Victory for residents in the ‘battle of Owlstone Henge’ in Cambridge
Residents have tasted victory in the dispute dubbed the ‘battle of Owlstone Henge’.
In a move that garnered national attention, ‘environmental crime scene’ tape was wrapped around four boulders placed on a grass verge on a track leading from Owlstone Road in Cambridge by a resident to slow down traffic.
Cambridge City Council posted a warning notice demanding the “owner of the boulders” remove them as they were causing a “nuisance”.
It prompted an outcry, a petition and a stand-off between residents and the local authority.
But now the council has dropped its complaint and the boulders can stay – for the time being.
Nick Hurd, the resident who placed the boulders outside his property in Owlstone Road, feared he would be fined £2,500 under anti-social behaviour laws after a deadline to remove them passed in August.
This followed a discussion about “emergency vehicle access” on Owlstone Road, between Queens’ College and the city council.
The track from Owlstone Road leads to the college’s property and the site of its planned construction of new student accommodation.
A council statement said: “Earlier this year Cambridge City Council issued a Community Protection Warning (CPW) in relation to boulders which had been placed along a roadway in Newnham ward, and which were potentially infringing rights of way. Following assessment of the large number of responses received after the CPW was issued, the council has considered all the responses and has made a decision not to progress with a Community Protection Notice, but is continuing to correspond with the original complainant, Queens’ College Cambridge.”
More than 150 people signed a petition to the council saying they did not believe the boulders had “any detrimental impact on the quality of life of others in Cambridge” adding: “We believe that they add to the safety of the Owlstone track, which is a pedestrian route from Paradise LNR (local nature reserve) to Grantchester Meadows and is used by hundreds of people every day.
“We oppose their removal and ask for the warning to be withdrawn.”
Mr Hurd said: “We were really worried that they might serve a notice on the boulders, which could have hit us with a fine of up to £2,500. But the boulders are there for a reason – to keep people
safe, slow down traffic, and protect pedestrians and cyclists on that tricky corner.
“Our biggest fear was having an accident happen right on the other side of our fence and
feeling responsible. We just couldn’t live with that on our conscience.
“I have to admit, the council’s decision caught us by surprise, but it’s fantastic they’ve finally
seen reason. It may be a small victory, considering the plans Queens’ College have to direct two years’ worth of major development traffic through Newnham, but it’s a step in the right direction.
“We’re absolutely thrilled with the council’s decision, and it was humbling and heartwarming to see the community come together. Everyone signing the petition, writing letter, showing their support - it made all the difference, and now we’re being heard.
“When the warning appeared on the boulders, it felt unbelievably hostile. We’re just so relieved it’s
now over.
“We have been overwhelmed by messages of support from the local, and wider, community. There is a real feeling from the people we have spoken to that the right decision has been reached and common sense has prevailed.”
Cllr Jean Glasberg (Green, Newnham) welcomed the council’s decision. She said: “It is good news that the council has listened to the views of residents and decided not to issue a Community Protection Notice with regard to the stones on the verge of the Owlstone track. People were worried about the prospect of them being removed as they protect the trees and plants and also slow down vehicles on the blind bend.
“They are not an obstruction as claimed by Queens’ College unless they plan for lorries to
drive over the verge”.
There was a stony silence from the college, which declined to comment.
