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 (Cycling Campaign Officer) // 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 Marcus Howarth // 1 thread
see https://consultations.tfl.gov.uk/trams/sutton-link/?cid=sutton-link
Here's the overview from TFL:
Overview
We are consulting on proposals for a new, direct and quicker transport link between Sutton and Merton. We have called this the Sutton Link.
The Sutton Link would create a high-capacity route for people travelling between Sutton town centre and Merton using zero-emission vehicles. It would connect with other major transport services into central London and across south London, including National Rail, London Underground, existing tram and bus services. It would make journeys by public transport quicker and more attractive, and reduce the need for trips by private car.
Many of the neighbourhoods along the proposed routes have limited public transport options. The Sutton Link would support new homes being built and would improve access to jobs, services, major transport hubs and leisure opportunities across both boroughs and beyond.
Our work is at a stage where we would like to know your views about three potential routes. We are considering a tram or ‘bus rapid transit’ (BRT) for the Sutton Link and would also like to know your views on this.
BRT is similar to a tram but runs on road segregated from traffic where possible, not on rails, and carries fewer people in each vehicle. A full explanation is included below in the section titled ‘About trams and bus rapid transit’.
From LCC -
general principles would be ensure this doesn’t negatively impact cycle routes, that there are good routes to the stations/stops, that any places where cyclists will be crossing tracks are designed carefully with latest materials to avoid tramlining incidents, that the space comes from private car lanes.
Created by Rob Archer // 1 thread
This is one of the most difficult and dangerous sections of the local cycle network. A point where cycle traffic to 2 local schools, a college and a local park all meet.
Fast heavy traffic
Very poor sight-lines
Cars parking over dropped kerbs
Any suggestions as to how it can be improved?
Anon // 1 thread
The main HWRC depot which is out of bounds unless you turn up in a car offers a wide range of recycling opportunities. The pedestrian/cycle area directly of Hazel Court offers none of this other than the main recycling types that are available through household waste collections, and tin foil.
Its hardly acceptable to think that just because you're arriving by bike/foot you won't be able bring other items. All that happens is things either get wrongly sorted or left on the floor causing the area to become a state.
Need to check this planning application for access issues. It proposes to make a new car entrance through a high wall across a pavement at the end of Chesterton Road.
The cycleway cut-through here is very poor currently.
Created by Alex Jenkins // 1 thread
Tower Hamlets Council is committed to making the borough a safer place for all road users by delivering a range of street improvements in the area; intending to benefit pedestrians, cyclists, drivers and public transport users alike.
Influencing positive changes in road user behaviour is key in providing a safe road environment for the community and although changes in road layout can’t fully resolve this, redesign of our streets can help. Therefore, Chrisp Street and the surrounding areas are currently being invested in with aims to improve road safety for the local community.
Please give us your feedback by filling in the survey (below the map). You may also like to add a comment to our interactive map of the wider area.
Created by Robert Asher // 1 thread
Hello, I'm wondering how many other Cambridge cyclists have shared the experience I've had (about once per month now) regarding a particular elderly lady who insists that bikes are not allowed on the "footpath" adjacent to the Trumpington allotments, between Shelford Rd & the new busway in CB2. This path seems clearly demarcated as a shared pedestrian-cycle path on the cycle maps provided at the council link (below). However, it is not clearly labeled as such on the path itself, leading her to become quite angry with any cyclist who gets near her & her dog while they're out walking (and obstructing the path to underscore her point). "It's a footpath" she yells, and storms away.
So my questions are 1) am I correct in interpreting the council map (below) as permitting bikes on this path and 2) how might one go about requesting proper signage, clearly saying bikes & pedestrians are both welcome?
Thanks for any feedback, Robert
https://www.cambridge.gov.uk/sites/www.cambridge.gov.uk/files/documents/cambridge-cycling-map.pdf
Surfacing includes gravel and grit.
Cycle chicanes shown on diagrams.
Created by Jon_B // 1 thread
The cycle link from Bramley Hill to Haslemere Drive has opened up a route via Lacey Street, Haslemere Drive and Bramley Hill as a much quieter parallel route to Woodbridge Road for cycles.
However, to proceed to North East Ipswich from here means cycling (or indeed walking or driving) via Woodbridge Road at the point where it crosses the railway line. There are no other crossings for a considerable distance to the North or South.
The land fronting Woodbridge Road to the North is currently for sale for residential development.
If this land is developed I believe that this should include an additional cycle and pedestrian bridge over the railway to Belvedere Road to open up access to the residential areas NE of this (as well as Sidegate Lane Primary School) without having to use Woodbridge Road.
Created by Thomas Lancaster // 0 threads
Coming off the Scholars Greenway out of Farnham Park, cyclists currently have to detour along Park Row and the heavily trafficked Castle Street and The Borough to get to The Woolmead, East Street development and South Street to the Station. Bear Lane is wide enough to accept a contraflow to The Woolmead. The Woolmead is currently one way but designated for 2-way traffic as part of the East Street (Brightwells) development.
Created by Simon Munk // 1 thread
Havering council said:
"We wrote to you on 21st October setting out a series of safety proposals for Romford town
centre comprising of a 20mph zone for all streets within the Romford Ring Road (including
some traffic calming measures) and some changes to road markings on various
roundabouts on the Ring Road itself.
We sent out over 2,500 letters to people in the area, but only received 8 responses with 4
of these being from residents. This was reported to the Council’s Highways Advisory
Committee on 6th December where the decision on the scheme was deferred in order for
further discussions to take place with ward councillors.
As a result of these discussions, it has been decided to provide a further period of
consultation and any other comments received shall be reported to the Highways Advisory
Committee on 7th February 2017.
We would therefore like to extend the opportunity for you to provide any comments you
may have to the postal address above, via our email address highways@havering.gov.uk
or through an online form which we have provided at www.havering.gov.uk/consultations."
The busway cycleway is sometimes flooded in this section.
The County Council need to address this.
Created by Nicola Peck // 1 thread
This well-used trail is in desperate need of resurfacing. During spells of wet weather, it has large puddles at regular intervals and there is a particularly huge "mud bath" at the western end of Walton Dam just by the entrance to the woods. Currently (July 2014) the mud bath is reasonably, but not completely, dry but as recently as June it has been very muddy and was terrible over winter.
This is one of Chesterfield's major cycling routes and these conditions make it unreasonable to use it for transport journeys (ie. commuting and shopping) in normal clothes because the bike gets caked in mud and it splashes over your shoes and trousers, even with mudguards.
Alongside Walton Dam, I believe this path is supposed to be nominally 3 metres wide but vegetation has grown into the gravel surface making it significantly narrower (single file) in places.
The sloped tarmac section at the Walton Road end is suffering encroachment from overgrown vegetation and there is an unnecessary pinch-point part way down (a row of wooden posts) which could be opened up with perhaps only a single post if really necessary, or ideally none at all.
In Somersall Park, immediately to the south of the river bridge, there is a particularly rough patch of surface which, ironically, is the most recently resurfaced section of path. It's so incredibly rough that you have to be extra careful and slow if carrying delicate items like a laptop or fragile shopping (eg. soft fruit or eggs).
Anon // 1 thread
Our Healthy Streets: Dulwich
Recent projects and engagement with residents in the Dulwich area have shown a common theme that there is too much traffic in the area, and this is having an adverse effect on local life.
We want to work with residents to address these concerns about traffic volume and its impact on the community.
Phase 1 of 429 April to 7 June
In this first phase we want to hear from you about the issues in this area. We are completely open to your ideas, later phases will look in more detail at possible solutions.
Get involved
Created by Paul Bearpark // 1 thread
Objections to U&Cs outline planning application need to be submitted by 10 April. There seem to be some interesting ideas for improving cycling infrastructure but a lot that could be improved upon.
Created by Eric Booth // 1 thread
Friend of mine uses a wheelchair & hand cycle and is blocked this gate on his way home. Would be great if we could get it opened for him. [Jack Small]
Created by Shaun McDonald // 1 thread
Comment from Cycle Ipswich meeting 10-2014:
"Need dedicated cycle tracks for cycle traffic from new NW Ipswich development".
Kate Ravilious // 0 threads
Like Fossgate, High Petergate needs to be made two-way for cyclists. Otherwise cyclists travelling north are forced to either get off and walk (not an option for disabled cyclists) or join the busy St Leonard's place via a difficult junction.
Created by Andrew France // 1 thread
It has an uneven degraded surface in the cycle lanes from the Elizabeth Way roundabout until the bridge.
Created by Andrew Woodward // 0 threads
Despite the cycle lanes being mandatory along this stretch the road layout is such that vehicles frequently intrude into the cyclelane - as this bus did.
White paint does not work on this stretch and some other segregation method is needed -eg a kerb; vertical posts or similar.
Created by Andy Allan // 1 thread
There used to be around 6 covered sheffield stands outside Tulse Hill station, tucked away around the corner from the Station Rise. But they've disappeared recently.
Are they coming back? Are there going to be replacements?
Created by jpennycook // 1 thread
Area Estates are proposing to build a retail park on the former Smiths Industries site between Winchester Road and Harrow Way, in Basingstoke. This was formerly owned by Tesco, who failed to build a supermarket there.
No cycling access has been proposed, and the provision for cycle parking is inadequate - insufficient for customers, and none for staff.
Please submit feedback to the developer.
No planning application yet, but previous applications for the site are here: https://planning.basingstoke.gov.uk/online-applications/propertyDetails.do?activeTab=relatedCases&keyVal=H44MKACRLI568
Created by ambrosen // 1 thread
For additional commuter access to the Newton Park campus of Bath Spa uni, does anyone have any ideas about upgrading the footpath over the field from route 4, under the railway to the new path on the A4, linking up with the university.
I realise that for westbound commuters, this duplicates the route which took some effort to get made on the A4, and that it needs a new right of way to be made/purchased/recovered from the historic record, but it looks like a good link.
Created by Jon Warbrick // 1 thread
The County Council have a consultation running on "improvements along Cherry Hinton Road, Cambridge, to make it safer and more attractive for walking and cycling" between Hills road and Perne Road.
The consultation runs until Tuesday 18 June. There are two consultation events at Rock Road Library, 69 Rock Road, Cambridge on Tuesday 21 May and Tuesday 21 May.
Created by David K // 1 thread
At present this is a footpath but it could be widened onto the land owned by Network Rail in order to allow a shared use path.
Created by Simon Nuttall // 3 threads
Talk by local historian about cycling in Cambridge