Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision: Statement of Case for the Cambourne to Cambridge Busway Transport Works Act Order Application

 

Why the Decision had to be made (and any alternative options): The Statement of Case is required by the Department of Transport on the 19^th of March, ahead of the Planning Transport and Scrutiny Committee scheduled for the 25^th March 2025.

 

The Executive Councillor’s decision: Agreed the Cambridge City Council’s Statement of Case for the Cambourne to Cambridge Transport and Works Act Order Application

Document ROD: Statement of Case for the Cambourne to Cambridge Busway Transport Works Act Order Application - Cambridge Council

 

Reason for the decision: As detailed in Appendix 1 below

 

Scrutiny Consideration: The Chair and Spokespersons of the Planning and Transport Scrutiny Committee were consulted prior to the action being authorised.

 

Report: Please see Appendix 1 below.

 

Conflict of interest: None.

 

Comments: Councillor Nestor, Chair of the Planning and Scrutiny Committee, stated the following: ‘Supported the decision’.

 

Councillor Porrer, Liberal Democrats Opposition Spokes said the following: ‘I am happy with this.  I have one minor suggestion that Cond 16 and para 9.11 should include reference to grey and rainwater reuse for the operational use stage just to make clear that it is not just water efficient sanitary ware that can help with water usage reductions.’

 

The Strategic Team Leader (NSIP/Major Infrastructure Delivery)  responded the report and condition 16 had been amended to include additional wording on grey and rainwater reuse.

 

Councillor Clough, Green Opposition Spokes said the following: I can’t support the C to C busway in any respect  and would welcome the opportunity to speak against this project at the P&T Scrutiny committee meeting.

 

The Committee Manager advised Cllr Clough’s comments would be recorded and this Out of Cycle Decision would not be on the Planning and Transport Scrutiny agenda for 25 March, as the agenda had been completed before this Out of Cycle Decision had been sent.

Appendix 1

Background

Cambridge City Council is submitting a Statement of Case in response to the Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) application for the Cambourne to Cambridge Busway. This scheme, proposed by Cambridgeshire County Council, includes a new segregated busway, a Park and Ride facility at Scotland Farm, and a multi-use path for pedestrians, cyclists, and equestrians along its route.

 

As the Local Planning Authority (LPA), Cambridge City Council has a key role in ensuring that the proposal aligns with local planning policies, supports sustainable development, and addresses potential impacts on Cambridge’s communities and environment.

 

While the majority of the proposed development lies within the South Cambridgeshire administrative boundary, it has important implications for Cambridge, particularly in relation to transport connectivity, environmental impacts, and integration with existing infrastructure. Cambridge City Council supports the principle of improving sustainable transport links between Cambourne and Cambridge.

 

Main Issues relevant to Greater Cambridge

A central plank of Cambridge City’s Local Plan (adopted 2018)[1] relies upon the delivery of a high-quality public transport access corridor between Cambourne and Cambridge as part of a sustainable development strategy, supporting strategic development in the corridor west of Cambridge.

 

Achieving sustainable development through strategic scale planned development at Bourn Airfield new settlement and Cambourne West, alongside enabling and encouraging mode shift from private car use for the existing 12,300+ residents of Cambourne and surrounding villages, underpins the adopted Transport Strategy for Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire (TSCSC, 2014)[2] that was prepared alongside the adopted 2018 Local Plans, providing an integrated land use and transport strategy for the area.

 

The Cambridge City Local Plan (2018), this policy aligns with objectives to promote sustainable transport and reduce congestion, supporting Policy 80 (Sustainable Access to Development) and Policy 81 (Mitigating Transport Impacts of Development). The Inspectors' Report highlights the Cambourne to Cambridge transport link as vital for integrating Bourn Airfield into Greater Cambridge’s economic and social fabric.

the Cambridge City Local Plan (2018), this policy aligns with objectives to promote sustainable transport and reduce congestion, supporting Policy 80 (Sustainable Access to Development) and Policy 81 (Mitigating Transport Impacts of Development). The Inspectors' Report highlights the Cambourne to Cambridge transport link as vital for integrating Bourn Airfield into Greater Cambridge’s economic and social fabric.

From the perspective of The South Cambridgeshire Local Plan (2018) emphasises the need for supporting infrastructure at Bourn Airfield, including a high-quality public transport corridor to ensure sustainable development. It also promotes cycling and walking, requiring safe, segregated cycle links to key destinations such as West Cambridge, Cambourne, Caldecote/Highfields, Hardwick, and Bourn.

The Council also considers that the proposals give rise to significant public benefits as follows:

-      Enabling employment in key development areas, ensuring that planned development in line with the adopted development plan for the area is supported by high-quality public transport infrastructure.

-      Enhancing connectivity between the City Centre and existing and proposed homes at West Cambridge, Bourn Airfield, Cambourne reducing reliance on car travel and improving accessibility to major employment, research, and educational hubs – particularly for non-car users.

-      Alleviating congestion on the A428 and local roads, addressing a long-standing transport bottleneck and improving journey reliability for residents, workers, and businesses.

-      Supporting the shift towards a low-carbon transport network, directly aligning with the Council’s climate objectives and helping to reduce emissions through high-quality, sustainable public transport.

Appendices

Appendix 2: Cambourne to Cambridge Busway Transport and Works Act Order Application Statement of Case

Document ROD: Statement of Case for the Cambourne to Cambridge Busway Transport Works Act Order Application - Cambridge Council