Highways Agency

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Existing Conditions
• 3. Scheme Proposals
• 4. Engineering Assessment
• 5. Environmental Assessment - 1
• 5. Environmental Assessment - 2
• 5. Environmental Assessment - 3
• 5. Environmental Assessment -4
• 5. Environmental Assessment - 5
• 5. Environmental Assessment - 6
• 5. Environmental Assessment -7
• 5. Environmental Assessment -8
• 5. Environmental Assessment -9
• 5. Environmental Assessment -10
• 5. Environmental Assessment -11
• 5. Environmental Assessment -12
• 5. Environmental Assessment -13
• 5. Environmental Assessment -14
• 5. Environmental Assessment -15
• 5. Environmental Assessment -16
• 5. Environmental Assessment -17
• 5. Environmental Assessment -18
• 5. Environmental Assessment -19
• 6. Traffic and Economic Assessment

5. Environmental Assessment -17

5. Environmental Assessment (continued)

5.17 Policies and Plans

5.17.1 Introduction

This chapter assesses the impact of the A14 Improvement Ellington to Fen Dittonin terms of transport and planning policies at a national, regional and local level andthe extent to which the route options conflict or comply with such policies.

The route options for the A14 Improvement Scheme lie within the county ofCambridgeshire and are subject to the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough StructurePlan 2003. The local planning framework is provided by the South CambridgeshireLocal Plan 2004, the Cambridge City Local Plan 1996 and the HuntingdonshireLocal Plan 1995. In some cases these plans have been modified, but have not yetgone through the adoption process. The modified plans have also been referred to.

5.17.2 Method of Assessment

The Stage 2 assessment identifies policies in broad terms which could conflict withthe development of the route options.

The policy assessment was carried out in accordance with TAG and DesignManual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB) Volume 11: Environmental Assessment;

5.17.3 Existing Conditions

Consideration has been given to the following strategic policy documents. Thesedocuments are considered to be the most relevant sources in assessing the impactof the scheme on land-use policy objectives.

• PPG1: General Policies and Principles (1997);
• PPG7: The Countryside: Environmental Quality and Economic and Social Development (1997);
• PPG9: Nature Conservation (2001); has this been updated to 2003;
• PPG13: Transport (2001);
• PPG15: Planning and the Historic Environment (1994);
• PPG16: Archaeology and Planning (1990);
• PPG25: Development and Flood Risk (2001);
• A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone (1998);
• Regional Planning Guidance for East Anglia (RPG6, 2000);
• Draft Regional Planning Guidance for the East of England (RPG14, 2004);
• Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Structure Plan (2003);
• Cambridgeshire Local Transport Plan 2004-2011;
• Cambridgeshire Aggregates (Minerals) Local Plan (1991);
• Cambridgeshire Aggregates Minerals Local Plan (2004);
• Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Waste Local Plan Revised Deposit Proposed Modifications (2003);
• South Cambridgeshire Local Plan (2004);
• Cambridge City Local Plan (1996);
• Cambridge City Local Plan First Deposit Draft (June 2003);
• Huntingdonshire Local Plan (1995);
• Huntingdonshire Local Plan Alteration (December 2002);
• Huntingdonshire Landscape and Townscape Assessment - Supplementary Planning Guidance (2003);
• Cambridgeshire Landscape Guidelines (1991);
• Cambridge Greenbelt Study (2002).

NATIONAL PLANNING POLICIES

Planning Policy Guidance notes (PPGs) set out the guiding principles for a range ofplanning issues. Mineral Policy Guidance notes (MPGs) set out the principles andthe key planning policy objectives against which plans for minerals and decisionsfor development proposals should be made.

The government aims to review all PPGs and MPGs and seek greater clarity in theexpression of planning policies and to describe them more in terms of objectivesand outcomes to be achieved, in the form of planning policy statements. Therelevant national planning objectives which apply to the A14 Improvement Schemecan be summarised as follows:

• The planning system should allow development proposals "unless the proposed development would demonstrate harm to the interests of acknowledged importance "(PPG1);
• The key objective of PPG1 in terms of land use and transport is to "influence the location of different types of development relative to transport (and vice versa) and, "foster forms of development which encourage walking, cycling and public transport use".
• Sustainable development, mixed use and good design are the three themes outlined in PPG1 which underpin the Government's approach in assessing development proposals;
• The guiding principle in PPG7 is that "development in the countryside should both benefit economic activity and maintain or enhance the environment. Rural areas can accommodate many forms of development without detriment, if the location and design of development is handled with sensitivity" (para. 2.3). It continues by stating that new development should be "sensitively related to existing settlement patterns and to historic, wildlife and landscape resources". The development of greenfield land, including the best and most versatile land (i.e. grades 1, 2 and 3a) should not be permitted unless it is an exceptional case where the development of agricultural land is unavoidable;
• There is a need to balance adequate provision for development and economic growth whilst ensuring effective conservation of wildlife and natural features. With careful planning and control, conservation and development can be compatible. Proximity to a designated area, such as a SSSI, does not always mean that development proposals will be refused. They could be approved if planning conditions can effectively limit any impact on habitats or important physical features (PPG9);
• PPG9 recognises the importance of local nature conservation and recognises that wildlife heritage is not confined to designated sites;
• PPG 12 provides a comprehensive statement of Government policy in relation to the development plan process. It states that development plans should include specific policies and proposals on the overall development of the transport network and related services, such as roads (para. 5.16);
• There is a need to integrate planning and transport at the national, regional and local level to promote more sustainable transport choices, to promote accessibility, and to reduce the need to travel, especially by private car (para. 4, PPG13);
• PPG 13 states that great care must be taken to minimise the impact on both the natural and built environment of any new transport infrastructure projects, or improvements to existing infrastructure. This includes the potential impacts caused during construction;
• Local highway and planning authorities should integrate into their policies measures to avoid and minimise the impacts of new transport infrastructure developments on the various elements of the historic environment and their settings (PPG15);
• New roads should, wherever possible, be kept away from listed buildings, conservation areas and other sites of architectural importance. However, in each case, a suitable balance should be struck between conservation, other environmental concerns, economics, safety and engineering feasibility (PPG15);
• There should always be a presumption in favour of preserving in situ, nationally important archaeological remains, whether scheduled or not, and their settings. Archaeological excavations for the purposes of preservation by record may be an acceptable alternative (PPG16);
• PPG25 seeks to ensure that flood risk is properly taken into account in the planning of developments to reduce the risk of flooding and the damage which floods cause. Consideration should be given to "the specific risk of flooding to the development being proposed over its current expected lifetime and its possible effects on flood risks elsewhere in terms of its effects on flood flow, flood storage capacity and the run-off implications".

OTHER GOVERNMENT POLICIES

A New Deal for Transport: Better for Everyone July 1998

The Government's White Paper on the future of transport, 'A New Deal forTransport: Better for Everyone' was published in July 1998 and highlights the needfor an integrated approach to transport policy. The criteria which are fundamentalto achieving a more strategic approach to transport planning are detailed asfollows:

• Integration - ensuring that decisions are taken in the context of a coherent, integrated transport policy covering all modes;
• Accessibility - making it easy to reach the places we wish to get to;
• Safety - making travel safer;
• Economy - obtaining good value for money and supporting sustainable economic activity in appropriate locations; and
• Environment - considering both the positive and negative effects on the built environment, at a global, regional and local scale.

Regional Planning Guidance for East Anglia RPG6 2000

The primary purpose of RPG6 is to establish a regional framework for developmentplans in East Anglia, up to 2016. RPG6 aims to guide development within asustainable framework, ensure economic opportunities are maintained andimproved, social and economic equity are increased, the environment is protectedand enhanced while the distinctiveness of each locality is maintained.

RPG6 aims to:

• Maximise energy efficiency and minimise harmful emissions and waste;
• Minimise the need to travel and promote sustainable transport modes;
• Maintain and enhance the region's economy and competitiveness;
• Increase employment and promote a closer relationship between homes and jobs.

Chapter 5 details a range of sustainable development strategies for the largesturban areas located within the East Anglia region. Cambridge is highlighted as anurban area which will act as a primary location for growth. Policies 21 to 25 detailthe vision and planning framework for the Cambridge sub-region. These refer to thelocation of housing and new development; employment generating development;Green Belt review and new settlements.

Paragraph 6.6 refers to sustainable transport policies which should 'contribute tothe management of traffic growth and travel demands, whilst widening choice andaccessibility for all'. It further states that improvements to road capacity will only besupported when other options have been fully appraised, and the quantifiedbenefits outweigh any environmental or other dis-benefits.

Paragraph 6.29 outlines the improvements for trunk roads within the East Anglianregion. The dualling of the A11 to Norwich; improvements of the A47 betweenNorwich and Great Yarmouth; improvements to the A14; and improvements to theA47 between the A1 and Norwich have all been identified. The paragraph furtherstates that it will be the responsibility of local authorities to consider, through theirlocal transport plans, what localised improvements may be required.

Paragraph 6.33 refers to Multi-Modal Studies. It highlights the Tranche 1,Cambridge to Huntingdon study which will consider solutions to ease congestionand improve safety in the corridor around the A14, which is subject to substantialdevelopment pressure.

Draft Regional Planning Guidance for the East of England RPG14 2004The Draft Regional Planning Guidance for the East of England aims to guidedevelopment in the region over the next 20 years. The East of England regionincludes Bedfordshire, Luton, Cambridgeshire, Peterborough, Hertfordshire, Essex,Southend-on-Sea, Thurrock, Norfolk and Suffolk. The Spatial Planning Vision aimsto 'sustain and improve the quality of life for all people who live in, work in or visitthe region, by developing a more sustainable, prosperous and outward-lookingregion whilst respecting its diversity and enhancing its assets'. Amongst itsobjectives, RPG14 aims to ensure that infrastructure programmes will meet currentdeficiencies, development requirements and deliver more integrated patterns ofland use, movement, activity and development, including employment and housing.

Chapter 5 details Sub-Regional policies. With reference to transport, the vision forthe Cambridge Sub-Region aims to deliver integrated transport systems, which areclosely linked to the development patterns in the area and which include highqualitypublic transport which will support more sustainable travel patterns. PolicyCSR5 refers to infrastructure provision and states that a comprehensive approachwill be adopted to secure infrastructure, which will be needed to support thedevelopment strategy for the Cambridge Sub-Region. Supporting text for this policyrefers to a programme of transport infrastructure improvements that will be requiredto deliver the strategy and which are also detailed in the Cambridgeshire andPeterborough Structure Plan. The Strategy states that these improvements will be'saved' when the RPG14 is approved.

Table 3 'Proposal List' details a range of transport schemes. The A14 Cambridge toHuntingdon is referred to as a committed project.

LOCAL PLANNING POLICIES

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Structure Plan 2003

The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Structure Plan 2003 seeks to encouragesustained economic growth, deliver infrastructure which meets the needs of theeconomy, minimise the need to travel through reducing reliance on the car, makebetter use of brownfield sites and ensure the environment is adequately protectedfrom development. Furthermore, it aims to secure greater sustainability throughintegrating environmental, social and economic objectives whilst providing fordevelopment requirements.

Policy 1/1 details land which has been zoned for new development withinCambridge, including the provision of a small town at Longstanton/Oakington. Itsets out the key planks of development in the Cambridge Sub Region, which is theconstruction of a new settlement, referred to as Northstowe. This will act as anextension to the two small settlements of Oakington and Longstanton. Thesettlement is expected to grow by the addition of 6000 houses during the structureplan period. The longer term planning envisages an ultimate size of 10,000 newdwellings. This new settlement area is further referred to in P2/3 as a 'keyopportunity for new employment associated with high technology'.

Chapter 7 refers to environmental and heritage resources. Policy 7/2 refers toBiodiversity. It states that all development will seek to conserve and enhance thebiodiversity areas which they affect; landscape features will be retained, managedand enhanced and, where damage is unavoidable, agreements will be sought to recreatefeatures on or off-site.

Policy 7/4 states that development should sensitively relate to the localenvironment and should contribute to distinct landscape character areas.

Figure 7.2 details the landscape character areas. Land located within the vicinity ofHuntingdonshire and St Ives is highlighted as 'River Valleys'. The area of landbetween Cambridge and Huntingdon is indicated as 'Claylands'. Policy 7/4 statesthat development must 'relate sensitively to the local environment and contribute tothe sense of place, identity and diversity of the distinct character areas'. Supportingtext to the policy states that 'proposals for prominent structures will only bepermitted if they are essential in the countryside and if the location, siting anddesign minimise adverse impact on the environment'. It further states that localauthorities will be expected to undertake landscape character assessments andinclude appropriate landscape policies.

Policy 7/5 states that planning authorities will draw up strategies for urban fringeareas which will assist in enhancing their character, conservation value andimprove public access to the countryside.

Policy 7/9 refers to minerals supply, stating that overall mineral supply met fromsecondary and recycled aggregates will be increased. An appropriate landbank ofpermitted aggregate reserves should be maintained to meet local, regional andnational needs. Figure 7.1 outlines target areas for habitat creation. The routeoptions run through land designated for 'Wet Grassland and Hay Meadows' and anarea designated for 'Woodland and Hedgerows', both of which are located to thesouthwest of Huntingdon.

Chapter 8 of the structure plan details transport policies. These policies refer tovehicular transport, rail services, sustainable transport and the promotion of AreaTransport Plans.

Policy 8/3 states that Area Transport Plans will be developed for Cambridge,Peterborough, Market Towns and surrounding areas. Policy 8/4 states that localauthorities will introduce measures to manage demand for car travel. Thesemeasures will include reallocation of road-space to be used by public transport,pedestrians and cyclists. Policy 8/9 refers to Public Rights of Way which will beprotected from development. New and existing public rights of way will beintegrated into new development and existing definitive map routes will beprotected from development. Reference is also given to providing links to keyactivities in town and village centres, educational establishments, public openspaces and to Countryside Enhancement Areas.

Policy 8/10 details Transport Investment Priorities relating specifically to RapidTransit, Multi Modal Studies, Bus/Rail, Cycling/Walking, Park and RideInterchanges and improvements to Trunk/Local roads. In addition, the plan willsupport a comprehensive and high quality network bus services across theStructure Plan Area, including improved links between market towns and ruralcentres with Cambridge. Park and Ride interchanges will be allocated on theproposed Cambridge to Huntingdon Rapid Transit System. Policy 8/10 furtherstates that both on line and off line improvements are designated for the A14Cambridge to Huntingdon Corridor. Junction improvements have also beendesignated on the A14, west of the A1.

Figure 8.1 outlines the road and rail network. Multi-Modal Transport improvementsas supported and recommended by the Regional Planning Body are highlighted forthe A14, commencing west of Cambridge and terminating at the A14 north ofBrampton.

Chapter 9 details the overall development strategy for the Cambridge Sub-Regionand figure 9.2 illustrates this. Part of the A14 Improvement study area is locatedwithin the defined sub-region boundary. The plan states that 'The Sub-Region isthe focus for a dynamic economy founded on a strong service sector, aninternational reputation as a centre for education and research and rapidly growingclusters of high technology industries'. The vision for the Cambridge Sub-Regionincludes integrated transport systems related closely to development patterns,including high-quality, sustainable, public transport networks. These networks willsupport public transport links with market towns.

Policy 9/1 states that 'provision will be made for 47,500 additional homes in thesub-region between 1999 and 2016. These include 7,500 homes dwellingsproposed for Huntingdonshire and the 6,000 dwellings proposed for a newsettlement at Longstanton/Oakington (see para 3.18). Policy 9/2B refers to agreenbelt review being carried out to serve the long-term development needs ofCambridge. It is proposed that land be released from the greenbelt betweenHuntingdon Road and Histon Road.

Figure 9.2 illustrates the vision for the Cambridge Sub-Region. It highlights the A14Improvements and a corridor for 'High-Quality Public Transport' which extends fromCambridge and runs in a northwesterly direction south of St Ives and Huntingdon.

Cambridgeshire Local Transport Plan 2004-2011

The Cambridgeshire Local Transport Plan 2004-2011 sets out the objectives,strategy and programme for transport in the county. The seven key objectives areas follows:

• To make travel safer;
• To develop integrated transport;
• To promote sustainable forms of transport such as public transport, walking and cycling;
• To maintain and operate efficient transport networks;
• To create an accessible transport system;
• To provide a transport system that meets the needs of the economy;
• To protect and enhance the built and natural environment.

Appendix 8 details a number of Area Transport Plans (ATPs) for the City Counciladministrative area and a number of parishes in the South Cambridgeshire DistrictCouncil area. The purpose of an Area Transport Plan is to identify new transportinfrastructure and service provision, which would facilitate the provision of localplan allocations.

In general, ATPs aim to stabilise vehicular traffic; increase journeys by sustainabletransport modes; manage the transport network efficiently and minimise delays topublic transport users and minimise environmental and economic impact oftransport. Sections of the A14 route corridor fall within the Western Corridor AreaTransport Plan (WCATP) and the Northern Corridor Area Transport Plan (NCATP).There is no direct reference made to A14 Improvement Scheme in either of theseATPs.

Cambridgeshire Aggregates (Minerals) Local Plan 1991

Cambridgeshire possesses a variety of important mineral resources. This planrelates specifically to sand, gravel and limestone, which are referred to as primaryaggregates and are exploited by opencast mining.

Sand and gravel are the most important of the County's aggregate minerals, andare dispersed throughout the county. The principal workings are in the river terracedeposits found along the valleys of the River Great Ouse, the Nene and theWelland.

The DOE Circular 21/82 'Guidelines for Aggregates Provision in England andWales' states "for the economic health of the country, it is essential that theconstruction industry is provided with an adequate and steady supply of minerals".These guidelines set out the supply patterns for each mineral. These guidelineswere further updated in 1989 with the publication of the Mineral Planning GuidanceNo. 6, which proposes that East Anglia will need to produce about 201m tonnes ofaggregates between the period 1986-2005.

The Proposals Map highlights eighteen areas within the county where mineralextraction can be exploited. The following minerals workings are located within thestudy area.

• Brampton West - This site extends to 55.8 ha and includes an area of approved working. An extension to the original site has also been granted.
• Margetts Farm, Buckden/West of Little Paxton Pits - This site extends to 119.4 ha and includes an area of approved workings. Land is also zoned for extensions to existing sites where planning permission has been granted since 1986 and where planning permission has not been granted since 1990.
• Woolpack Farm, Hemingford - This site extends to 5.6 ha and includes an area of approved working. An extension to the original site has also been granted.
• North of Fen Drayton - This site extends to 25.6 ha and includes an area of approved workings. Land is also zoned for an extension, where planning permission has not been granted since 1990.

Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Waste Local Plan Revised Deposit Proposed Modifications 2003

Cambridgeshire possesses a variety of important mineral resources. This planrelates specifically to sand, gravel and limestone, which are referred to as primaryaggregates and are exploited by opencast mining.

Sand and gravel are the most important of the County's aggregate minerals, andare dispersed throughout the county. The principal workings are in the river terracedeposits found along the valleys of the River Great Ouse, the Nene and theWelland.

The DOE Circular 21/82, 'Guidelines for Aggregates Provision in England andWales' states "for the economic health of the country, it is essential that theconstruction industry is provided with an adequate and steady supply of minerals".These guidelines set out the supply patterns for each mineral. These guidelineswere further updated in 1989 with the publication of the Mineral Planning GuidanceNo. 6, which proposes that East Anglia will need to produce about 201m tonnes ofaggregates between the period 1986-2005.

The Proposals Map highlights eighteen areas within the county where mineralextraction can be exploited. The following minerals workings are located within thestudy area.

Brampton West - This site extends to 55.8 ha and includes an area of approvedworking. An extension to the original site has also been granted.

Margetts Farm, Buckden/West of Little Paxton Pits - This site extends to 119.4 haand includes an area of approved workings. Land is also zoned for extensions toexisting sites where planning permission has been granted since 1986 and whereplanning permission has not been granted since 1990.

Woolpack Farm, Hemingford - This site extends to 5.6 ha and includes an area ofapproved working. An extension to the original site has also been granted.

North of Fen Drayton - This site extends to 25.6 ha and includes an area ofapproved workings. Land is also zoned for an extension, where planningpermission has not been granted since 1990.

South Cambridgeshire Local Plan 2004

Under the new local plan system, Local Development Frameworks will be built intolocal plan policy. Draft Planning Policy Statement 12, Local DevelopmentFrameworks sets out the government's policy on the preparation of the localdevelopment documents. Adopted local plans will retain development plan statusand will become "saved" plans for a period of three years, from the commencementof the new act. Local Development Framework will comprise development plandocuments and supplementary planning documents. The South CambridgeshireLocal Plan will be such a 'saved plan'.

The primary aims of the South Cambridgeshire Local Plan 2004 are as follows:

• To guide the provision of residential, commercial, industrial and recreational development up to the year 2006;
• To plan for the location of development which provides the opportunity for more people to satisfy their day-to-day needs locally or in locations from which sustainable transport modes can realistically be used;
• To maintain and enhance the character and diversity of the built environment
• and ensure that development meets the objectives of the structure plan
• through sustainable development principles;
• To secure the provision of services and facilities;

Chapter 2 details settlement polices for South Cambridgeshire. Villages within thestudy area are divided into Rural Growth Settlements, Limited Rural GrowthSettlements, Group Villages and Infill Villages. Residential development will bepermitted within village boundaries at predefined densities. The following allocatedvillages are located within the study area:

• Bar Hill and Histon - Impington are designated as Rural Growth Settlements which state that residential development will be permitted at a minimum density of 30 dwellings per hectare (dph);
• Girton and Milton are designated Limited Rural Growth Settlements, which permit development up to a maximum density of 30 dph;
• Dry Drayton, Fen Ditton, Longstanton and Oakington are designated Group Villages. Residential development will be permitted up to a maximum scheme size of 8 dwellings;
• Boxworth, Conington and Madingley are designated Infill Villages. Residential development will be restricted to infill schemes of not more than two dwellings.

The Cambridge Green Belt encircles Cambridge and extends to a distance ofbetween 4.8 and 8km from the centre. The greenbelt stretches from the east ofMilton to the east of Bar Hill. Policy GB2 states that planning permission will not begranted for 'inappropriate development' unless it satisfies a number of criteria. PolicyGB6 aims to maintain and improve existing rights of way. Policy GB7 seeksto improve and maintain the quality of the landscape through the Greenbelt Project.The Greenbelt Project advises on hedge and tree management, countrysideinformation and habitat management for rare species.

Chapter 4 refers to Housing Development. Policy HG1 aims to provide for 11,300new dwellings in the District between 1991 and 2006. The outstanding requirementfor the period 2001 to 2006 is 1,228 dwellings. Policy HG2 states that 900dwellings will be provided west of Cambridge Northern Fringe, in an area known asArbury Camp. A range of other housing allocations have been assigned to the ruralgrowth settlements as stated above.

Chapter 5 details policies for employment. Policy EM1 states that 6.3 ha withinLongstanton has been allocated for employment development (Class B1 - office,research and development, light industry). In addition, 2.9 ha have been allocatedfor Class B1 and B2 (light/general industry, research and development) withinHiston. Small scale development will be permitted for classes B1-B8 within villageframeworks and on suitable brownfield sites.

Chapter 7 details transport objectives. Paragraph 7.5 states that road traffic hasgrown within the district at a rate of 3% per year since 1991, which is higher thanboth the regional and national average. Forecasts from 1996 to 2006 indicateincreases between 15.9-30.5% for South Cambridgeshire and 16.6-32.5% for thecounty, against a national rate of 9.8-24.7%. A large growth rate has beenobserved on the A14.

The plan makes reference to the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon Multi-Modal Studyand provision for the widening of the A14, to three lanes in places.

Chapter 8 refers to community services and infrastructure. Objectives refer to theretention and provision of community facilities and essential infrastructure in linewith new development. Water resources and the water environment should bemaintained and conserved. Policy CS9 refers to community services and statesthat planning permission will be refused for proposals which would result in the lossof a village service or recreational facilities.

Policy RT4 refers to Public Rights of Way which will be extended or amended inline with public consultation with necessary stakeholders.

Chapter 10 refers to environmental conservation. These objectives aim to:

• Maintain and enhance the character and appearance of the countryside;
• Protect and enhance biodiversity, the built-environment and archaeological heritage;
• Protect and improve the quality of land, water and air environments.

The study area is located within the character area "claylands" and the "fen edge".Policy EN1 aims to respect, retain and enhance these character areas.

Policy EN2 states that 'development will not be permitted which would have anadverse effect upon the wildlife, landscape and the countryside character of theRiver Valleys of South Cambridgeshire. The River Great Ouse which runs throughHuntingdon and St Neots is listed as one of the most important river valleys. PolicyEN3 requires that the scale, design, layout and landscaping works are allappropriate to the particular 'Landscape Character Area' and should reinforce localdistinctiveness.

Policy EN5 states that trees, hedges, woodland and other natural features must beretained wherever possible. Landscaping schemes must accompany planningapplications where appropriate. Tree Preservation Orders and Hedgerow RetentionNotices will be allocated to protect trees and hedges which contribute to localamenity or have visual or historical significance.

Policy EN9 refers to Nature Conservation. Planning applications located withinclose proximity to Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and County WildlifeSites (CWS) will be subject to special scrutiny. Policy EN12 also aims to protectfeatures and habitat types of nature conservation value. There are a number ofCWSs and SSSIs located within the study area.

Policy EN13 prevents development which would adversely affect, either directly orindirectly, the habitats of animal and plant species. Policy EN15 aims to protect,preserve and enhance known and suspected sites or features of archaeologicalimportance and their settlings. There are a number of sites of archaeologicalpotential or interest located within the study area. In addition, a wide range of sites,included on the Sites and Monuments Register are located within the study area.Policy EN30 states that planning applications for development in ConservationAreas or which would affect their setting must be accompanied by sufficient detailsto allow the impact to be assessed. There are a number of Conservation Areaswithin the study area.

The plan also sets out specific policies to guide future development within villagesettlements. The following villages are located within close proximity to the routecorridor.

Conington

The village plan states that residential development will be restricted to not morethan 2 dwellings, due to restricted opportunities for infill development. In veryexceptional cases a slightly larger development may be permitted if it wouldincorporate the development of a brownfield site. The plan further states that thereare a number of listed buildings located within Conington.

Fen Drayton

There are two County Wildlife Sites located within close proximity to Fen Drayton,which include Fen Drayton Gravel Pits and River Great Ouse. The village centre isa designated conservation area, and there are 26 Listed Buildings of varyinggrades, mainly Grade II/II*. Fen Drayton has been identified as a Group Village,where new development must not exceed a maximum of 8 dwellings. In some casethis could increase to 15 dwellings, if development was located on a brownfieldsite. Development is not permitted on land located to the southwest of the villagecentre.

Boxworth

There are three areas of archaeological interest, 7 no. Listed Buildings and aScheduled Ancient Monument located within the village. Boxworth has beenidentified as an Infill Only Village, in which residential development is restricted tonot more than two dwellings.

Bar Hill

Bar Hill has been identified as a Rural Growth Settlement, with developmentpermitted within the village framework. Development will not be permitted outsidethe perimeter road. There are a wide range of Protected Village Amenity Areaslocated throughout the settlement.

Oakington

There are a number of listed buildings and conservation areas located withinOakington. The village has been identified as a Group village. Residentialdevelopment, up to a maximum scheme size of 8 dwellings will be permitted withinthe village framework. This could be increased to 15 dwellings, if developmentwere located on brownfield sites.

Histon and Impington

There is one Conservation area and a number of Listed Buildings located within thesettlement. Two sites within Histon have been designated for commercialdevelopment. A number of sites within Impington have been allocated forresidential development and recreational facilities.

Girton

There are a number of Listed Buildings and sites of archaeological interest locatedwithin the village of Girton. One site has been allocated for mixed development ofresidential, open space and community facilities.

Milton

There is one Conservation Area and a number of listed buildings located in thevillage of Milton. Milton has been identified as a Limited Rural Growth Centre.Residential development will be permitted up to a maximum size of 30 dwellings. Anumber of protected village amenity areas are located throughout the village.

Cambridge Northern Fringe

The Cambridge Northern Fringe is an important area of potential development landimmediately to the south of the A14. The online improvement between M11Junction 14 and Fen Ditton would require land take in an area designated for mixedusedevelopment, known locally as Arbury Camp. This site is bounded by the A14,Histon Road, Kings Hedges Road and the former Cambridge-St Ives railway line.The proposed development comprises a minimum of 900 dwellings, a publictransport interchange on the rapid transit system along the former railway line, upto 18,000 sq.m B1 development, car showrooms, a primary school, a local centre,public open space, and the preservation or enhancement of the Arbury Camp siteof archaeological interest.

Fen Ditton

There are 30 no. Listed Buildings located in Fen Ditton and a number ofconservation areas. The village has been designated a group village, which permitsdevelopment and redevelopment up to a scheme size of 8 dwellings.

Horningsea

There are a number of Scheduled Ancient Monuments, sites of archaeologicalinterest and 23 no. listed buildings situated in Horningsea. The village has beendesignated as an infill-only village which restricts residential development to notmore that two dwellings on infill plots.

The overall proposals map, pertaining to the Adopted Local Plan 2004 has not, todate been published. It is expected to be completed in August/September 2004, atwhich point an assessment of the rural environs of South Cambridgeshire will beundertaken. The South Cambridgeshire Local Plan Deposit (amended) Sept 2001has been referred to in this instance. Areas of Best Landscape are located south ofthe A14, extending from the Trinity Foot Junction to the M11 Junction 14. Furthereast, Areas of Best Landscape have been designated east of the Cambridge to Elyrailway line. Online improvement between Trinity Foot Junction and Fen Dittonwould run through these designated areas.

Cambridge City Local Plan 1996

The scheme skirts to the north of land in the administrative area of Cambridge CityCouncil, This area is located to the south west of Milton.

Chapter 14 of the Local Plan outlines the transport policies and objectives for thearea. It highlights the 'A1307 Huntingdon Road and Hills Road' as an UrbanPrimary Road as defined in the Cambridgeshire Structure Plan 1989. New roaddevelopment would have to adhere to Policy TR29. This refers to a list of criteria tobe met prior to the granting of planning permission for road development, such as:

• Significant and sustainable overall environmental benefits are demonstrated;
• Significant road safety benefits will result, particularly for pedestrians and cyclists;
• Other planning objectives will be advanced by the provision of improved accessibility to sites where development is desired; and
• The proposed road will positively contribute to an overall transport strategy which gives greater emphasis to public transport, cyclists and pedestrian facilities.

The scheme runs south of land designated as Greenbelt. It traverses a designatedWildlife Corridor. Policy NE15 refers to the protection and enhancement of greenspaces, wetlands, water courses, hedgerows etc. There are a number of CityWildlife Sites located to south of the A14, for which policies NE12 to NE14 applies.These refer to the conservation of these sites and their protection fromdevelopment. A number of sites south of the A14 have been designated forEmployment Development.

Cambridge City Local Plan First Deposit Draft 2003

The Cambridge Local Plan First Deposit Draft 2003 aims to guide and facilitategrowth in a sensitive and sustainable manner, ensuring high environmental qualityis protected and enhanced and future developments offer a range of opportunitiesto all its citizens. In delivering this vision, the local plan aims to provide transportinfrastructure which would support new developments, promote more sustainableliving patterns and maximise accessibility for everyone, particularly to jobs andessential services.

The A14 (T) runs south of an area of designated flood plain, east of the Cambridgeto Ely railway line and north of the A14. Policy 3/15 states that development will notbe permitted in 'an area with an unacceptable risk of flooding, if it would increasethe risk of flooding or if it would have a detrimental effect on flood defences orinhibit flood control and maintenance work'. Proposals that are within appropriatelydefended areas may be permitted.

The scheme runs through a small area of Green Belt, located north of the A14 andboth east and west of the Cambridge to Ely Railway Line. Policy 5/2 states thatthere is a presumption against inappropriate development in the Cambridge GreenBelt as defined on the Proposals Map.

There is a designated City Wildlife Site (CiWS) located to the south of the A14 andeast of the A1309. A second CiWS, Kings Hedges Farm is located south of theformer Cambridge to St Ives railway line and north of Kings Hedges Road. Policy5/6 states that development will not be permitted if it will have an adverse impacton a CiWS unless it can be demonstrated that the proposal outweighs the need tosafeguard the substantive nature conservation value of the site.

The Cambridge Northern Fringe Area Action Plan site, comprises 52.6 ha and islocated to south of the A14, west of the Cambridge to Ely railway line and east ofthe city sewage works. The area will contain residential, office, retail, leisure andcommunity facilities. Development proposals will be served by the Rapid TransitSystem which will follow the route of the former St Ives railway line. The onlineimprovement between M11Junction 14 and Fen Ditton would run through thenorthern section of this site.

A second Area Action Plan site (52.8ha) is located between the Huntingdon Roadand B1049 Histon Road. The vision for this area is to provide for housing(estimated circa 1,000 dwellings) and mixed-use development in a sustainablemanner. The plan states that main vehicular access will be via the HuntingdonRoad. It is anticipated that bus service and frequency along Huntingdon road willneed to increase to serve this site.

A third Area Action Plan site (113.62ha) is located in east Cambridge, south ofNewmarket Road and east of Barnwell Road. The overall vision for this area is thecreation of a distinctive new urban extension, incorporating residential developmentand the retention of a 'greenfinger' running into Coldham's Common. It will bedeveloped mainly for housing, including 10ha of employment land and a full rangeof community facilities such as schools, places of worship etc. A large-scale publicopen space of city wide importance will be provided. The estimated capacity forhousing would be 4,000 units, which could be increased depending ondevelopment densities, land uses etc.

A more recent version of the Local Plan refers to Areas of Major Change instead ofArea Action Plans. Whilst allowing greater flexibility, in essence the policies do notdiffer from those referred to above.

Huntingdonshire Local Plan 1995

The Huntingdonshire Local Plan aims to improve public transport services, provideadequate roadside service and ensure high standards of highway design andprovision. Policies T1, T2 and T3 state that the District Council supports the earlycompletion of the A14T and its upgrading to Dual 3 lanes between Bar Hill andHuntingdon. This will incorporate junction improvements, whilst extending suchimprovement via a southern link between the A14 and the A1.

Areas of Best Landscape are located south of Ellington, in the vicinity of BramptonWood, Grafham Water, Buckden, Offord Cluny and north of the A14T in the vicinityof Hemingford Abbots and Fenstanton. Policy EN21 states that the District Councilwill not normally grant permission for development which would adversely affectsuch areas. Policy EN17 refers to development in the countryside which willnormally be restricted to development associated with agriculture, horticulture,forestry, mineral extraction, outdoor recreation or public utility services. PolicyEN18 seeks to protect trees, woodlands, hedges and meadowland. Policy EN22states that the determination of planning applications will take appropriate accountof the interests of nature and wildlife conservation.

Chapter 6 details policies aimed to promote recreation and leisure. Policy R15 aimsto improve access to the countryside, including the extension and improvement ofpublic rights of way, where appropriate. Policy R16 refers to the re-use of formergravel workings and clay pits for public recreation. Grafham Water will be promotedas a major area for informal countryside recreation.

The Ouse Valley Recreation Local Plan Continuation-in-Force Direction 1994directs the management of this area until appropriate alternative provisions areincorporated into a district-wide local plan. The provisions refer to futuredevelopment of moorings, subdivision of riverside land, improvement of boatingfacilities, upgrading of footpaths to allow for disabled access and the provision ofvisitor car parks and picnic sites. The implementation of restoration, landscapingand after-use schemes for disused active and future mineral extraction areas willalso be promoted. In particular, the early implementation of after-use schemes atLittle Paxton Pits, St Ives Pits and at Hinchingbrooke will be considered.

Chapter 7 refers to environmental considerations. Policy EN17 states developmentoutside defined village limits will generally be restricted to that which is essential tothe operation of local agriculture, horticulture, forestry, permitted mineral extraction,outdoor recreation or public utility services. EN18 refers to the protection of trees,woodlands, hedges and meadowland. Supporting text refers to Areas of BestLandscape, within which the impact of development will be carefully assessed.EN21 states that development will not normally be granted which would adverselyaffect the character of the area of best landscape. EN23 states that developmentwill not normally be permitted which would affect Sites of Special Scientific Interest,National Nature Reserve, local nature reserves or which has an adverse effect onthe interests of wildlife in an area of special importance for nature conservation.

The local plan includes detailed inset plans for a range of settlements inHuntingdonshire. Those settlements which are located within the study area are asfollows.

Buckden (Map No. 9)

All the proposed schemes run to the north of, but do not impact Buckden. Thevillage centre is a designated conservation area. There are numerous sites zonedfor residential development and open spaces/gaps for protection. All proposedoptions run to the north of and do not impact the village boundary.

Fenstanton (Map No. 22A)

The village centre is a designated conservation area, with numerous other openspaces and gaps for protection located in the vicinity of this area. One large site isdesignated for housing allocation, north of the existing residential development. Alloptions run to the south of Fenstanton and do not impact directly on the settlement.The Galley Hill junction is highlighted for Junction Improvements.

Hilton (No. 36)

The majority of Hilton is a designated conservation area. There are three individualsites designated for housing allocation, with additional large areas zoned as openspaces and gaps for protection.

The Offords (Map No. 46)

The northern section of this village is a designated conservation area. Small areasthroughout the village are designated as open spaces and gaps for protection. Alloptions run to the north of and do not impact The Offords.

Huntingdon Inset (Godmanchester Section)

Numerous sites with Godmanchester have been zoned for residential andemployment allocation. Land west of Godmanchester and land north of the A14have been allocated as Areas of Best Landscape.

Huntingdon Inset (Brampton Section)

Brampton village centre is a designated conservation area. There are open spacesand gaps for protection located throughout the village centre. Views Common isdesignated as an 'open space allocation', adjacent to Huntingdon viaduct. MillCommon to the east of the viaduct, is designated as an 'open space and gapprotection'. Given that Views Common is currently being used for open spacepurposes, this latter designation would effectively apply to both commons. Here,Local Plan policy EN15 states that development which would impair the opennature of such open spaces will not normally be allowed. A small area of MillCommon, at the foot of the existing A14 embankment is designated as CommonLand.

Land located to the west of the A14, east of Buckden Road and north/south of theB1514 is protected as Areas of Best Landscape. The A14 and A1 have both beenallocated for junction improvements.

A Scheduled Ancient Monument is located towards the south-west of the viaduct,where policy EN11 states that the Council will normally refuse planningpermissions for development that would have an adverse effect upon suchmonuments.

Huntingdonshire Local Plan (Alteration) December 2002

Consultation was undertaken during February 1998 to commence a review of the1995 Huntingdonshire Local Plan. A revised draft incorporating proposed changeswas published in May 1999. Following a public inquiry, the inspectors report wasissued in 2002 and the deposit draft was published in June 2002.

The primary objectives of this alteration are to update the housing land provision inthe adopted Plan, to co-ordinate public and private development and to identifyspecific expectations for affordable housing provision.

Huntingdonshire Landscape and Townscape Assessment - Supplementary Planning Guidance 2003

The landscape of Huntingdonshire covers an approximate area of 91,000ha andembraces a diversity of landscapes from the flat, expansive Fenlands in the northeast to rolling upland landscapes in the west. The overall purpose of the guidelinesis to provide the Council and others with a more detailed understanding of thecharacter and composition of the natural and built environment, with a particularemphasis upon those features that may need to be conserved, enhanced orreflected in the new environment.

The scheme falls within the following landscape character areas:

• Southern Wolds;
• Ouse Valley;
• South East Claylands.

The key characteristics of the Southern Wolds character area are gentletopography, well-wooded landscape with broad valleys of the River Kym and theEllington Brook. The Southern Wolds are under pressure from the effects ofintrusive and insensitive development and the loss of traditional features of theagricultural landscape. Key issues include the preservation and management ofwoodlands; protection of the rural character and long distance views and improvescreening of existing developments.

The Ouse Valley includes the broad, shallow valley of the River Great Ouse, amosaic of land uses and existing gravel workings and former workings which havebeen flooded to create significant areas of water. The area is under developmentpressure and future management should focus on protection and enhancement ofthe river valley, resistance to new development which could be liable to flooding,protection and enhancement of the 'Green Corridor' along the river and carefulconsideration of the extent of future gravel extraction.

The south eastern claylands character area is situated in the south eastern cornerof Huntingdonshire. Key characteristics heavy clay soils, subtle variations intopography and tall hedgerows with frequent hedgerow trees. Many parts of thelandscape character of this area remains unspoilt. Key emphasis should refer tothe preservation of medieval features, protection of tall hedgerows and the plantingof tree and woodland belts along major roads to screen visually intrusivedevelopment particularly to the edges of the main settlements.

Cambridgeshire Landscape Guidelines 1991

These guidelines aim to improve the overall visual quality and strengthen thecontrast between landscapes in different parts of the county, protect and enhancehistoric features and conserve existing features. The guidelines refer to minimisingthe impact of new roads and improvement schemes, detailing examples of how thiscan be achieved. Land located between Huntingdon and Cambridge is referred toas the western claylands. This undulating landscape consists of large-scale arablefarmland with open fields, sparse trimmed hedgerows, scattered woodlands, alarge part of which are ancient semi-natural woodlands.

Cambridge Greenbelt Study 2002

This study was undertaken in response to RPG6 which requires that 'A review ofCambridge Green Belt should be carried out and any proposals for changes to itsboundaries included in development plans'. The study describes the factors thatcontribute to the setting and special character of Cambridge. It focuses on thequalities to be safeguarded to preserve this setting and special character and setsout a vision for the city.

A number of special qualities that contribute positively to the setting and characterof Cambridge, essential to Green Belt purposes are identified, including:

• A large historic core relative to the size of the city as a whole
• A city focussed on the historic core
• A city of human scale easily crossed by foot and by bicycle
• Key views of Cambridge from the landscape
• Topography providing a framework to Cambridge
• A soft green edge to the city
• Green fingers into the city
• Long distance footpaths and bridleways providing links between Cambridge and the open countryside
• The distribution, physical separation, setting, scale and character of necklace villages
• A city in a landscape which retains a strong rural character

The vision for Cambridge sets out a strategy for safeguarding and enhancing thesetting and special character of Cambridge, while recognising that there is a needfor urban expansion through Green Belt releases in order to contribute to thedevelopment targets of RPG6.

The study indicates there may be potential to develop parts of five of the areassuggested in the draft Structure Plan (north of Newmarket Road, North of CherryHinton, Cambridge Airport, at Clay Farm and areas east and south of Trumpington,and between Huntingdon Road and Histon Road), without causing significantdetriment to Green Belt purposes.

A detailed assessment of East Cambridge has confirmed that there is potential todevelop land west of Airport Way and north of Newmarket Road, which alsopresents opportunities to enhance the setting and special character of Cambridge.