OxCam Arc
Barrington Parish Council > OxCam Arc

OxCam Arc

BPC Response to the Oxford-cambridge arc consultation

 OxCam Arc “High Level” Observations re the “Vision”

The following summary, answers and commentary (underlined) to survey questions but in off-line pdf format is the considered response of Barrington Parish Council (BPC) on the proposed Oxford-Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework.

 

Overall Summary

  1. Smoke and Mirrors. The OxCam Arc is a theoretical construct – it has no basis other than in imaginary terms. It does not exist. Stopping the hypothetical “Arc” as it were at Cambridge, fails to recognise the socio-economic importance and developmental challenges of East Anglia. It fails to make linkages northwards beyond Peterborough and through Ipswich, Felixstowe to Europe.
  2. Levelling Up? It is the “Dark Blue – Light Blue” Wall as opposed to a “Red Wall”. It fails to support the “levelling up” ambitions of government. Pockets of poverty and disadvantage that exist within and outwith the “Arc” are ignored – no specific solutions are proposed.
  3. Out of Date. The imposition of the concept of the Arc has a 19th century Victorian feel about it as opposed to a 21st century vision. It focuses on physical connectivity to enable large scale housing to cope with overflow from London. Major rail linkage is entirely unnecessary and irrelevant to the biotech, pharmaceutical and aerospace industries in an electronic age.
  4. Loss of Diversity. The diversity of key areas within the Arc are ignored – to be replaced with a “vision” of urban life and suburban Little England. Rural villages and ways of life will be lost within a planned central government hegemony.
  5. Environmental Sustainability is addressed with naivety and mantra. The reality is that:
    • The Arc presents a significant, perhaps existential threat to securing ground water supply and managing flood risk and surface water quality in the region.
    • The Water Industry is not up to the task and the Environment Agency will provide no solutions or protection.
    • Zero carbon energy and in particular electricity supply and distribution is a significant challenge, as will be zero carbon building supplies and cement production.
    • Bio-diversity across this region will be harmed significantly.

 

  1. Apple Pie and Motherhood. The Consultation methodology is highly manipulative. It seeks to secure positive support to “apple pie” questions using an irrelevant Likert scaling model that reduces the possibility of alternative considerations and issues being raised.
  2. Imposition and Unaccountability. The overall “feel” from a Local Parish Council perspective is that there is an unstoppable juggernaut imposing irrevocable change upon us, and that the consultation process is a weak attempt to legitimise decisions already being made by central government behind closed doors.

 

Barrington Parish Council

11 October 2021

 

What is your positive vision for the Arc in the future?

  1. What place could it be? What words come to mind?
  • Sustainable
  • Sense of community
  • Equal/ inclusive
  • Progressive
  • Collaborates for better outcomes
  • More life opportunities
  • Better environment
  • Eco-friendly
  • Connected
  • Better transport
  • Better infrastructure
  • Thriving economy
  • Better place
  • Better homes
  • More available homes
  • More affordable homes
  • Other – Locally agreed and NOT nationally imposed.
  1. If you can, we would love you to tell us more about your vision for the Arc to 2050.

See 3.

3. How do you feel overall about the future of the Arc? What are your hopes and fears?

 

  • Smoke and Mirrors. The OxCam Arc is a theoretical construct – it has no basis other than in imaginary terms. It does not exist. Stopping the hypothetical “Arc” as it were at Cambridge, fails to recognise the socio-economic importance and developmental challenges of East Anglia. It fails to make linkages northwards beyond Peterborough and through Ipswich, Felixstowe to Europe. 
  • Levelling Up? This is the “Dark Blue – Light Blue” Wall as opposed to a “Red Wall”. It fails to support the “levelling up” ambitions of government. Pockets of poverty and disadvantage that exist within and outwith the “Arc” are ignored – no specific solutions are proposed.
  • Out of Date. The imposition of the concept of the Arc has a 19th century Victorian feel about it as opposed to a 21st century vision. It is simply a plan to provide overspill fro London in another name. It focuses on physical connectivity to enable large scale housing to cope with overflow from London. Major rail linkage is entirely unnecessary and irrelevant to the biotech, pharmaceutical and aerospace industries in an electronic age.
  • Loss of Diversity. The diversity of key areas within the Arc are ignored – to be replaced with a “vision” of urban life and suburban Little England. Rural villages and ways of life will be lost within a central government hegemony.
  • Environmental Sustainability is addressed with naivety and mantra. The reality is that:
    • The Arc presents a significant, perhaps existential threat to securing ground water supply and managing flood risk and surface water quality in the region.
    • The Water Industry is not up to the task and the Environment Agency will provide no solutions or protection.
    • Zero carbon energy and in particular electricity supply and distribution is a significant challenge, as will be zero carbon building supplies and cement production.
    • Bio-diversity across this region will be harmed significantly

 

  • Apple Pie and Motherhood. The Consultation methodology is highly manipulative. It seeks to secure positive support to “apple pie” questions using an irrelevant Likert scaling model that reduces the possibility of alternative considerations and issues being raised. Many of the questions are simplistic, highly “loaded” and frankly an affront to proper consultation.
  • Imposition and Unaccountability. The overall “feel” from a Local Parish Council perspective is that there is an unstoppable juggernaut imposing irrevocable change upon us, and that the consultation process is a weak attempt to legitimise decisions already being made by central government behind closed doors – or at least – with a closed mind.

Environment

Thinking about your vision for the future of the area, how important is it that the Spatial Framework focuses on:

Green spaces, nature, and biodiversity

  1. Making sure the natural environment is protected, restored, and improved. For example, improving new and existing green spaces.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important] Making sure the most is made of the natural environment and that all people can have access to it. For example, making improvements to woodlands, wetland, green space and water and making sure people can visit them if they want to.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]

    3. Making sure new growth leaves the environment in a better state than before. For example, keeping land in its natural state, and making it more wild, where appropriate.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]

    4. Anything else to add about your vision for green spaces, nature, and biodiversity?

 

SW Cambridgeshire should preserve agricultural use aligned with good environmental stewardship.

Biodiversity across this region will be harmed significantly by the Arc as envisioned by yorselves.  There is much evidence that there is a substantial gap between theoretical Biodiversity Net Gain and real-world implementation. Does Biodiversity Net gain truly improve biodiversity or is it a box-ticking exercise to achieve planning permission? A net gain in biodiversity as measured by a simplistic biodiversity accounting tool, does not tell the whole story. If there is indirect damage elsewhere, e.g. drying up of chalk streams or chalk spring SSSI wetlands, then that damage is not offset by whatever habitats or natural greenspace might be created within or adjacent to a major development and represent real and tangible net losses.

 

Climate change and net zero

  1. Making sure new development helps to achieve net zero carbon at an Arc level towards national net zero targets. For example, through good design, sustainable travel choices, renewable energy and trapping carbon.[Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]
    6. Making sure that new development can respond to the current and future effects of climate change. For example, through new carbon emissions, water use, waste disposal and renewable energy targets.

    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]
    7. Anything else to add about your vision for climate change and/ or the contribution to net zero?

Reasonable predictions can be made about how the region and environmental stresses will change and impinge on the region and these should be used to future-proof developments within the Arc. This is especially important at the eastern end where water stress will be a major factor

For instance, see https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-d6338d9f-8789-4bc2-b6d7-3691c0e7d138

The reality is that zero carbon energy and in particular electricity supply and distribution is a significant challenge, as will be zero carbon building supplies and cement production.

East West Rail should only be built as an electrified line.

 

Air quality and waste

  1. Making sure new development helps to improve air quality within the Arc. For example, through high quality design, low emission zones and sustainable transport.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]9. Taking a combined approach to air quality across the Arc. For example, through being careful about where each land uses should go, supporting journeys via public transport and active travel and enhancing green spaces and routes across the area.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]

    10. Making better use of resources and managing waste. For example, promoting the re-use of materials, and protecting and improving soil quality and minerals.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]

    11. Anything else to add about your vision for air quality and waste?

Air quality, waste and waste water management all need proper monitoring and enforcement. Cuts to the Environment Agency’s budget have removed any prospect of environmental protection let alone improvement.

 

Water

  1. Promoting a combined approach to managing water across the Arc, through protecting water resources, improving water quality and reducing the risk of flooding. For example, treating wastewater, improving water storage, and reusing surface runoff.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]13. Making sure new development reduces existing flood risk and is resilient to future flooding. For example, through tree planting and multifunctional sustainable drainage.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]

    14. Improving water availability and cutting the risk of drought. For example, through new sustainable water resources and infrastructure, and measures which reduce water use.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]

    15. Anything else to add about your vision for water?

SW Cambridgeshire is already experiencing highly stressed water resourses.

Anglian Water: “Every five years we write our Water Resources Management Plan (WRMP) which sets out how we will manage the water supplies in our region to meet current and future needs over a minimum of 25 years. Our current Plan, published in 2019, covers the period from 2020-2045.”

“As a region and as a water company we face a time of great uncertainty and change. We face four pressing and interlinked challenges – climate change, environmental protection, population growth and the risk of drought. We have to act now or we will move from a strong position of a surplus of 150 million litres of water daily to a deficit of 30 million litres daily by 2025”

https://www.anglianwater.co.uk/about-us/our-strategies-and-plans/water-resources-management-plan/

The Arc presents a significant, perhaps existential threat to securing ground water supply and managing flood risk and surface water quality in the region.

The Water Industry is not up to the task and the Environment Agency will provide no monitoring or enforcement protection.

Economy

Thinking about your vision for the future of the area, how important is it that the Spatial Framework focuses on:

Education and training

  1. Making sure the Arc keeps growing as a place of educational excellence, partnership and research. For example, through growth which helps existing universities and colleges.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/Very Important] Making sure the economic benefits of growth are felt by all communities within the Arc. For example, through putting new education and training facilities in places where more people can easily get to go to them.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/Very Important]
  2. Anything else to add about your vision for education and training?

Peterborough, with a new university opening in 2022, is catering to an educational hinterland

 

Jobs and businesses

  1. Making sure that the Arc keeps growing as a place for business, science and technology, and innovation. For example, through putting these types of new workspaces in places where they can make the most of cross-sector collaboration.
    [Not important/ Less important/Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]
    What does ‘keeps growing’ mean in this context? Will this growth detract from other parts of the country?
  2. Making sure that existing industries keep growing within the Arc. For example, through putting industries in the best places to suit their needs.
    [Not important/ Less important/Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]
    This continuing commitiment to growth in the Arc is simplistic and ignores “levelling up”.

 

  1. Making sure the Arc builds upon and grows its skills, expertise and capabilities. For example, through making sure people can get around easily to bring the right people to the right job locations.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/Very Important]7. Making sure that the right types of buildings are provided in the Arc so that businesses can keep growing as well as supporting the green economy. For example, through building new flexible and adaptable workspaces meeting the needs of a range of different businesses of different sizes.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/Very Important]

    8. Anything else to add about your vision for jobs and businesses?

The “Arc” should not simply become a magnet and incubator for any and every business based on features such as good logistics and a skilled workforce.

 

We fundamentally object to the aim and assumption of continuous economic growth of the Arc. Arguably it is neither sustainable environmentally nor socially desirable and does not meet the “levelling up” agenda.

Connectivity and infrastructure

Thinking about the future of the area, how important is it that the Spatial Framework focuses on:

Infrastructure

  1. Making sure planning takes a combined approach to new development by providing the infrastructure and services required at the right time to support growth. For example, by planning for the need for utilities (e.g. water, energy, waste) and community infrastructure (e.g. schools, hospitals, GP surgeries).
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]2. Making sure new development makes the most of existing resources. For example, through making sure that materials are reused, renewable energy supplies are used, and waste is properly planned for.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]

    3. Making sure that digital infrastructure is put in at the same time as other development takes place. For example, speeding up the fitting of high-speed broadband to support home-based work and help new ways of learning.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]

    4. Anything else to add about your vision for infrastructure?

Your vision focuses on “infrastructure’. It omits any real focus on “services” which have been so dreadfully neglected.

 

New development

  1. Making sure growth within the Arc is placed around areas with better transport links. For example, through having more development around stations and bus routes, supported by cycling and walking tracks.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/Very Important]
    This is a very urban perspective and fundamentally damaging to a rural environment.
  2. Making sure new development cuts down the need to travel around the local area. For example, through providing safe and easy walking and cycling routes to town centres, shops and schools.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/Very Important]
    Obvious but again – an essentially urban perspective
  3. Making sure new developments reduce existing and future infrastructure demand and resources used. For example, making sure that designs leave enough space for existing and future measures which reduce energy and water use, and cut down on waste.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]8. Making sure sustainable transport principles are included in the design of new developments. For example, by designing new developments in a way that enables people to walk or cycle all or part of their journeys.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]
    “Enables” is acceptable / “Forces” is not acceptable.

     

  4. Anything else to add about new developments in the context of connectivity and infrastructure?

Why would you “make sure” new development did not address the issues of connectivity and infrastructure?

 

 

 

Getting around

  1. Creating better transport connections across the Arc and making sure they are provided in a way which supports sustainable new growth. For example, by planning for public transport and physical transport infrastructure requirements.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important /Very Important]11. Making sure there are more opportunities for active travel such as walking and cycling across the Arc. For example, wider pavements, segregated cycle lanes, improved network of cycle lanes, and better pedestrian crossings.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]
    Yet another Urban perspective.

     

  2. Making sure that there is the right form of public transport in the right areas across the Arc and can be used by all travellers, including people with any particular needs.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]
  3. Cutting down on the impact of cars and other private vehicles within the Arc. For example, by supporting more sustainable forms of private travel like cycling.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]
    Yet another highly loaded and simplistic question. 
  4. Anything else to add about your vision of getting around?

If the rural nature of parts of the Arc are to be preserved, then the urban focus of the provision of a sustainable transport mix needs to be dropped.

Modern ways of doing business, research and development have moved beyond the need for regular physical transport for connectivity.

Do not sacrifice the environment on the altar of more and greater road and rail construction for past ways of working.

Place-making

Thinking about the future of the area, how important is it that the Spatial Framework focuses on:

Location of growth

  1. Making sure new developments are built in the most sustainable locations, for the environment, the economy and communities. For example, by developing brownfield redevelopment and making sure they have good access to town centres, shops and schools.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]
    2. Anything else to add about your vision for location of growth?

Brownfield development should be prioritised and in locally-agreed not nationally targeted locations.

The current Greater Cambridge Local Plan First Proposals specifically state that development around the villages is not considered sustainable.

The character/lifestyle of traditional rural villages in the Ox-Cam Arc are threatened by your urban development – inspired proposals.

 

Homes in your area

 

  1. Ensuring the right types of housing are delivered in the right locations to meet the needs of both renters and buyers. For example, family houses, first time buyers, specialist housing, student accommodation and opportunities for people to build their own homes.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]4. Increasing the amount and availability of affordable homes within the Arc.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]

    5. Anything else to add about your vision for homes in your area?

All development should be prioritised by locally-agreed not developer promoted (aka Thakeham) choices. Locally, democratically agreed solutions not nationally targeted locations are required.

Housing need and supply should be evidence – based and not imposed by nationally – set targets.

 

Design of new developments and streets

  1. Making sure a coordinated approach is taken to the design and delivery of new developments to ensure they are supported by new and existing infrastructure.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]
    Another statement of the obvious.
  2. Making sure the environment and sustainability is at the heart of new developments. For example, by improving the built and natural environment, making sure development complements surrounding areas, and is supported by the right level of infrastructure.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]
    Another statement of the obvious. 
  3. Making sure there is the right mix of uses in new developments to help make high quality and thriving new places.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]
    Why would anyone consider making sure of the wrong mix of uses?     
  4. Making sure new developments help support healthy lifestyles for existing and future communities. For example, through walking and cycling, high quality green spaces, and accessible streets.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]
    Another statement of the obvious.10. Making sure new developments promote resilience to climate change. For example, through green roofs, managing surface water, tree planting, storing rainwater and new green spaces.
    [Not important/ Less important/ Neutral/ Important/ Very Important]

Solutions for 2050 might be very different from those suggested here

 

  1. Anything else to add about your vision for the design of new developments and streets?

All development should be prioritised and in locally-agreed not nationally targeted locations.

 

DELIVERING THE SPATIAL FRAMEWORK

Delivering the spatial framework – engaging communities

Q3 of section: Do you have anything else to add on engaging communities?

This “Apple Pie and Motherhood” approach does not enable proper two-way engagement.

(267 characters)

 

Delivering the spatial framework – our commitment to data and evidence

Q2 of section: Do you have anything else to add on data, evidence and digital tools?

There should be full and open data sharing which includes all available information – including sites being considered for major new developments – and not just selected parts of it.

 

Delivering the spatial framework – how we will monitor and deliver the framework

 

Q2 of section: Do you have anything else to add on delivery and funding?

The fundamental threat is of irrevocable and irreversible damage to the environment and traditional ways of life due to unfettered and over-development by unaccountable funders. Protecting biodiversity needs to be matched by protecting cultural diversity – not necessarily enhancing it through growth.

 

Q4 of section: Do you have anything else to add on monitoring and evaluation?

Whoever delivers the framework should be held to account.

All key stakeholders including local environmental and wildlife groups should be involved.

 

 

SCOPING REPORT FOR SUSTAINABILITY APPRAISAL

 

Q1 of section: To what extent do you agree with the key strategic issues and opportunities in the proposed scope for the Sustainability Appraisal of the Spatial Framework?

Strongly disagree        Disagree          Neutral                        Agree              Strongly agree

 

Q 2 of section: Are there any other strategic issues and/or opportunities that need to be considered in the appraisal? (optional)

Maximum 500 characters (500 left)

 

Q3 of section: Are you aware of any additional strategic data that we should take into account as part of the sustainability appraisal? (optional)

Maximum 500 characters (500 left)

Q4 of section: Are you aware of any additional plans or programmes you think will be important to consider within the sustainability appraisal? (optional)

Maximum 500 characters (500 left)

Q5 of section: To what extent do you agree with our approach to the Sustainability Appraisal?

Strongly disagree        Disagree          Neutral                        Agree              Strongly agree

 

This particular section of the consultation is far too complex to engage with in this manner. This is a highly specialist topic, particularly complex and at risk of becoming too detailed to provide meaningful answers and guidance.

 

Given the specialist nature if this work, the progress and outcome of both the Scoping Report and the Sustainability Appraisal should be subjected to independent scrutiny from an entirely separate body.

 

 

Barrington Parish Council

11 October 2021