Whether it will make any difference to protecting the historic front of the cinema remains to be seen – past experience with planning inspectors tells us to expect disappointment
“Can we object to it?”
See the guidance on commenting on planning applications by the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service here if you are unfamiliar with how to post a comment – supportive, objecting, or neutral.
Then go to https://applications.greatercambridgeplanning.org/online-applications/ and type in Ref 24/01588/FUL into the search box. See also Cambridge Past, Present, and Future here on some of the things you can raise and the form of words to use. If there’s anything you’d like to add, feel free to do so. Alternatively you can email your city councillor via https://www.writetothem.com/
I’m not going to add much more to what I’ve already said in previous blogposts such as the second half of this one. They want to replace the front with ugly stuff and the planning professionals have come up with an awful scheme.
Above – ugly stuff submitted to the Greater Cambridge Planning Service (this is my subjective opinion!
Historic England object
They didn’t mince their words.
20th Century Boys also object
The 20th Century Society, which like Cambridge Past Present and Future has specialists who respond to planning application consultations, has also objected.
The Cinema Theatre Association also objected – and they were damning of the work by Donald Insalls.
In particular, this:
“[The] Façade Condition Report by Donald Insalls” This is not an objective survey, and aims to paint the façade in the worst possible light.””
The CTA published some recent historical findings – which I’ll re-post on LostCambridge. They have also posted about the cinema on their FB page here.
Finally, Cambridge City Council’s conservation officer has also objected.
The extension request agreed to has been set at 06 Sept 2024, and there’s a planning committee meeting scheduled for Thurs 19th Sept 2024 which means councillors could determine the application at that meeting if officers present it. It remains to be seen if officers recommend approval (and if so with what conditions), or refusal – and if so on what groups. Note that the institutions objecting have stated which pieces of the Cambridge Local Plan 2018, and national planning policy the planning committee need to consider.
Cambridge University colleges disappoint again – failing to stand up for our town’s build environment heritage
I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, but I think the college below should be called out on it.
Why did they choose not to make any representation about the significance of town heritage? Or are they reflecting their ancient institution’s old prejudices against the people of our city? Some of you may have spotted the completely unrelated book based on a site just down the road from Hobson Street – the much-hated Spinning House that is the subject of Caroline Biggs’ excellent study. You can hear her speak about her work at the Museum of Cambridge on 11 Sept 2024 – tickets here.
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The Cambridge Town Owl 