Support

Representation ID: 7883

Received: 22/09/2021

Respondent: Mrs Anne Pape

As the urban area component performed best within the sustainability appraisal it was appropriate that this had been included in each of the four options.
Option 2A – The high option of the rail-based transport corridor allows the best use of the proposed new railway station at Wixams for both employment and housing purposes. The settlements in the rail-based growth and southern transport corridors already have infrastructure in place to support further growth. Option 2A would provide for residents’ needs and access to community services while reducing the need to travel and promoting sustainable modes of travel therefore, reducing carbon emissions. Option 2A would also support the development of brownfield sites.
Option 2B – as with 2A this option would allow use of the proposed station at Wixams and a second new railway station in the St Neots/Tempsford area which may be delivered with East West Rail. Once again, the settlements in the rail-based growth and southern transport corridors already have infrastructure in place to support further growth, providing for residents’ needs and access to community services while reducing the need to travel and promoting sustainable modes of travel. A new settlement would allow specific infrastructure to be developed to provide for residents needs and to support sustainable travel options. Option 2B would also support the development of brownfield sites
Option 2C - as with 2A this option would allow use of the proposed station at Wixams and a possible second new railway station in the St Neots/Tempsford area with the development of East West Rail. The settlements in the rail-based growth corridor already have infrastructure in place to support further growth, providing for residents’ needs and access to community services while reducing the need to travel and promoting sustainable modes of travel. Two new settlements would allow specific infrastructure to be developed to provide for residents needs and to support sustainable travel options. However, option 2C would have reduced use of brownfield sites over options 2A and 2B and would develop high quality agricultural land.
Option 2D – Transport corridor east has been included in Option D. All of the villages identified in this option transport corridor are small with limited infrastructure and already face challenges with excessive traffic movements on village roads, a poor bus service and limited opportunities for green travel, i.e. cycling and walking, to access services and facilities. Further development would exacerbate the challenges already faced by these villages. The rail-based growth transport corridor has a low option of 5500 dwellings in option D. Development of small villages and the low number of dwellings in the rail-based corridor would not be the best combination to meet the sustainability aspirations of the Borough. Road travel would be required to access railway stations and community services. Option D would also result in a reduced use of brownfield sites and a greater use of agricultural land. Development of high-quality agricultural land, open countryside and rural communities should be avoided.
Cople Parish Council would support the adoption of either Option 2A or 2B and feel that these would be best placed to deliver sustainable growth supported by appropriate infrastructure and limit the amount of unwarranted development on agricultural land, open countryside and rural communities.