Representation by Dr. Sheila Margaret Porrer
- Date submitted
- 4 July 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
I wish to register an objection to the proposed construction of a new sewage treatment plant on land near Horningsey and Fen Ditton known as Honey Hill. The grounds of my objection are many, but these are the principal ones. The cost. At a time of great financial stringency for everyone such a major project should only be undertaken if absolutely necessary. In this case the present works are capable of operating for the foreseeable future, and the move is not necessary for technical reasons. The damage to the Green Belt around Cambridge. The proposed new site is in the middle of agricultural land in the Green Belt, near two conservation villages. Infringement on the Green Belt should only be allowed in the most extreme circumstances. The environmental damage. The carbon cost of the construction will inevitably be high, from the demolition of the current works, from the building works themselves and from the journeys made by suppliers and construction vehicles. At a time of growing climate crisis it seems reckless to initiate such a damaging project. The overall effect of the construction on the surrounding area. The construction process, and eventually the presence of this facility and the constant and continuing traffic associated with its operation, will inevitably and irrevocably blight what is currently a pleasant and quiet residential area. It is unfair to inflict this on residents, when the project is unnecessary. I understand that the aim of the move is to free up the present site for new housing. More and more voices are currently questioning the unthinking increase in housing density in Cambridge, for example the effect on the water supply. It would be truly tragic if in ten years’ time there were to be a move away from mass building in Cambridge, and the transfer of the works from Milton turned out to have entailed the completely unnecessary destruction of a pleasant green environment. In view of the above, and of the increasing awareness of the dangers of climate change, I urge that further consideration be given to maintaining the works at it