Objection to Cambridge South railway station due to be lodged by South Cambridgeshire District Council
Councillors are being advised by officers at South Cambridgeshire District Council to object to plans for a new Cambridge South railway station.
Officers have raised concerns with applicants Network Rail that the construction of the new station could result in a loss of trees.
They also asked for more clarity on how Network Rail would offer a proposed 10 per cent biodiversity net gain and expressed fears about the noise impact of the building works on residents.
Cllr Neil Gough, lead cabinet member for strategic planning and transport, said: “Cabinet colleagues will be reviewing the recommendations made by our planning officers on how the council should officially represent its views at the public inquiry into Network Rail’s application to the Secretary of State for Transport for the Cambridge South infrastructure enhancements scheme – which would see construction of a new train station at the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, plus associated improvements to the West Anglia Main Line.
“The council supports the scheme in principle as it ties in with objectives of the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan 2018 to promote sustainable economic growth and maximise sustainable transport modes. However, some additional information on key issues that the council has asked for is still outstanding – such as whether the application provides sufficient information to demonstrate the 10 per cent biodiversity net gain target is achievable – leading planning officers to recommend that the council object to the scheme until this is adequately evidenced. On Monday we will review the report from our planning officers, which will detail the responses that have been received about our concerns.
“Cabinet will then vote on whether to confirm the council’s response, which is set out in the ‘statement of case for the public’ included in the report, which will allow the council’s position to be effectively represented at the public inquiry starting in February 2022.”
Network Rail is seeking permission to build a new two-storey, four-platform station on the West Anglia main line, along with facilities such as a ticket office, toilets and 1,000 cycle parking spaces. It also sought permission to remodel the track layout and southern approach to Cambridge station, update the Shepreth branch junction and close two level crossings, providing alternative access.
A new station would connect the Cambridge Biomedical Campus with potential destinations such as Central London, London Stansted Airport, Ely, Birmingham and Europe via London St Pancras.
Network Rail said: “Network Rail have been engaging directly with stakeholders ahead of the public enquiry. As the public inquiry commences shortly we are unable to comment further at this time.”
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