Cambridge busway realignment objection

Richard Buxton Solicitors were instructed when the Greater Cambridge Partnership (‘the GCP’), altered the preferred route alignment of a rapid busway, which had already been consulted on and approved, so that it would pass closer to residential properties. Following the submission of expert heritage advice on the impact on the historic setting and the surrounding landscape, the route was returned to its previous location.

The Cambridge South-East busway is one of several public transport measures proposed by the GCP to improve the public transport network serving Cambridge and the surrounding area. As part of the consultation process affecting the Babraham, several alternative route locations were proposed and consulted on. One route was selected as the preferred route going forward. This route bisected farm fields to the South of the village of Babraham and was over 200 metres from our client’s property.

After the route was approved, and without any warning, the GCP amended the alignment so that it would pass within 50 metres of our client’s home and other residential properties. The active travel path was also diverted in a way that local residents regarded as dangerous.

A heritage impact report was commissioned which identified clear harm to heritage assets caused by the proposed realignment. In particular, the new route bisected farmland historically associated with a farmstead at the forefront of the development of animal husbandry and genetics in the 19th Century. No heritage assessment and appreciation of the historic assets had been carried out by the GCP as part of the route alignment alteration.

As well as objecting to the re-alignment, our client proposed a new route which had not been part of the Council’s initial considerations. This further alternative had the benefit of support from the owner of the local farmland.

Following the submission of an objection letter and supporting expert report, and bolstered by other community objections, the GCP abandoned the revised route alignment proposal and has committed itself to consider the alternative proposal put forward by our client.

Kit Ward of Spurstone Heritage Ltd was the instructed heritage consultant.