We have been preparing our response to the Westbrook Centre planning application, and are setting up a (new) petition for a development control forum. This would allow us to present our views to councillors, planning officers and the applicant before the planning application is determined - more on that soon! Meanwhile, please support our campaign by responding to the planning application.
We suggest you object to 24/00622/FUL because it fails to provide new pedestrian access to the Westbrook Centre from Gilbert Road, Corona Road and Lilywhite Drive that are included in the Mitcham’s Corner Development Framework. These links would serve to improve the walking network in the area, enabling quicker and safer walking routes (especially for children walking or cycling to nearby schools), reducing congestion and air pollution. The application therefore does not meet the following policies of the Cambridge Local Plan (2018):
- Policy 5 (Sustainable Transport and infrastructure) which requires development proposals to “aim for a joined-up city-wide cycle and pedestrian network by addressing ‘pinch-points’, barriers and missing links"
- Policy 22 (Mitcham’s Corner Opportunity Area) which requires development proposals within the Mitcham’s Corner Opportunity Area to “promote and coordinate the use of sustainable transport modes”
- Policy 80 (Supporting sustainable access to development) which requires developments to prioritise “access by walking, cycling and public transport” by “conveniently linking the development with the surrounding walking, cycling and public transport networks”. This policy also states that “Areas where public transport, pedestrian and cycle movement is difficult or dangerous will be improved"
Please add any personal experiences you have of walking and cycling in the area and how you would benefit from these links.
The planning application can be viewed via the Cambridge online planning register:
https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications/
Search for 24/00622/FUL and register/login to make a comment. The consultation period ends on 29th March.
Thank you for your support,
Nick