Issue - meetings

Matter for Decision

The report referred to an overview of the Nationally Significant Infrastructure (NSIP) projects identified for delegations, and which are known/believed to follow the Development Consent Order (DCO) process, to enable an opportunity for members to express their views to officers.

The relevant projects covered by the delegation were:

·      Cambridge Wastewater Treatment Works relocation

·      East-West Rail

Decision of the Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Infrastructure

      i.         Noted this update report in respect of the Cambridge Wastewater Treatment Works relocation and East West Rail.

    ii.         Confirmed agreement to an update on GCP infrastructure projects covered by the delegation being provided at the next meeting on 21 March 2023.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

In response to Member’s comment the Strategic Sites Delivery Manager and Joint Director for Planning and Economic Development said the following:

      i.         The Councils main representations on the proposals would be formalised prior to submission either at Committee or an Out of Cycle Decision approved by the Executive Councillor in consultation with the Chair and Opposition Spokes dependent on time scale.

    ii.         The business case for East West Rail was dependent in part on the amount of growth that it unlocks. Initially, it had been advised that this was expected to be centred around the nodes and not be ribbon development along the track.

   iii.         Questions would be asked of East West Rail to determine what contribution they would make directly or indirectly in terms of growth in the Bedford to Cambridge corridor.

  iv.         It was vital to highlight with East West Rail that development referenced should be treated as part of a sustainable pattern of transport infrastructure to support growth, with careful integration of public transport solutions including with the Greater Cambridge Partnership projects.

Noted the comment that the local representative group set up by East West Rail required improvement and better use of that Forum was needed.

The Committee

Unanimously approved the Officer’s recommendation.

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

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.