Representation by Rev Canon Judith Egar
- Date submitted
- 12 July 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
There is no operational need for the sewage works to move; the current site was upgraded and future proofed back in 2015 at a cost of over £20 million. The present capacity is adequate to cope with the planned new housing development in Cambridge. Should additional capacity be needed in the future, the current site is big enough to build a parallel sewage works and then decommission the old one. There is enough other land becoming available for development round Cambridge to reach the government’s target for new housing. The carbon cost and environmental impact of this relocation will be enormous. Honey Hill is Green Belt land which has an important role in preventing urban sprawl and protecting the setting of the historic city of Cambridge. It is high quality arable farmland. It is also used extensively for walks, cycling and other recreational activities which are vital for mental health and wellbeing. Honey Hill is a Principal Chalk Aquifer which DEFRA says is at high risk of groundwater contamination should the development go ahead.