Is the Waste Water Treatment Works Moving?
In the previous consultation it was suggested that the Cambridge Waste Water Treatment Works be moved from its current location on the Cambridge Northern Fringe (East), so that new housing could be built in the area. The proposals to move the Works to Fen Ditton caused many concerns, and questions were raised about the feasibility of the proposed development. A feasibility study, undertaken by Cambridgeshire Horizons working with local Councils, concluded that the redevelopment was not feasible. As a consequence the Works are not going to be moved.
What is going to happen to the Cambridge Northern Fringe (East)?
Other proposals including employment-led redevelopment of the area are now being considered. Cambridge City Council will consider all proposals in its new Cambridge Plan.
Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council will also have to consider where the housing that would have been built on the Cambridge Northern Fringe will now go. It is clear that any new proposals will not involve moving the Waste Water Treatment Works.
If it’s not moving, what does that mean for the existing works?
Anglian Water who run the Waste Water Treatment Works have said that the existing site can cope with the planned growth. In terms of the Minerals and Waste Plan, this recognises that the Waste Water Treatment Works is essential for the Cambridge area, and seeks to safeguard the site from any development that might prevent it being used for this purpose. This approach is being taken across the whole of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
What can be done to improve the existing works?
A suggested new policy in the Minerals and Waste Plan will require mitigation measures when new waste water treatment works are built. These measures must address amenity and environmental issues. This policy will also apply to the improvement or extension to any existing works. For sites in close proximity to any occupied property i.e. less than 400 metres, this should include mitigation measures against odour.
Are there going to be any other waste facilities in the Cambridge Northern Fringe (East)?
Yes, two other proposals are being made. The first is for a new (household) Recycling Centre to replace Milton Recycling Centre, which is a temporary, open-air facility. The new recycling facility would be permanent, modern and enclosed, making it easier to control noise, dust, odour and wind-blown litter. It would be very different to the existing facility at Milton.
The second proposal is for a recycling facility for inert industrial and construction industry waste. There is already a temporary facility operating on the northern fringe, and a permanent facility is being proposed. In previous consultations this area was identified for a commercial recycling centre – provision for this has now been made elsewhere i.e. Waterbeach and Cambridge East.
What about the railhead?
It is suggested that an aggregates railhead be retained and safeguarded. The aggregates depot will be especially important when the A14 upgrade takes place, as crushed rock (not available locally) will be brought in through this depot.
What about the proposed new railway station and the guided bus?
These transport matters are still being considered but they would not be compromised by what is being suggested in the Minerals and Waste Plan.
What is happening to the existing landfill site at Milton?
Cambridgeshire County Council’s Committee has resolved to grant planning permission at this site until the end of 2020, subject to a catchment restriction being imposed.
Why has the life of the existing site been extended to 2020 when it was due to close in 2010?
This site is part of the provision for landfill to meet the Plan area’s needs. At present the capacity at the site has not been fully utilised, and to close it at 2010 would mean the loss of this valuable resource, and would also result in a landform that would not be environmentally acceptable. An extension has therefore been granted.
If the life of the landfill is extended, why can’t the recycling centre stay there too?
We need modern recycling facilities to help increase our recycling. We want to raise the standard of recycling centres, so they are more efficient, as well as being more pleasurable for our customers to visit. In due course the existing recycling centre would have had to move, in order to enable the landfill site to be properly restored, achieving the agreed final landform.