Agenda item

The application sought submission of details required by condition 29 (Hard and Soft Landscape) of the deemed planning consent associated with the Network Rail (Cambridge South Infrastructure Enhancements) Order 2022 (Local Planning Authority Reference 21/03035/TWA & 21/02957/TWA).

The Principal Planner updated their report by a verbal update to ensure that the recommendation referenced the deemed planning permission as this detail had been omitted from the report.  

Elliot Stamp, Network Rail, (Applicant) addressed the Committee in support of the application.

The Principal Planner and the Strategic Sites Manager said the following in response to Members’ questions and comments:

      i.         The Landscape Officer had originally suggested a galvanised mesh could be used behind the Corten railing to provent litter accumulating. However, the applicant explained the maintenance and litter picking standards were such that this would not be required which the Landscape Officer agreed.

    ii.         The applicant had confirmed that they would not be providing a space for electric scooter parking as part of the development because space was at a premium. There was also concern that the batteries were flammable.

   iii.         The curved access arrangement from the guided busway bridge to the eastern forecourt had been reviewed by the County Council’s highway engineer who found the access arrangement to be acceptable. The gradient coming down off the busway conformed with Building Regulations and the Government's cycling design guidance LTN 120.

  iv.         Members requested ‘go slow’ signage to be provided on the curved access to the station as part of the submission to discharge this condition.

    v.         The ticket machines on both sides of the station were under the canopy which would provide shelter. There would be lighting in the area.

  vi.         Green screen on the AstraZeneca side of the station would be covered by the five-year replacement requirement; if unsuccessful Officers should be able to request an alternative boundary treatment.

 vii.         Was not aware of how steep the ground levels were in Hobson Park but work had been undertaken to ensure that these was wheelchair accessible which the Landscape Officer had deemed acceptable.

viii.         The wayfinding strategy was very detailed particularly close to the station as that was where the applicant could put the signage. There were totems proposed which would have wider way finding information.

  ix.         The applicant had a legal agreement with the Biomedical Campus which would ensure wayfinding through this part of the site. The applicant was also engaging with the County Council regarding signage in the wider area, the outside of the site edged red as shown in the plans. 

    x.         Was unsure what the term ‘river units’ referred to in terms of biodiversity but there was an element of Hobson Conduit which run through the site, that may be related.

  xi.         Cycle parking would be covered by CCTV and there was good level of natural surveillance which was different to closed environment at Cambridge North Station. Cycle parking details were previously approved by JDCC in August 2023.

 xii.         Noted the comments with regards to future tree conditions should not include the text replacement of planting except through an Act of God or vandalism.  Many trees / plants had to be replaced due to vandalism or an Act of God.

xiii.         Noted the ongoing concerns regarding how the station would fit with the wider transport strategy for the Biomedical Campus. Would take away the request to arrange a briefing with all relevant external organisations on the emerging plans for the Biomedical campus to provide an overview of a master plan, including the strategic transport approach. 

xiv.         In Hobson’s Park there was no ban to stop cyclists using the pedestrian paths, the park was predominantly used by pedestrians.

xv.         Concerns had been raised by Trumpington Residen’s’ Association regarding cyclists using the Park to access the station. They had agreed with the applicant for several no cycling signs to be placed around the Park to discourage cyclists from using these routes. These would encourage cyclists to use the segregated path running from the guided busway alongside the Park to the station.

With the extension of the electric scooter scheme running in Cambridge (Voi Scooters), Members advised the applicant that as the site came within the Voi zone the matter of parking should be a priority, Mr Stamp said the following:

      i.         The station would be handed over to Greater Anglia to manage and operate. They would have appropriate management strategies to deal with evolving technologies and changes to the station environment. 

    ii.         As part of these changes believed that the issue of scooter parking would be picked up directly with the scooter company and other external organisations.

   iii.         Noted the comment that Voi had designated parking zones in and around the city without reference to the landowner and would engage with the necessary parties as soon as was possible.  

The Committee:

Resolved unanimously to approve the discharge of condition 29 in respect of deemed planning permission reference 21/02957/TWA pursuant to application 21/02957/COND29A with delegated authority to Officers to carry through minor amendments.

Resolved unanimously to approve the discharge of condition 29 in respect of deemed planning permission reference 21/03035/TWA pursuant to application 21/03035/COND29 with delegated authority to officers to carry through minor amendments.