Issue - meetings

Draft orders for the A14, Ellington to Fen Ditton, scheme were published on 30 September 2009.  A number of objections and responses were received to the Secretary of State’s proposals.  As there are objections that have not been resolved a Public Local Inquiry has been called.   

The dates for the Pre-Inquiry Meeting and the proposed Inquiry are as follows:

The Pre-Inquiry Meeting will be held on Monday 24 May 2010, at Burgess Civic Hall, Westwood Road, St Ives, PE27 6WU, starting at 10am.

The Public Inquiry is planned to begin on Tuesday 20 July 2010 at the St Ives Business Centre, Parsons Green, St Ives, PE27 4WY.

If you have any questions please contact Roger Claxton, Programming Officer, Persona Associates, West Point, Springfield Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 2PD, Tel: 01403 217799, email: RogerClaxton@personaassociates.co.uk

A formal notice will be published shortly and a copy will be placed on the A14 Ellington website:  http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/projects/4211.aspx

The draft Orders for the A14 Ellington to Fen Ditton scheme were published in 30 September 2009.  A number of objections and responses were received to the Secretary of State’s proposals.  The Highways Agency is continuing the hold discussions with those affected by the proposals.  It is possible that not all of the outstanding objections will be resolved.

A Public Notice was published on 3 February 2010 announcing the Secretary of State’s intention to hold a Public Local Inquiry to consider the objections to the draft Orders.  Details of the venue will be provided at a later date.

If you have any further queries concerning the above, please contact:

Anna Smyth

Project Support Team Leader

anna.smyth@highways.gsi.gov.uk

Direct Line: 01234 796230

Highways Agency

Woodlands

Manton Lane

Bedford MK41 7LW

The New Communities Portfolio Holder RESOLVED

1.                  that the Highways Agency be informed that South Cambridgeshire District Council

(a)               supports the A14 improvement scheme in principle.  However, there may be matters of detail, or alternative proposals, that could prompt it into making representations at the public inquiry, particularly as Local Planning Authority and Local Environmental Health Authority.   Such details could include treatments or designs intended to address the impact on existing or planned development, noise mitigation, air quality, landscape, ecology, drainage issues and so on.   The Council reserves the right to make such representations should it be necessary in the light of submissions yet to be made by other parties and assessed by South Cambridgeshire District Council.

(b)               urges the delivery of the scheme as soon as possible.  The improvements are necessary in order to deliver the Growth Agenda, and improve journey times and road safety for the travelling public.

(c)               urges the Highways Agency to work with Cambridgeshire County Council (as Local Highways Authority), South Cambridgeshire District Council and those parish councils along the route, in preparing a construction management plan and minimise general traffic rat-running through villages during the A14 improvement works.

(d)               seeks commitment from the Highways Agency to engage and consult with the local authority on the detailed design stage of the whole route, in particular regarding the following issues:

(i)                  Barriers and other mitigation measures and their installation.

(ii)                Construction Environmental Management Plan.

(iii)               Construction Noise & Vibration Management Plan to agree noise and vibration mitigation measures.

(iv)              Landscape measures, including schemes for off-site planting.

(v)                Ecology Matters

(e)               urges the Highways Agency to explore opportunities for the recycling of waste materials from the Northstowe development site.

(f)                 supports the revised route alignment to the north of Conington, which increases the separation between the village and the new A14.

(g)               supports the provision of an A1198 junction with west-facing slips and emergency only east-facing slips.

(h)               supports the revised junction arrangement at Fen Drayton and Trinity Foot allowing direct access to the Cambridge Services from both the A14 and Local Access Road, and urges the Highways Agency to consider the need for a footbridge allowing direct pedestrian access between Buckingway Business Park and Cambridge Services.

(i)                 supports the retention of the existing over bridge at the Bar Hill junction as a segregated route for non-motorised users.

(j)                 accepts that an all movement interchange at Girton is not currently justified, given the evidence provided by the Highways Agency.

(k)               requests public scrutiny of the Highway Agency’s modelling data, and seeks confirmation that the Highways Agency has taken account of the latest position in relation to the Council’s Local Development Framework, particularly concerning revisions to allocations for development.

(l)                 reserves its position and seeks commitment from the Highways Agency to include it in discussions at detailed design stage to make sure that noise attenuation barriers at Orchard Park are provided to the highest international standards.

(m)            supports and seeks commitment from the Highways Agency to include it in discussions at detailed design stage and provide, to the highest international standards, a noise attenuation barrier adjacent to the Blackwell Traveller Site, as well as additional planting there, which should improve the environment of the site.

(n)               accepts that the forecast changes in air quality will mean that national air quality objectives would be met.  As part of its duties in Local Air Quality Management (LAQM), the District Council’s Health and Environmental Service will continue to monitor air quality at strategic points along the A14.  Should the predictions made in the modelling, such as improvements in fleet emissions, pollutant background concentrations, traffic figures and so on not be achieved and, as a result, the air quality objectives are not met, then the Highways Agency will be required to engage with the local authority to investigate potential mitigation measures (which could include speed limits and traffic light phasing at junctions to reduce queuing).  These may be based on long term emissions reduction measures at the detailed design stage, should information come to light before this stage, or at any point in the future as part of the LAQM process.

(o)               does not object to the Scheme on the grounds of noise impact provided that adequate mitigation measures are fully implemented and maintained.

(p)               supports the landscape measures proposed as part of the scheme and seeks confirmation that it will be consulted at the detailed design stage on landscape measures, including schemes for off-site planting. The Highways Agency is requested to provide further information on aspects of the Environmental Statement regarding the impact of the scheme on the setting of Cambridge and surrounding countryside.

(q)               objects to the lack of provision of a mammal pass for water voles on watercourse 18 (Washpit Brook), and would encourage the Highways Agency to provide mammal passes on culverts as standard.

(r)                objects to the lack of provision for the protection of the bat flight path in the Hilton area where large numbers have been observed.

(s)               seeks a commitment from the Highways Agency to monitor newly created habitats every second year over a ten-year period, and to include it in discussions during the detailed design stage on ecology matters, particularly in investigating the provision of safety fencing for livestock and wildlife, where appropriate.

(t)                 supports the general provision made for non-motorised users.  However, objects in principle to the lack of consideration of crossings over the A14 along the Cambridge Northern Bypass at the Histon and Impington and Fen Ditton junctions, pending the outcome of the A14 Cycle Crossing Study.  The Council seeks commitment from the Highways Agency to include it in discussions during the detailed design of the NIAB bridge to ensure its suitability for non-motorised users.

(u)               supports the provision of lay-bys, which should help deal with the current shortage of lorry parking along the route, and urges the Highways Agency to consider off-site provision for lorry parking to discourage unauthorised lorry parking in villages along the route of the A14.

2.                  that authority to make any detailed changes to the objections, and negotiate any withdrawal of objections, be delegated to the Corporate Manager (Planning and Sustainable Communities) in consultation with the relevant Portfolio Holder or Portfolio Holders.

The New Communities Portfolio Holder resolved

1.      that the Highways Agency be informed that South Cambridgeshire District Council

a)      supports the A14 improvement scheme in principle.  However, there may be matters of detail, or alternative proposals, that could prompt it into making representations at the public inquiry, particularly as Local Planning Authority and Local Environmental Health Authority.   Such details could include treatments or designs intended to address the impact on existing or planned development, noise mitigation, air quality, landscape, ecology, drainage issues and so on.   The Council reserves the right to make such representations should it be necessary in the light of submissions yet to be made by other parties and assessed by South Cambridgeshire District Council.

b)      urges the delivery of the scheme as soon as possible.  The improvements are necessary in order to deliver the Growth Agenda, and improve journey times and road safety for the travelling public.

c)      urges the Highways Agency to work with Cambridgeshire County Council (as Local Highways Authority), South Cambridgeshire District Council and those parish councils along the route, in preparing a construction management plan and minimise general traffic rat-running through villages during the A14 improvement works. 

d)      seeks commitment from the Highways Agency to engage and consult with the local authority on the detailed design stage of the whole route, in particular regarding the following issues:

a.      Barriers and other mitigation measures and their installation. 

b.      Construction Environmental Management Plan.

c.      Construction Noise & Vibration Management Plan to agree noise and vibration mitigation measures.

d.      Landscape measures, including schemes for off-site planting.

e.      Ecology Matters

e)      Urges the Highways Agency to explore opportunities for the recycling of waste materials from the Northstowe development site.

f)        supports the revised route alignment to the north of Conington, which increases the separation between the village and the new A14.

g)      supports the provision of an A1198 junction with west-facing slips and emergency only east-facing slips.

h)      supports the revised junction arrangement at Fen Drayton and Trinity Foot allowing direct access to the Cambridge Services from both the A14 and Local Access Road, and urges the Highways Agency to consider the need for a footbridge allowing direct pedestrian access between Buckingway Business Park and Cambridge Services.

i)        supports the retention of the existing over bridge at the Bar Hill junction as a segregated route for non-motorised users.

j)        accepts that an all movement interchange at Girton is not currently justified, given the evidence provided by the Highways Agency.

k)      requests public scrutiny of the Highway Agency’s modelling data, and seeks confirmation that the Highways Agency has taken account of the latest position in relation to the Council’s Local Development Framework, particularly concerning revisions to allocations for development.

l)        reserves its position and seeks commitment from the Highways Agency to include it in discussions at detailed design stage to make sure that noise attenuation barriers at Orchard Park are provided to the highest international standards.

m)   supports and seeks commitment from the Highways Agency to include it in  ...  view the full decision text for item 45

The Planning Portfolio Holder and New Communities Portfolio Holder considered a report setting out a proposed response to the Highways Agency on the draft Orders for the A14 Ellington to Fen Ditton Improvement Scheme.

In connection with paragraph 20, Councillor Mike Mason sought clarification about how Minerals and Waste extraction would be dealt with.  In reply, the Planning Policy Manager explained that the draft Orders made by the Highways Agency did not address such extraction and that instead, Cambridgeshire County Council, as the appropriate Authority, would consider planning applications as and when submitted.

The New Communities Portfolio Holder referred to paragraph 24, and emphasised the importance of the A14 improvement scheme to the future development and prosperity of South Cambridgeshire.

In connection with paragraph 29 (Construction traffic), Councillor Mason urged the Portfolio Holder to convey to the Highways Agency the concern that South Cambridgeshire District Council and parish councils along the route should be included in the preparation of a “construction management plan”.  Councillor Sue Ellington sought an assurance that, during construction, the Highways Agency would implement measures aimed at “discouraging unnecessary traffic” through local villages.

In connection with paragraphs 32 to 38  (Route alignment), the New Communities Portfolio Holder said that, in the interests of sustainability, the distance covered in transporting materials to the construction site should be kept to a minimum.  Paragraph 33 related to Conington.  By virtue of paragraph 12(2) of the Members’ Code of Conduct, Councillor Nick Wright (who had previously declared a personal and prejudicial interest) addressed those present, both as Planning Portfolio Holder and local Member.  While accepting the improvements in principle, he noted that the A14 would be closer to Conington as a result.    He said that public money should be spent effectively, especially in dealing with the question of local flooding.  Councillor Wright left the room during the discussion surrounding paragraph 33, which included a contribution from Lynda Minshull, Chairman of Conington Parish Meeting.  Mrs Minshull endorsed what Councillor Wright had said, and regretted the adverse impact the A14 improvements would have on the quality of life of those living in Conington.  It would also be necessary to divert Public Footpath 1 (Conington).  Councillor Mark Howell, the other local Member, had not been able to attend the meeting but had made it known that he endorsed the objections raised by both the Parish of Conington and by Councillor Wright   Officers informed those present that the increase in noise levels as a result of moving the A14 closer to Conington was negligible, and within acceptable limits.  The New Communities Portfolio Holder noted the concerns expressed, and reminded Conington Parish Meeting that it would be entitled to make its own representations, should there be a need for a public nquiry.

Councillor Nick Wright was invited back into the room.

At paragraph 39 (Fen Drayton and Trinity Foot), Swavesey Parish Council had expressed concern at the implications for those working at Buckington Business Park of the proposed junction arrangements.  In response to Councillor Ellington’s suggestion  ...  view the full minutes text for item 45

Representatives from the Highways Agency will be giving a PowerPoint presentation to Members in the Council Chamber on Monday 9 November 2009, starting at 2.30pm and lasting no more than two hours.

The scheme has taken a major step forward with the publication of draft Orders. The HA has already highlighted to members (twice) the details of the scheme. Many members will also have visited the exhibitions.

The presentation will concentrate on the process that has now started and the importance of positive comments as well as the raising of issues. Many of the visitors to the exhibitions referred to the current process as consultation, which it is not. The HA is still keen to hear the comments and concerns of Members relating to the overall scheme as well as details.

To help with refreshments and car parking arrangements, please let Ian Senior (Democratic Services) know by 6 November 2009 if you would like to attend. 

The New Communities Portfolio Holder agreed that Costain Skanska Joint Venture be told that South Cambridgeshire District Council’s response to the proposed draft Traffic Order on the A14 loop road at Girton interchange was as follows:

(1)               The Council has no objection in principle to the proposal to retain the A14 west bound loop Road at the Girton Interchange subject to a traffic regulation order restricting access to emergency and maintenance vehicles only.

(2)               Landscape mitigation should be extended to the whole of the retained area, which is currently:

·                     A mixture of established scrub and low woodland planting to the central area - there should be management of existing woodland, including new planting / glades / establishment of turf margins to and widening of the existing road verges and planting.

·                     New planting to the western mitigation area.

·                     Established scrub and farmed land at the eastern mitigation area.  The ‘existing pond’ to the east seems to have been filled with vegetation and including areas of scrub (probably shrub willow) - there should be management to re-establish the eastern pond or, if retaining willow, establish a new pond in mitigation area currently farmed.

(3)               Planting to ensure strong links between mitigation areas should be a minimum of 20 metres deep.

The New Communities Portfolio Holder agreed that Costain Skanska Joint Venture be told that South Cambridgeshire District Council’s response to the proposed draft Traffic Order on the A14 loop road at Girton interchange was as follows:

1.         The Council has no objection in principle to the proposal to retain the A14 west bound loop Road at the Girton Interchange subject to a traffic regulation order restricting access to emergency and maintenance vehicles only.

2.            Landscape mitigation should be extended to the whole of the retained area, which is currently:

·                      A mixture of established scrub and low woodland planting to the central area - there should be management of existing woodland, including new planting / glades / establishment of turf margins to and widening of the existing road verges and planting.

·                      New planting to the western mitigation area.

·                      Established scrub and farmed land at the eastern mitigation area.  The ‘existing pond’ to the east seems to have been filled with vegetation and including areas of scrub (probably shrub willow) - there should be management to re-establish the eastern pond or, if retaining willow, establish a new pond in mitigation area currently farmed.

3.                     Planting to ensure strong links between mitigation areas should be a minimum of 20 metres deep.

The New Communities Portfolio Holder considered a report seeking his endorsement of the suggested response contained therein to Costain Skanska Joint Venture’s proposed draft traffic regulation order for the A14 loop road at the Girton interchange.

The New Communities Portfolio Holder agreed that Costain Skanska Joint Venture be told that South Cambridgeshire District Council’s response to the proposed draft Traffic Order on the A14 loop road at Girton interchange was as follows:

1.         The Council has no objection in principle to the proposal to retain the A14 west bound loop Road at the Girton Interchange subject to a traffic regulation order restricting access to emergency and maintenance vehicles only.

2.            Landscape mitigation should be extended to the whole of the retained area, which is currently:

§                A mixture of established scrub and low woodland planting to the central area - there should be management of existing woodland, including new planting / glades / establishment of turf margins to and widening of the existing road verges and planting.

§                New planting to the western mitigation area.

§                Established scrub and farmed land at the eastern mitigation area.  The ‘existing pond’ to the east seems to have been filled with vegetation and including areas of scrub (probably shrub willow) - there should be management to re-establish the eastern pond or, if retaining willow, establish a new pond in mitigation area currently farmed.

3.                     Planting to ensure strong links between mitigation areas should be a minimum of 20 metres deep.

Update from the Highways Agency.

Public Information Exhibitions

You are invited to a Public Information Exhibition to view the detailed plans we have developed for the proposed A14 Ellington to Fen Ditton Improvement.  We will be holding several Public Information Exhibitions at the following locations and dates:-

Girton College Conferences, Huntingdon Road, CAMBRIDGE, CB3 0JG

Representatives for the Highways Agency, their contractors and consultants will be available to answer your questions.

Update from the Highways Agency.

Public Information Exhibitions

You are invited to a Public Information Exhibition to view the detailed plans we have developed for the proposed A14 Ellington to Fen Ditton Improvement.  We will be holding several Public Information Exhibitions at the following locations and dates:-

The Marriott Hotel, Hinchingbrooke Business Park, Huntingdon, PE29 6FL

Girton College Conferences, Huntingdon Road, CAMBRIDGE, CB3 0JG

Representatives for the Highways Agency, their contractors and consultants will be available to answer your questions.

The Highways Agency are planning another round of public consultation on the A14 Ellington to Fen Ditton Improvements and are arranging some exhibitions as part of this process.  The venues, dates and times are listed below: 

30 November, 1 & 2 December at Marriott Hotel, Huntingdon

7, 8, 9 December at Girton College, Huntingdon Road, Cambridge

On weekdays the exhibition will be open from 11am to 8pm, and on Sundays from 12noon to 6pm.

The Highways Agency will also be doing a leaflet drop to houses in the vicinity of the route.

The following link is to the Highways Agency website, although there is nothing specific on the consultation at present:

http://www.highways.gov.uk/roads/projects/4211.aspx

To consider the Council’s response to the Highways Agency’s public consultation on the proposed improvement scheme for the A14 from Ellington to Fen Ditton.

The report of the Development Services Director is attached.

Council RESOLVED to

It was agreed to suspend Standing Order 14.5 for this item only, to allow Members to speak more than once.

The Principal Planning Policy Officer highlighted the main issues for the Council in the Highways Agency’s proposed scheme for improving the A14 from Ellington to Fen Ditton, as set out in the report, and indicated that the Highways Agency might produce further changes to the proposals.

The Planning and Economic Development Portfolio Holder commended the report and emphasised the importance of a joint statement from the local authorities. He noted that there was a need for improved public transport, which had not been addressed fully in the Highways Agency’s proposals.

Councillors A Riley and R Hall emphasised the potential road safety dangers of variations between single and dual carriageway on the local distributor road between Fen Drayton and Bar Hill and proposed changes to recommendation (f) to clarify what the Council was seeking.  The changes were accepted.

Councillor MJ Mason highlighted the problems which would be caused at intersections by the Highways Agency’s consideration of the A14 only as a trunk road and not taking account of its other function as a local road, and suggested that more work was needed on this aspect.  The Principal Planning Policy Officer commented on the limited resources available to pursue projects such as this, but agreed with the point and reported that the County Council was taking the matter into account as part of the Long Term Transport Strategy, which it aimed to produce during the summer.  It was AGREED that Councillor Mason should meet the Planning Officers and the Portfolio Holder to consider what additional supplementary comments might be made to the Highways Agency.

Opposition was voiced to the County Council’s suggestion of an additional interchange at the A1198 since this would encourage additional traffic along the A1198 and create problems for villages which did not currently experience heavy traffic and did not have by-passes.

Further discussion generally supported the recommendations in the report, and it was noted that

(a)               Representations about the need for completion of the A428 improvements prior to construction work on the A14 had already been made

(b)               The Council no longer contributed to the East-West rail consortium of local authorities for budget reasons

(c)               Priority for the Bar Hill to Girton section was needed for planning purposes and should be specified so as not to allow contractors to choose phasing for their own convenience or cost

(d)               Unlocking the development potential of Huntingdon was to the Council’s advantage given continuing development pressures on the Cambridge Sub-Region

(e)               The A1198 was designated as a heavy load road

The Principal Planning Policy Officer, Mr M Monk, was thanked for his excellent report and summary and wished well in his retirement.

Council RESOLVED to

Members will be aware that the exhibitions illustrating the Highways Agency's proposed improvements to the A14 have now restarted. Despite representations from this Council and others to extend the consultation period, the end date remains 30th June 2005. The purpose of this meeting is to allow Members to gain more information from the representatives of the Highways Agency, which will assist in informing the decisions on the Council's formal representations which will be determined at the meeting of the Council on 23^rd June. Usually, consultations are determined by Portfolio Holders or Cabinet but, given the strategic importance of this scheme, it was considered appropriate that the whole Council should be involved on this occasion.

Mr Henry Smith, Assistant Project Leader, Major Projects Division South TPI with the Highways Agency, and Mr Ian Gunn from WS Atkins attended the meeting. 

Mr Gunn made a PowerPoint presentation based on the following aspects of the Highways Agencies proposals for improving the A14 trunk road between Ellington and Fen Ditton, namely:

·         Options assessed

·         Proposed route

·         CHUMMS strategy

·         Alternative proposal

·         Scheme layout

·         Traffic

·         Noise level contours

·         Delivery process

·         Public involvement

·         Next steps

·         Environmental constraints

·         Personal Injury accidents

·         Proposals elsewhere along the A14

In response to questions from Members, the following aspects were also referred to:

·         Bridge heights

·         Provision of a haul road for construction traffic

·         The Fen Drayton Interchange

·         Cambridge Services

·         The Bar Hill section

·         New access to Cambridge Crematorium

·         Girton Interchange