Representation by James Edward Southwick
- Date submitted
- 19 July 2023
- Submitted by
- Members of the public/businesses
Objections & comments on this proposed project: 1) This proposal involves building on Green Belt which goes against national and local planning policy. Policy which exists to prevent urban sprawl and protect the character of our unique and beautiful historic city, especially when considering the impact to the approach of visitors coming from the east to this historic city being met with this eyesore. Its not the image Cambridge wants to project to the world, or its inhabitants wish to live with. 2) Fen Ditton and Horningsea are in a Conservation area. If this kind of ‘development’ is allowed the notion of this becomes meaningless. 3) The polluting effect of odour on local schools, homes and businesses. 4) There is no operational need to move the current plant. The current plant that had a huge investment in it a few years back to make it functional til 2050, the same time period this new proposed plant is planned to be fit for too. To do so with the use of public funds at a time of financial hardship is beyond reckless, made doubly so when the environmental impact is considered of moving it – i.e. from the huge amount of cement needed, the amount of construction vehicle journeys etc, plus the task of decontaminating the current site to build houses on it. It is a senseless project that needs to be stopped. 5) The risk according to DEFRA of groundwater contamination is ‘high’ to a Principle Chalk Aquifer. Indeed some Horningsea residents still draw their water from wells here. 6) At a time of national food insecurity we need to preserve all the agricultural land we can. Progressing this scheme means a loss of farmland that we greatly need and will increasingly rely on. 7) The huge impact of increased traffic from construction and operational traffic between Horningsea and Fen Ditton Primary School. This stretch of road is already very busy, and the risk to local health and road safety for children and cyclists particularly by such an increase in traffic would be disastrous. There is also the impact of the construction traffic for the Waterbeach pipeline associated with this scheme too. 8) This desecration of Honey Hill will have a hugely detrimental impact on the wildlife and biodiversity of the area, plus the negative impact on access to public rights of way and permissive ways, alongside the loss of recreational space so essential for our mental health and well-being. 9) The nearby Quy Fen is a SSSI – such a polluting industrial behemoth shouldn’t be allowed to be built so close to it. 10) Similarly we have the nearby National Trust property of Anglesey Abbey and the negative impact this will no doubt have on it too. Please do not allow this relocation to take place. It is not needed, not wanted and will have a hugely negative impact on the environment, the city’s reputation, the local natural environment, and to the mental and physical health and safety of anyone living nearby or travelling through the area.