Issue - meetings

The Committee received an application for a variation of Condition 63. 

 

The application sought approval for the variation of Condition 63 to agree an alternative pedestrian focused design for the Addenbrooke’s roundabout and the provision of contributions to upgrade the Fendon Road roundabout.

 

The Committee received representation in objection to the application from Bev Nicolson.

 

     i.        The shared use of the paths between pedestrians and cyclists were a nuisance to everyone that used them.

    ii.        From a pedestrian’s perspective, cyclists can pose a danger and it is difficult to know what side of the path they should be walking on.

   iii.        Equally pedestrians can be a danger to cyclists’ particularly if they have not heard the cyclist’s warning bell.

  iv.        A group of pedestrians can break the flow of the cyclist’s travel.

   v.        Personal space is invaded.

  vi.        Cyclists can be regarded as problem by pedestrians.

 vii.        There is conflict between the two users.

viii.        Painting a line down the middle of the path does not elevate the issues identified.

  ix.        Requested that the Committee rejected the proposal on the application for shared pathways.

 

Adam Hulford (Agent) addressed the Committee in support of the application.

 

Councillor Moore (Ward Councillor for Queen Edith’s) addressed the Committee about the application.

 

The representation covered the following issues:

     i.        Thanked the Planning Officer (John Evans) for the work that had been undertaken to improve the design of the application.

    ii.        The roundabout was only one element of improved access, other elements of the routes to the site must be improved to reap the rewards of a continuing shift in the reduction of journeys away from private vehicles, parking issues, congestion, air pollution and travel times.

   iii.        The routes to the site were full of hazards some of which would be addressed by the application.

  iv.        Funding was being sought to further improve access to the site from all routes to ensure that they were functional and fit for purpose for all.

   v.        Local people cannot walk to the site, particularly if they were elderly, mild ambulatory or visual impairment. Therefore pedestrian crossings must be timed to take these factors into consideration.

  vi.        Local residents were isolated by fast roads with dangerous crossing points and have a high number of cycle-car collisions and therefore feel safer to take their car or taxi.

 vii.        Improvement to the roundabout would bring benefits to a variety of individuals particularly cyclist who would be able to cross lanes before they enter the roundabout.

viii.        The City still needs to develop a clear focus on improving access for the high proportion of the City, and its visitors, with impairments (especially mobility and sight), which account for 20% of the population currently.

  ix.        The application was a welcome compromise.

 

The Committee:

 

Resolved unanimously to grant the application for the variation of Condition 63 in accordance with the officer recommendation, for the reasons set out in the officer report, and subject to the additional and amended conditions recommended by the officers, and the additional informative.

 

Pre-Committee Amendments to Recommendation:

 

Amended recommendation:

 

Approve subject to the completion of the associated S106 Agreement by 3 April and subject to the following conditions.  (All conditions listed in report).

 

Amended Condition 63

 

No occupation of any floorspace for clinical research and treatment (D1 and/or clinical in-patient treatment), or biomedical and biotech research and development (B1b) or higher education building under use classes B1 and D1 or sui generis medical research institute uses shall take place until the offsite highways works at Hills Road/Fendon Road/Robinson Way shall have been fully laid out and implemented in accordance the approved schemes/plans in the Highway Design Report prepared by Lanmor Consulting dated March 2015, reference 140546/DS/KTP/01 Rev C.

 

Reason:  In order to safeguard highway safety and network capacity (Cambridge Local Plan 2006 policies 3/7, 8/2 and 8/11).

 

New condition 67

 

Details of the specification and position of fencing, or any other measures to be taken for the protection of any trees from damage during the course of development, shall be submitted to the local planning authority for its written approval, and implemented in accordance with that approval before any equipment, machinery or materials are brought onto the site for the purpose of the Addenbrooke’s roundabout upgrade development required under condition 63 of this permission. The agreed means of protection shall be retained on site until all equipment, and surplus materials have been removed from the site. Nothing shall be stored or placed in any area protected in accordance with this condition, and the ground levels within those areas shall not be altered nor shall any excavation be made.

 

Reason: To protect the visual amenity of the area and to ensure the retention of the trees on the site. (Cambridge Local Plan 2006 policies 3/4, 3/11 and 4/4).

 

Additional Informative

 

Notwithstanding this permission pursuant to section 73, any reserved matters which have been submitted and approved pursuant to the original outline permission 06/0796/OUT to date will continue to be regarded by the Council as approved reserved matters.