would not have served the interests of the Council as there are matters pertaining to the scheme that should be reflected and recorded with Highways England

Option 3: To object to the consultation

Whilst the Council has put forward recommendations to Highways England, it does not object to the principle of the proposed road widening