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‘Environmental vandalism’ claim at plans to widen path to Owlstone Croft in Newnham




A councillor has called proposals that would require verges and trees to be removed to make way for construction vehicles “an act of environmental vandalism”.

Queens’ College has warned Cambridge City Council it has a right to 20-foot wide access to its site in Newnham, where plans have been approved for new student accommodation.

Sixty student rooms will be built in four blocks on the border of Paradise Nature Reserve at the Owlstone Croft site.

Boulders placed on the lane to slow traffic on a sharp bens have been nicknamed ‘Owlstone Henge’, Newnham. Picture: Keith Heppell
Boulders placed on the lane to slow traffic on a sharp bens have been nicknamed ‘Owlstone Henge’, Newnham. Picture: Keith Heppell

The college has submitted a construction traffic management plan to be approved by the council for the Short Lane access track from Grantchester Street to Owlstone Croft, stating it should be widened and will be used by HGVs.

But Cllr Jean Glasberg (Green, Newnham), warns: “This would involve the removal of all the verges, cutting back and removal of trees and shrubs, and removal of the boulders that protect pedestrians on the blind bend.

“The creation of a road here would be an act of environmental vandalism that would impact not just amenity and safety but would be likely to have a serious impact on the adjacent Paradise Nature Reserve that runs alongside the track. Paradise is a city and county wildlife site and species and habitats there would undoubtedly be affected by noise, vibration, dust and air pollution.

Boulders placed on the lane to slow traffic on a sharp bens have been nicknamed ‘Owlstone Henge’, Newnham. Picture: Keith Heppell
Boulders placed on the lane to slow traffic on a sharp bens have been nicknamed ‘Owlstone Henge’, Newnham. Picture: Keith Heppell

“The city council owns the track and should require an ecological impact assessment before any development is allowed that could cause such harm.”

Residents are also concerned about the impact of construction traffic and amenities being installed on the network of small residential streets in Newnham Croft.

City council officers have recommended that councillors should approve Queens’ College’s plan at a planning committee meeting today (Wednesday).

A Queens’ spokesperson said: “The college’s priority is to ensure safe and appropriate access to the Owlstone Croft site, both during and after construction. The established planting city council scheme introduced in 2003 on Short Lane was specifically designed to maintain full access for essential services, emergency vehicles, and construction traffic. This was supported by councillors at the time.

How the Queens' College accommodation would look. Picture: Queens' College Cambridge
How the Queens' College accommodation would look. Picture: Queens' College Cambridge

“We understand residents’ concerns about potential impacts on verges and trees. This is why the college has engaged in years of planning and consultation with city council officials to balance access requirements with the need to preserve the character of the area. The aim is to achieve this with minimal intervention while maintaining the college’s legal access. No final decisions have been made regarding changes to the existing landscaping, and any proposals will be subject to further discussions with the relevant authorities, including the city and county councils.

Paradise Nature Reserve: nearby residents and users of the reserve by the trees which are set to be felled by Queen's College due to the planned development. Picture: Keith Heppell
Paradise Nature Reserve: nearby residents and users of the reserve by the trees which are set to be felled by Queen's College due to the planned development. Picture: Keith Heppell

“Regarding vehicle movements during construction, a detailed logistics plan is being developed as part of the Planning Application for Owlstone Croft. The College is working closely with contractors to minimise disruption to residents, and a Construction Traffic Management Plan will be put in place to address these concerns.

“Short Lane has been the primary access route to Owlstone Croft since the early 1800s. The College is actively exploring ways to manage construction traffic safely and responsibly while ensuring continued access for all users. Further details are available via the planning application on the city council portal.”

Owlstone Henge, Newnham. Picture: Keith Heppell
Owlstone Henge, Newnham. Picture: Keith Heppell

A Cambridge City Council spokesperson said: “We can confirm that this is council-managed land, and that we would consider any requests that come forward regarding any proposed alterations to it with all necessary diligence.”



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