Owlstone Croft traffic plans prompt concern

A plan to manage traffic during the construction of new student accommodation next to Paradise Nature Reserve in Cambridge is recommended for approval despite 100 objections.

Residents fear the proposals will create two years of “traffic and pedestrian chaos” and “untold disruption, disturbance and danger” in an area of narrow streets.

Meanwhile, the Friends of Paradise Nature Reserve claim the ecological damage from traffic noise and pollution to the reserve will be “immense and irrevocable”.

Queens’ College was granted permission on appeal to build four student blocks at its Owlstone Croft property in Newnham in November.

Now, the college is seeking permission to discharge a condition which prevents work starting until a traffic management condition is agreed with Cambridge City Council.

The council’s planning committee will debate whether to approve the application at its 23 July meeting.

A previous discharge of condition application was refused by the council on several grounds – including a lack of information about the numbers, volumes and types of vehicles being used during the works.

The authority says details have now been provided that “demonstrate that the size of the vehicles proposed can access the site”.

It says deliveries will be pre-booked and allocated set arrival times. An on-site wheel washing facility will help prevent mud or debris being deposited onto the surrounding roads, a report to councillors explains.

“Two trained bankspersons will be deployed to facilitate the safe movement of all HGVs from the junction of Short Lane/Grantchester Street through to the application site and vice versa, and therefore conflict with pedestrians and cyclists can be avoided,” it adds.

But objectors are unconvinced. South Newnham Neighbourhood Forum said the plan “remains deficient” with the risk of collisions remaining. Others point to the pressure on parking, conflicts with children travelling to and from school, and the impact on emergency vehicle access. There are also concerns about who would be responsible for repairs if roads are damaged by HGVs.

However, officers have recommended that the condition be discharged and councillors will decide whether or not to do so.

The report states: “Officers advise that if this condition is not discharged prior to the start of the 2025 summer school holidays then it is inevitable that demolition/construction will be delayed, and the construction period lengthened considerably.

“The delay would also put the council at risk of appeal and potential appeal costs if the proposal were to be unreasonably refused.”