Representation by Oana Stroe
- Date submitted
- 16 July 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
To whom it may concern, I am writing to you as a resident of Horningsea in Cambridgeshire to express my concerns regarding the relocation of the Cambridge Waste Water Treatment Plant from the current Milton site to Honey Hill. I believe this relocation is both unacceptable and unnecessary for a number of reasons, which I will outline below. Firstly, according to DEFRA, Honey Hill is an area of high risk to groundwater contamination, as it sits on a Principal Chalk Aquifer. This is particularly problematic due to the site’s proximity to the river Cam, and because some Horningsea residents still draw their water from wells. A groundwater contamination incident would be harmful to thousands of local residents and downstream communities. Secondly, the relocation is in breach of national and local planning policy that outlaws building on the Green Belt. Building on protected areas of countryside swallows up farmland and wildlife habitats, while increasing air pollution and flood risk. As Cambridge continues to expand and grow, the green belt is more important than ever and must be protected. This relocation would have a damaging impact on the unique conservation areas of Fen Ditton, Horningsea, Quy Fen – a Site of Special Scientific Interest – as well as Wicken Fen and Cambridgeshire Dykes. These are all outstanding conservation sites, home to a real treasure trove for biodiversity. They are also crucial for the local community’s physical and mental well-being, so we must do our utmost to protect them. The loss of farmland is also a significant worry in these uncertain times, as Brexit and the Ukraine war wreak havoc on supply chains, and the reliance on domestic agriculture grows. Thirdly, the relocation will cause intolerable traffic delays long-term on roads that are already insufficient due to high levels of traffic, particularly Horningsea Road, B1047 and the A14. It is not unusual to spend hours in traffic, between the A14 bridge to Barnwell Road (less than a mile). The additional construction and long-term traffic caused by the relocation will make these roads entirely unusable, and will exponentially increase air pollution levels in Fen Ditton. For walkers, the relocation will have a negative impact on public rights of way and permissive ways. Last but by no means least, the relocation will result in a dangerous drop in air quality in the area, due to pollutants and smell from the plant, as well as the increased traffic. This is particularly impactful for Horningsea and Fen Ditton residents, and school children attending Fen Ditton Community Primary School. There are numerous studies about the devastating impact of air pollution on children and adults’ respiratory health (see references below). In two thirds of UK towns and cities, children are breathing unsafe levels of air pollution. This violates a child’s right to health, as well as their future. It could impact their right to education, their right to play and ultimately, their right to life. All of the above can be avoided by halting the relocation project, and redeveloping the existing plant instead. A relocation would have a huge associated cost as it’s a cement-heavy construction, whereas a redevelopment would be less energy-intensive and have an overall lower carbon footprint. Having followed the proposal and consultations closely, it is my firm belief that not enough consideration was given to the option of redeveloping the existing plant. As such, I urge the Planning Inspectorate and the applicant (Anglian Water) to reconsider this option. I trust you will carefully consider the points I have outlined in this relevant representation. Should you want more information, I would be happy to expand upon them. Yours truly, Oana Stroe References: 1. WHO ‘Toxic school run’ report - https://www.unicef.org.uk/publications/the-toxic-school-run/ 2. European Environment Agency report on air pollution and children’s health https://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/air-pollution-and-childrens-health