Representation by John McGill
- Date submitted
- 20 June 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I have strong objections to the proposed relocation of Anglian Water waste water plant from its present site to the Honey Hill vicinity. Reasons are given below. The land in question is categorized as green belt and is used for agricultural purposes. The erection of a waste water treatment plant, particularly at the scale being proposed, would obviously negate green belt status, yet would also be likely to lead to surrounding lands being viewed as suitable for further utility / commercial uses. Currently, the alignment of the A14 establishes a clear boundary between the urban and the agricultural. Any “stepping over” that line would expose much of the green belt in the Honey Hill area susceptible to further urban development. Illustrations of the proposed development thus far produced plainly show that it would be a substantial intrusion into the neighbourhood – in size and height, inspite of the planned surrounding berm. The landscape would be ruined. Further disturbance of the area would be caused by the additional traffic, and quite possibly smell, affecting the local quality of life. The conservation area status of both Horningsea and Fen Ditton would be compromised to the point whereby that status may no longer be feasible. Anglia Water’s current site is quite able to cater for current and foreseen demand – as acknowledged by the company itself. There is no pressing need for relocation. Yet Anglia Water’s application for a DCO clearly states that one (perhaps the greatest) of the motivations for the relocation is the rendering of its current site as available for residential development. Surely the tail is wagging the dog. Relocation simply to accommodate residential development cannot be a justification for re-siting. The impact of the construction phrase would be considerable. New roads would be built, there would be extensive excavation and pipe-laying, and constant construction traffic with dust, noise and light pollution throughout. This would further lead to severe complications at what is an important access route into Cambridge, and A14 junction. There would be negative impacts on the natural characteristics of the area. As identified by many sources, effective water supply for Cambridge and the surroundings is an increasingly troublesome issue. The geology of the site proposed for the relocation is largely chalk and any such construction would pose a considerable threat to the vital aquifer. Wildlife abounds in the area – the most visible of which may be the herd of deer that is regularly spotted. This would, to put it plainly, be simply evicted. Lastly, the whole relocation process would result in considerable amounts of carbon being released –in the relocation process and in any subsequent residential development. This is at a time when such net zero is being sought and such pollution can least be afforded.