Decision details

Matter for Decision

The report provided an update on the East West Rail (EWR) Development Consent Order (DCO) as well as setting out details and proposing the Council response in respect of the non-statutory consultation currently being undertaken by East West Rail Co., which commenced on 14 November 2024 and is due to end on 24 January 2025.

Decision of the Executive Councillor for Planning, Building Control and Infrastructure

      i.          Noted the commencement of the non-statutory consultation for the EWR project, which began on 14 November 2024 and will continue until 24 January 2025.

     ii.          Agreed that the content of the Officer’s report and the schedule of feedback/responses (Appendix B) would comprise the formal consultation response from the Council, and delegate authority to the Director of Planning and Economic Development to submit the report on behalf of Cambridge City Council subject to any changes made by the Executive Member and any minor amendments required in the interests of accuracy or clarity.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Committee received a report from the Strategic Planning Manager.

In response to comments from Members Principal Planner, Strategic Sites (EWR DCO Lead) responded:

      i.          Noted the list of comments made by Councillor Porrer.

     ii.          Officers were actively encouraging East West Rail to engage with residents.

   iii.          Would be providing feedback to East West Rail on the lessons learnt  from the process so far, both positive and negative.

   iv.          One of the lessons learnt from earlier rail project implementation in  Buckingham, was that honesty was the best policy with residents and businesses. If there was going to be disruption for several weeks, it was important to tell the truth, so those effected could plan for such things.

    v.          Noted the comment that a second entrance to Cambridge main station would be welcomed and would be of considerable use to those living in Romsey Ward; a station in Cherry Hinton was very much needed.

   vi.          Comments in the response had been collated from technical officers which could be expanded upon in dialogue with the EWR team, these also requested additional detail on some of those mitigation requirements.

 vii.          As the project progressed, and further engagement took place, Officers would push for a more intense  dialogue between East West Rail and the host authorities.

viii.          Would take on board all the comments raised by the Committee and would discuss further with the Executive Councillor.

   ix.          The response would be updated and amended to reinforce the comments made where necessary.

    x.          Would continue to encourage as many people to respond to the consultation as possible.

   xi.          The proposal showed from Cambridge Station along the existing line to Cherry Hinton a turn back, which was currently a single line, however, had noted it was previously a twin track.

 xii.          There was a Cambridge East Station in the  Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) strategic vision so hoped that this proposal would become reality.

The Committee voted unanimously to endorse the Officer recommendations.

The Executive Councillor for Planning, Building Control and Transport approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted).

None