East West Rail and Little Shelford

East West Rail - Little Shelford Parish Council's view

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Little Shelford Parish Council’s Response to the East West Rail Non Statutory Consultation following an Open Meeting and Questionnaire Response. At the Parish Council we remain opposed to the EWR decision to take a southern approach to Cambridge. We continue to support the work of Cambridge Approaches and others in trying to reverse this decision through detailed analysis and challenge. It is important that we respond in detail about the potential impact of EWR’s plans on Little Shelford. We held a drop-in session on the afternoon of December 8th in the Memorial Hall to hear villager’s views. As you will know, EWR would close the Hauxton Road level crossing and their consultation specifically asks for opinions about whether we would support the provision of a pedestrian bridge, as well as the planned new road crossing the railway to join Newton Road. During the consultation period it became clear that such a bridge might be used less than envisaged, because of its long ramps. The Parish Council decided to get the views of those most directly affected by the level crossing closure, on Hauxton Road between Newton Road and the M11, and Moor Close. Questionnaires were delivered to more than 65 households and we received 28 completed responses. In the vast majority of cases the respondent said they would make regular use of a pedestrian bridge. Consequently, the PC continue to support the provision of a pedestrian bridge, but with reservations. This is what the PC said about the pedestrian bridge in its consultation response (Q19b):

"Little Shelford Parish Council (LSPC) is not convinced that it is necessary to close the Hauxton Road level crossing. Our experience is that, with the current 12 movements an hour, each causing the barriers to be lowered for 30 seconds, there are no traffic delays. This would not change significantly with the addition of 8 further trains an hour. If there are reasons why the current crossing type (half barrier) is not suitable, then EWR need to be clearer why that is the case.

Closing the level crossing will have the effect of splitting the Little Shelford community. We are pleased to see that a new road is planned, but this only provides connectivity. It will not compensate for the social isolation of those living on the west side of the railway.

A new pedestrian bridge would help to compensate for this social split. It would also provide access from either side of Hauxton Road to any active travel corridor heading towards Cambridge.

In order to gauge potential usage of a new pedestrian bridge, LSPC sent out a questionnaire to those households most likely to be affected by the closure of the level crossing (Moor Close and most of Hauxton Road). There was a good response, sufficient to provide some consensus:

· Residents don’t see that the increase in rail traffic necessitates closing the level crossing
· Almost 90% would use a new pedestrian bridge, but there is some strong opposition to having one
· Around half of pedestrian bridge users say they would use it to access Hauxton Road or Moor Close addresses on the other side of the railway – i.e. very close to them
· There is positive interest in new ‘active’ paths that provide connectivity toward Cambridge
LSPC is dismayed by the size, usability (due to the ramp length), visual impact and industrial style of the proposed pedestrian bridge.
· We urge EWR to look at further design options to enhance its usability. Highways design standard CD 353 does allow higher ramp gradients in special circumstances, which surely apply here. Adding steps could also increase its usage
· The height of the bridge is obviously fixed but the crossing point needs to be moved as far from Hauxton Road as possible to protect the privacy of nearby residents. For the same reason, the bridge should be screened on the southern side
· Pedestrian safety in the dark should be enhanced with the provision of movement activated lighting

LSPC strongly supports the provision of the pedestrian bridge because it helps to maintain the local community and potentially provides connectivity to a wider network but is not satisfied with its design. EWR need to continue engaging with the local community to develop further options before the statutory consultation.”

There will be other consequences within Little Shelford. The Parish Council responded to Q20 as follows:

"EWR have made encouraging noises about supporting active travel. The area around Little Shelford is poorly served for foot and cycle paths. If EWR are able to make a substantive improvement in off-road connectivity locally that would be positive factor for local residents. A desirable new route would be one that ran alongside the railway towards Cambridge, connecting with the permissive path at the Rectory farm level crossing, and reaching the ‘DNA’ path off Granhams Road. Connectivity via the pedestrian bridge at Hauxton Road would make it accessible from Hauxton or the Shelfords.

LSPC is pleased to see that EWR have recognised the need for a redesign of the junction between Hauxton Road and Newton Road, when the latter will be carrying considerably more traffic. This junction, and the nearby one between Church St and Hauxton Road/High Street are the sites of some historic village buildings. Further work is required on the impact of changing traffic flows before the statutory consultation.

The parish council has been monitoring traffic speeds for a number of years. Traffic coming into the village along Newton Road is consistently far too fast in the built-up area. LSPC request that EWR add a mini roundabout where the new road meets Newton Road. This would have the effect of slowing inbound traffic, essential for traffic management and road safety.

The plans for the reworking of London Road / Shelford Road junction caused by the new London Road bridge crossing the railway appear unduly complex.

The planned construction compound on Newton Road to the east of the M11 will be a significant blight for local homeowners. EWR should consider making use of land on the other side of the M11, where there are no residents. LSPC would like this area to be returned as amenity land when construction is complete.” Posted Feb 8 2025