North Cambridge Design Code consultation
A project from Greater Cambridge Shared Planning to inform urban design.
This section lists issues - problems on the street network and related matters.
Issues always relate to some geographical location, whether very local or perhaps city-wide.
You can create a new issue using the button on the right.
Listed issues, most recent first:
Created by Anna Williams – Head of Campaigns & Engagement // 1 thread
A project from Greater Cambridge Shared Planning to inform urban design.
Created by Josh Grantham // 1 thread
23/02696/FUL | Demolition of 3 residential properties (known as Fossdene, Winside and The Gables) and the erection of five residential buildings for postgraduate students as well as two storey and single storey extensions to The Knott for postgraduate accommodation and the provision of cycle and bin stores, landscaping and car parking including new boundary treatments. |Fossdene Whinside The Gables Mount Pleasant Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB3 0BL
Created by Martin Wheatley // 1 thread
People cycling being abused by drivers for not using cyclepaths, even where they are sub-standard or useless.
sound+fury // 1 thread
Change of use from an office (Use Class E(g)(i)) to a state funded school (Use Class F1(a))
72 Hills Road Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB2 1LA
Cambridge
Application reference : 23/02904/PRIOR
Created by sarah // 0 threads
General overgrowth impinging on DNA path link to CBC; 2 bikes can no longer pass each other. Reported to CCC on 31st July.
Anon // 1 thread
Towards the west end of Love Lane, vegetation overhanging from the south does not allow an adult to pass (on foot or cycle) without bending. (Photo is looking west.)
Noticed on 13 July, confirmed still there 20 July.
Reported to Cambridgeshire County Council 19 July (ref 00438005). They closed the report 24 July, saying "The issue you raised with us is the responsibility of the landowner. Unfortunately we do not have records of who is responsible for this location and we are therefore unable to take any action."
(This area has been problematic previously -- see KW's reporting in March 2023 on the 'exclusionary barriers' thread. Not sure if exactly the same vegetation, but same general area.)
sound+fury // 1 thread
i) Demolition of 11-12 Burleigh Street and Abbeygate House, ii) Part demolition and alterations to the Grafton Centre, removal of existing facades, erection of new floorspace for life science use, new and replacement façades and shopfronts, provision of terraces at fourth floor level, installation of plant and enclosures, iii) Redevelopment of existing bus turning head and redundant service area to provide new hotel and leisure quarter, iv) New pedestrian access route from Christchurch Street to Burleigh Street, provision of cycle parking spaces, public realm and landscape improvements, v) Highway works to East Road providing new bus stops, pedestrian and cycle routes and other associated works.
Grafton Centre Fitzroy Street Cambridge Cambridgeshire
Cambridge
Application reference : 23/02685/FUL
Created by jack // 1 thread
The bushes/trees are pretty overgrown into the left side of the cycle path, meaning you have to move away from the edge at points, on an already narrow cycle track (fairly narrow for bidirectional travel, anyway).
Outline planning application for the erection of up to 38 Affordable Homes with associated access, parking and landscaping - all matters reserved except for Means of Access
Land South Of 44 Cambridge Road Stretham Cambridgeshire
East Cambridgeshire
Application reference : 23/00712/OUM
sound+fury // 1 thread
Concern about the bike/bin store for the CONDA application.
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 1 thread
Cambridge City Council has launched its Environmental Improvement Programme (EIP) for 2024, which gives residents the opportunity to identify where they would like the council to fund small-scale improvements to the city’s streets and open spaces.
Cambridge residents are invited to put forward their ideas for the EIP through the council's online consultation platform. A total of £170,000 is available to be allocated to the proposed projects – up to £5,000 is available for local projects unless they are strongly supported in which case up to £10,000 could be made available. Up to £20,000 is available for projects that will enhance larger areas of the city.
sound+fury // 1 thread
They propose to add an eighth floor to Mayflower House, and to increase the cycle parking.
Created by wookey // 1 thread
New housing development of about 250 houses next to Barrington on the old cement works quarry land.
sound+fury // 1 thread
Change of use of the first floor only at 13-14 Burleigh Street, Cambridge from use falling within Class E (commercial, business and service) to two flats comprising one 1xbed unit and one Studio unit (Class C3 (dwellinghouse)).
13 - 14 Burleigh Street Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB1 1DG
Cambridge
Application reference : 23/01966/PRIOR
sound+fury // 1 thread
Created by cpax // 1 thread
Post removed , increased usage by cars .
Created by Robert Watson // 1 thread
Turning from Hills Road onto Glisson Road going east, there’s a “cycles only” lane on the left-hand side, with a concrete separate from traffic in the other direction. The camber is extremely steep in the cycle gap, and risks our cargo trike overturning. The barrier is well meant, but ultimately the steep camber means we have to enter on the wrong side of the barrier, which is less rather than more safe than not having a battier at all.
sound+fury // 1 thread
Created by sarah // 0 threads
The Heathfield Bridleway is generally a good piece of off-road provision that links Thriplow to Heathfield/Duxford whilst avoiding the A505. The sign is damaged; Cambs CC say it’s not their duty to repair/replace.
Created by Nick Flynn // 1 thread
There are plans to redevelop the Westbrook Centre to a life sciences campus.
There is a "listening event" today Wednesday 17th May 3pm at St Luke's Church, Victoria Road.
Created by KW // 1 thread
Eight flats, six car parking spaces, eight bike parking spaces. Access from Cherry Hinton Road, within the queue region for the 'Robin Hood' junction, across the existing shared-use path.
sound+fury // 1 thread
Change of use of first, second and third floors from office (Class E) to student accommodation (Class C2) comprising 8 student rooms and ancillary facilities. External works comprising the installation of an external staircase and entrance, PV panels to the roof and an Air Source Heat Pump at ground floor level. Installation of two openings into the listed wall for means of access and daylight to the rear.
First Floor And Second Floor And Third Floor 98 Regent Street Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB2 1DP
Cambridge
Application reference : 23/01701/FUL
Created by Ruth Corns // 1 thread
I noticed that on the plans for the ongoing Milton Road development, the plan for a new double split cycle/pedestrian crossing across Milton Road near Chesterton Hall Crescent/Ascham Road has the cycle crossing on the East side and the pedestrian crossing on the West side. The problem with this is it is the opposite way round from the way cyclists/pedestrians approach the crossing from Chesterton Hall Crescent (cyclists on the West, pedestrians on the East). In the mornings, this crossing is extremely busy with pedestrians and cyclists travelling from South to North (to reach Milton Road primary school and Chesterton Community College), and at the north side of the crossing, cyclists need to be on the West side to travel up Ascham Road and the pedestrians tend to walk on the east pavement. The new crossing plan would mean cyclists having to cross the flow of pedestrians on both sides of Milton Road. This would lead to queues of bikes on the crossing (in the road) and seems quite dangerous. I think it would create a natural flow if the crossings were switched to have the cycle crossing on the west (and this is how cyclists and pedestrians naturally organise themselves on the current toucan crossing)? I've included a photo where I've drawn arrows showing the cyclist/pedestrian flow lines in the current plan and if the crossings were switched. It hasn't been built yet so I wondered if there is a way to suggest this to GCP and do you think a change would be considered at this stage?
Created by cpax // 1 thread
Hi ! , I am writing to you to voice my concerns that the Bridleway ( Mile Road ) between the Roman Road and the A 1307 is
under threat .
As a regular user of this route ( cycle ) I first noticed that the finger post on the A 1307 had been removed some weeks ago
and on passing that way today found mounds of earth had been pushed up to the large gate making it almost impossible to
pass through . This route is heavily used by people wanting to go from Fulbourn to Babraham or just for walking . It is a well
defined route on all the maps / cycling Apps . I am incredulous that this threat to this route can so easily be blocked .
This map shows all issues, whether points, routes, or areas:
The most popular issues, based on the number of votes:
Created by TMiles // 0 threads
St Michael's Road can be a useful local route for west-bound cyclists avoiding the central junction in Headingley and its approach roads, dominated by queuing traffic or parked cars.
The current configuration could be improved to allow cyclists approaching the junction to cross directly from St Michael's Rd into the cycle box immediately in front of the traffic lights at the northern extremity of Cardigan Road.
A dedicated traffic signal, coordinated with the parallel pedestrian crossing (to the extreme right of the image), would allow cyclists to cross from the island in the foreground to the advanced stop line in the far lane.
These improvements would require very little actual ground work, instead making use of smarter signal control. Further adjustments to the sequencing could see cyclists granted a synchronized left turn into Kirkstall Lane.
Created by Angela Hobsbaum // 1 thread
TfL/Islington are proposing improvements to Highbury Corner. This is a major scheme - removing one-way traffic system on the roundabout and introducing fully-segregated cycle tracks and dedicated crossings for cyclists.
Here's the TfL page https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/roads/highbury-corner-roundabout and the council landing page is at https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/roads/highbury-corner-roundabout
TfL/Islington drop-in sessions at:
Union Chapel, Compton Terrace, London N1 2UN
Wednesday, 24 February 15:00 - 19:00
Saturday, 27 February 09:30 - 13:30
Monday, 29 February 10:00 - 14:00
Created by Rob Earl // 1 thread
Opening a gap in the wall would give access through towards Portobello and Figgate Park
Created by T Harris // 1 thread
You may remember that Hounslow Council issued plans for a cycleway between Boston Manor Underground Station and the GSK complex back in 2014. The recent revised plan is for a bidirectional protected cycleway on the western side of Boston Manor Road. It includes plans for separation between the cycleway and bus stops. There are still places where cars can be driven over the cycleway at entrances to Boston Manor Park and car parking bays planned to be located between the cycleway and the properties opposite Manor Vale. We broadly support the plans, but please send in your concerns too. The consultation ends on 3rd June.
Created by Debra Storr // 1 thread
The pavement around the Blackdog roundabout is the logical route for cyclist to transit from Blackdog towards Potterton and until the Blackdog-Murcar cycleway is built, those brave enough to venture onto the dual carriageway will use the pavements to get onto and off more suitable roads
It would be helpful if the designation would change and the surface revisited. Pity is wasn't built wider to shared path standards.
Created by Rob Earl // 0 threads
Gravel/muddy slope section of QR20, the rest of which is tarmac path/roads.
Created by Roxanne (CEO) // 3 threads
The government has announced it will hold a consultation on the introduction of the battery-powered scooters to British roads.
What are the implications for people cycling, walking and scooting?
What is Camcycle's position/policy about e-scooters?
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
Comment from October 2014 Cycle Ipswich meeting:
"Belle Vue Road is very steep for a recommended cycle route."
It's marked on the Ipswich Cycle Route Map.
Created by Simon Still // 1 thread
In response to resident requests to reduce vehicle speeds and to provide a continuous low-traffic cycling “Quietway” route between Shepherd’s Bush and Kensington High Street, the Council is proposing some changes on Russell Road and other local streets.
Possible changes and implications
On Russell Road, where our surveys confirm that traffic speeds are high, we propose removing the existing chicanes, as these do not work well. This will mean we can create a small amount of additional resident parking. Instead, to reduce traffic speeds, we propose seven sinusoidal humps along the length of Russell Road. They would be spaced in line with national guidance on the optimum spacing to encourage drivers to keep to a consistent speed, thereby minimising accelerating, braking and associated noise and emissions. Sinusoidal humps are designed so that, when driven over at lower speeds, they are noticeably more comfortable to drive over than traditional humps. We have recently introduced sinusoidal humps in St James’s Gardens and we also use them when we resurface roads that have traditional humps - for example, in Abbotsbury Road near Holland Park.
We also propose to remove the centre line to encourage drivers to slow down and take more care whilst driving. In addition, in response to reports of vehicles cutting the corner at the sharp turn onto Russell Gardens, we propose hatching markings, to encourage drivers to position themselves correctly when making the turn.
Other proposed measures
At Russell Road’s junction with Kensington High Street, a new pavement build-out on the west side and introduction of a raised table across Russell Road to slow turning traffic and provide a shorter crossing distance for pedestrians.
Removal of the island at the north end of Elsham Road to provide more space to exit from the cycling contra-flow lane.
Removal of the cycling feeder lane and introduction of an advanced stop line at the junction of Lower Addison Gardens with Holland Road to improve cycle safety.
Removal of approximately three metres of parking to improve entry into the existing segregated cycling facility on Addison Gardens bridge and to provide a safe waiting space for cyclists wishing to turn into Hansard Mews.
Permit contra-flow cycling through Hansard Mews, providing access to Shepherd’s Bush and Holland Park Avenue.
Alterations to the surface of the inclined section of Hansard Mews (approximately 30 metres) to reduce the slip hazard, especially in wet conditions, while minimising the change in appearance.
Introduction of wayfinding signs and road markings along Russell Road, Russell Gardens, Elsham Road, Lower Addison Gardens and Hansard Mews at points where a change of direction is required. We estimate there would need to be around 15-20 signs and symbols across the area.
Created by Dawes Jaguar // 1 thread
This path is supposed to be a shared use path, part of the Merritts Brook Greenway. Unfortunately it is the same width as a bicycle and completely unlit. It emerges at an informal crossing upon which cyclists are instructed to dismount. Cyclists are then expected to pedal along the pavement. It's completely useless and unnecessary, as there is a better route via Charfield Close.
Martin Lucas-Smith // 1 thread
"Daily parking wars make Red Cross Lane dangerous"
See: https://www.camcycle.org.uk/newsletters/146/nl146.pdf
Need to improve this area for cycling and walking.
Red Cross Lane and Greenlands are marked for 20mph and they're very narrow streets barely two cars wide.
Created by Lewisham Cyclists // 1 thread
Royal Borough of Greenwich consultation on improvements to road junction at Blackheath Gate of Greenwich Park for Quietway 1 extension.
Consultation closes 19th April 2019.
Created by aSemy // 0 threads
A tree on the side of East side of Whiteladies road (next to HSBC) has a notice stating that the tree will be removed and replanted. The tree is on the very wide pavement right next to the road, and the road is not wide enough for vehicles and cyclists: a pinch point.
There is clearly enough space on Whiteladies road for a segregated cycle lane. It is a popular route used often by heavy traffic. With enough shifting of road lanes there's even enough room for an uphill cycle lane.
Replanting the tree away from the road would remove one small obstacle and show evidence that BCC is looking towards improving cycling in the long run.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
The roundabout at the south end of Claydon under the A14 is pretty horrible for pedestrians and cyclists. It would be extremely useful if this could be upgraded to a Dutch style roundabout with:
* tighter entrances and exits will slow down vehicles to a safer speed while cyclists and pedestrians are around. The current dimensions are only ok when there are no cyclists or pedestrians around and it's safe for motors to go fast.
* single lane entrances and exit will make is easier to cross each arm. There would be no zig zag in the island.
* cycle track with separate pavement for pedestrians outside the roundabout, thus preventing conflict between the 3 modes of transport.
* cycle track crossing at 90 degrees to the road to aid visibility between different modes of transport.
Created by Al Storer // 1 thread
The A14 project is bringing a cycleway into the city as far as the University farm. Previous County projects have created a decent inbound cycleway from Laurence Weaver Road and an almost OK painted lane outbound to here. There's a section of cycleway from Girton Corner to Eddington Avenue, and at Girton Corner there's a connection to The Ridgeway along Bunker's Hill. There are Cycleways intercepting Huntingdon Road at Whitehouse Lane, both into Eddington and into Darwin Green.
But oh dear. Laurence Weaver Road junction is awful. Eddington Avenue junction is awful, and there's a very narrow and much over-run cycle lane to the north of it. Girton Corner junction is poor and serves poorly those who want to go from Girton village and College to the Ridgeway.
The section of road needs a holistic approach that incorporates the route along and the routes crossing in a coherent manner.
Created by North Devon Cycling Forum // 0 threads
To provide a safe route between Barnstaple Town Centre and the Pilton area, this footpath should be upgraded to a shared path, initially just by change of status, at a later stage, widening of the path should also be considered.
Created by Rogerdodge // 1 thread
Kingston Council have opened the Consultation on this route, it also includes Ewell Rd - see separate Map. Open until 17th November
Created by Dawes Jaguar // 1 thread
A cycle path built here would complete this proposed route segment: http://www.pushbikes.org.uk/location/bournville-3
Created by Heather Rainbow // 1 thread
A proposed cross country route from North Waltham via Level lane and farm tracks and the ROW to Kempshott and the Roman road. Parts of the route are ROWs on footpaths and need upgrading to restricted byeway and parts are private tracks which could be permissive paths. Some of the land crossed has been registered on the SHEELA as available for development and some is on the boundary of Hounsome fields and Kennel farm.
It is proposed that this route is adopted as part of the North Waltham Neighbourhood plan so that CIL and section 106 money can be used to develop it.
Created by Paul James // 0 threads
The tucan crossing is out of phase with the lights at Church Road meaning that traffic coming along the A316 into Kew Rd is not held at the tucan but is then stopped at Church Rd so that cyclists and pedestrians have to wait for traffic to enter Kew Rd.
Re-phase the lights so that the tucan crossing is red for the roadway at the same time that it is red for the lights at Church Rd, so that there is a single green phase along the cycleway across the end of Kew Rd.
Created by Mike Comerford // 1 thread
Those of us living in the area marked have no safe access to the cycle network in order to cycle in and out of Dumfries. There are many keen cyclists in this area (as evidenced by the Toirthorwald Cycle Sportive for example).
I live with my family in a cluster of houses close to the A75 (Mouswald Banks) end of Linns Road. There are a number of cyclists at this location and we wish to cycle to Dumfries for work and for social / leisure reasons.
Our Options are:
- the A75 - definitely not safe
- to Torthorwald then along the A709 - narrow, full of heavy trucks, no pavement and very unsafe
- through Torthorwald, across the A709, onwards to Tinwald and then onto the A701 towards Dumfries until able to join the Caledonian Cycleway at Locharbriiggs. This stretch of the A701 is narrow and full of heavy trucks. Where there is a pavement it is too narrow to cycle along it. This is also a long way round to get to Dumfries.
The best solution would be to create a cycle path from Torthorwald along the A709 and through Heathhall woods to connect with the cycle network. This would serve Torthowald, Collin and surrounding hamlets. There is land along the side of the A709 to allow space to make a cycle path.
The shortest in terms of building new infrastructure, would be to make a cycle path along the A701 from the Tinwald road end to Locharbriggs. However space at the roadside along the A701 is very limited, and the route is a long way round for the communities from Torthorwald and Collin.
Building a cycle path along the A75 is an unlikely and unattractive proposition and would cause disruption along a major Trunk road.
Active travel is a priority for the Scottish Government to increase physical activity and reduce traffic emissions. Funding is available through Sustrans.
'Sustrans Scotland's Community Links programme provides funding for the creation of infrastructure that makes it easier for people to walk and cycle for everyday journeys. The programme is funded by Transport Scotland and has funded hundreds of projects across Scotland since 2010.
Through the Scottish Government's Programme for Government 2017-18, the active travel budget has been doubled to £80 million per year, from 2018-19. Community Links will help deliver a key action from this by supporting projects that make our towns and cities friendlier and safer places for people to walk and cycle.'
Created by velocipedus@gmail.com // 3 threads
Travis Perkins Development has major impact on Chisholm Trail.
We have a letter from the developer outlining their position - let's see if I can attach this...
There is a lengthy discussion of the Chisholm Trail, the gist of which is that they don't see why they should make any further accommodation for it when it is mainly Network Rail's land that is earmarked for the route. They dangle a small carrot in that they might release the corner piece of land to mitigate the pinch point you identified - but only if this application is given the go-ahead.
Created by Shaun McDonald // 0 threads
Further to http://www.cyclescape.org/issues/928-paper-mill-lane-alterations-planning-application I think it would be useful to campaign for a cycle and walking link from the site through to the retail park with major supermarket and other amenities, and also other links to that western part of Ipswich.
In my quick skim through the planning application I've not seen any consideration to this route.
Created by Charles Martin // 1 thread
Created by David Earl // 1 thread
"14/0447/FUL | Change of use from motor bike show room to supermarket with cafe [without cooking facilities] and installation of air compressor unit. | 192 Green End Road Cambridge Cambridgeshire CB4 1RN"