Below is a copy of the letter sent by our Chair. If you agree, please use your own words to send the same message to the Principal Planning Officer, Greater Cambridge Shared Planning, who is handling this matter. Email address is tom.gray@greatercambridgeplanning.org
Subject: 22/02066/FUL/CONDK Submission of details required by Condition 14 (Construction Traffic Management Plan)
Dear Tom Gray,
I am writing to you from Friends of Paradise Nature Reserve to object to Queens’ traffic plans for access to Owlstone Croft along Short Lane.
These plans involve widening the Short lane track to 20 ft to accommodate the heavy vehicles and cranes needed for the proposed development, by obliterating the verges, trees, and shrubs, and boulders placed there for the safety of pedestrians.
These are new plans, not included in the previous application, and they would therefore need a new planning application to approve them. No assessment has therefore been made of the negative impact of having what would become a main two way road adjacent to Paradise nature reserve.In 2021 an ecological report found that the reserve has the highest biodiversity count of any green space in Cambridge, and this would be put at serious risk from air and noise pollution. A proper ecological assessment needs to be made.
From surveys carried out we know that hundreds of people walk this iconic quiet rural route every day from the City to Grantchester , and to have a dangerous road at this point , with blind corners and fast traffic , would be a serious health and safely issue: the Local Highways authority has deemed the plan to be unsafe and unworkable as has the consultant from Railton TPC Limited commissioned by South Newnham Neighbourhood Forum.
Widening Short lane would have a devastating impact on the Reserve, the Community, and the whole Green river corridor and the wider community. The ecological vandalism would be irrevocable and would despoil this beautiful conservation area for now , and for future generations.
We would also add that previous statements by Turleys maintained that there was no problem for emergency vehicle access along Short lane, and indeed there never have been any access problems of this kind. However they are now claiming that the 20 ft width is necessary for emergency vehicle access.
We ask that you refuse to discharge this Condition and request that a new planning application be made.
Best wishes
Pam Gatrell
Chair of Friends of Paradise.
Friends of Paradise Nature Reserve 