Following a lively debate, councillors in Cambridgeshire have decided to proceed with plans to construct a new busway south of Cambridge, despite rising concerns that the initiative could “wreck the countryside.” The proposal is part of the Cambridge South East Transport Scheme (CSET), which aims to enhance public transport connectivity in the area.
At a county council meeting on 22 October, members discussed the need for a dedicated busway, which would provide a primarily off-road route from a new travel hub off the A11 to the Cambridge Biomedical Campus. This plan, put forward by the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP), is for a new dedicated and mainly off-road busway, which includes segregated walking and cycling routes designed to encourage sustainable travel options.
Funding challenges and government support
Last year, the GCP paused the CSET project due to rising construction costs, which left them short of funds for its various initiatives. However, earlier this year, the government pledged £7.2 million to help restart progress on the transport project.
During the council meeting, public opinion was divided, with several residents voicing strong opposition to the busway. Miranda Harper argued that the construction would “carve a 14 metre-wide swathe through the green belt at a cost of more than £160 million of public funds.” She called on the council to reconsider an earlier proposal that would utilize existing roadways, which she claimed would not “wreck the countryside.”
Richard Stephen Partridge-Hicks echoed these concerns, stating that the CSET project should focus on improving connectivity between Haverhill and Linton and suggested that the busway would hinder efforts to reopen the railway line, making it “much more difficult.” A petition opposing the CSET busway, which garnered 6,609 signatures, was also presented to the council.
James Littlewood, the chief executive of the charity Cambridge Past, Present and Future, proposed an alternative route that would create new sections of bus lanes along the A1307, from Babraham to Hinton Way. This alternative plan, he argued, would still provide “fast and reliable” bus services while having a smaller impact on the surrounding countryside. He urged councillors to “listen to public opinion and protect the countryside.”
Support for the busway initiative
In contrast, many stakeholders voiced support for the CSET initiative. Dr Mike Moore, chair of the Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said there was a need for reliable public transport for the more than one million patients who visit the biomedical campus annually. “CUH has 13,000 staff and sees over one million patients every year, many of whom rely on public transport to get to our hospitals,” he stated, stressing the importance of improved public transport for access to affordable housing.
Dan Thorp from Cambridge Ahead also noted that segregated public transport options are more reliable for passengers and offer greater viability for operators. Meanwhile, Councillor Elisa Meschini (Labour), the county council’s deputy leader, highlighted that the new busway is essential to support the construction of new hospitals at the biomedical campus. “This is about getting people from place A to place B,” she stated, adding that the lack of mass transport options jeopardizes access for essential workers.
Councillor Steve Count (Conservative) proposed an amendment to review alternative on-road options for the busway, arguing that this alternative had not been adequately assessed. “There’s time to conduct this review,” he insisted, while Councillor Mark Goldsack (Conservative) echoed concerns about the potential financial feasibility of the project, expressing scepticism that the government would provide the necessary funding.
However, Councillor Meschini countered that the alternative options had already been thoroughly reviewed and proven ineffective. “There is no point saying this is cheaper if it gives you nothing,” she remarked. Councillor Neil Gough (Liberal Democrat) said GCP had undertaken a “thorough process” to look at all the issues and tested the options for the project. He said the biomedical campus was “thriving” and that there was a “blindingly obvious need for a public transport scheme to access it”.
Determination to move forward
As discussions progressed, it became clear that some council members were determined to move forward with the busway despite opposition. Councillor Lucy Nethsingha (Liberal Democrat), leader of the county council, acknowledged that while some residents remain unconvinced, the proposal had undergone rigorous scrutiny and is deemed “critically needed.”
Councillor Bill Hunt (Conservative) dismissed the project as an “expensive folly,” citing overwhelming public opposition to the destruction of the countryside. He echoed the concerns raised by others regarding the practicality of persuading residents to switch from their cars to public transport.
Despite the objections, the proposal was put to a vote, resulting in 33 councillors supporting the plans while 15 voted against them. Cllr Meschini reminded those present of the messages from hospital representatives who stressed the urgent need for improved public transport, stating, “We need this now; we cannot afford for any more processes to be started.”
The project has ignited a broader conversation about the region’s transport needs. Councillor Heather Williams recently pointed out that funds allocated for the busway might be better spent on reopening the Haverhill train line, which she believes could relieve pressure on the city’s rapid growth. However, GCP interim director Peter Blake highlighted that the estimated cost of reopening the rail line would be between £600-700 million, making the busway a more feasible option in the current financial landscape.
Future-proofing for transport needs
As the GCP moves forward with the busway plans, there is hope that the infrastructure can be adapted in the future to accommodate light rail or other forms of mass transit. Councillor Katie Thornburrow recently spoke about the importance of “future-proofing” the busway for potential changes in transport needs, ensuring it can be converted for light rail if necessary.
With full funding now secured, the CSET busway project is set to advance, marking a significant step forward for public transport in Cambridgeshire. This development promises to enhance connectivity to essential services, reduce congestion, and support the needs of the fastest-growing region in the country. While the concerns about environmental impact are acknowledged, the council’s commitment to balancing infrastructure growth with sustainable practices will be vital. As the project progresses, it represents an exciting opportunity to create a more efficient and reliable transport network, paving the way for a more integrated and accessible future for those living and working in the greater Cambridge area.
This article is adapted from a report by the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
