Author Archives: Cambridge Town Owl

When I say *clash* I mean minor disagreement in a session where councillors get to scrutinise the decisions taken by executive councillors. So what happened was actually completely normal and councillors doing their jobs. That said… What the exchanges between Cllr Bridget Smith (LibDems – Gamlingay and Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council) and herContinue reading “Tories and LibDems *clash* over light rail in South Cambridgeshire Hall”

Cambridgeshire MPs debate transport infrastructure and the future growth plans for Cambridge and County This follows on from Part 1 here. TL/DR? Have a listen to what each MP said: The Minister for Housing’s response You can listen to what Matthew Pennycook MP said here At the start of his closing speech, Mr Zeichner alsoContinue reading “Cambridgeshire MPs debate the OxCamArc in Parliament – Part 2”

The four Cambridge representing constituencies in and around Cambridge spoke in Parliament earlier in a debate convened by Daniel Zeichner TL/DR? Have a listen to what each MP said: The Minister for Housing’s response You can listen to what Matthew Pennycook MP said here At the start of his closing speech, Mr Zeichner also suggestedContinue reading “Cambridgeshire MPs debate the OxCamArc in Parliament – Part 1”

I hope someone writes an extended academic thesis on this – as well as someone who is not me writing a shorter, more digestible version of how employment and housing growth has not been matched by infrastructure investment, and how (and why) provision for accommodation for people and businesses has not matched demand. Note onContinue reading “Why did Cambridge get it so badly wrong with transport infrastructure planning?”

Cambridge civic voice member and heritage/conservation charity submits response to Cambridge City Council opposing the monstrosity of a proposal at Hills Road / Station Road Corner As Cambridge PPF states: “Cambridge PPF monitors and reviews planning policies and planning applications. We respond when we are concerned about their impact on the environment, heritage, landscape andContinue reading “Cambridge Past, Present & Future oppose Kett House Karbuncle”

In what is probably their biggest public engagement programme in their histories, Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council have pulled out all the stops to get the public’s response to the emerging Greater Cambridge Local Plan TL/DR? Read the summary of the draft local plan here. You normally see me moaning about organisationsContinue reading “Over 50 events scheduled for Future of Cambridge consultation”

I’m lost for words at the bland acquiescence of Historic England’s response to the rage-generating carbuncle at the southern gateway into Cambridge. This response must be challenged “Again” because they should have insisted Brookgate rebuild the Fosters Mill Silo at Cambridge Station ***down to the last moss-covered roof tile***. TL/DR? Whatever your views of thisContinue reading “Historic England failing Cambridge. Again.”

Which probably means July if they want to get it done before Parliament’s summer recess, or September for when Parliament returns. It’s in papers for South Cambridgeshire District Council for their full council meeting on 04 December 2025 – see item 12. Ideally this should also have been a paper for Cambridge City Councillors inContinue reading “Cambridge Growth Company’s Mass Transit Commission to report back in June 2026”

Image on Combined Authority pamphlet conflicts with emerging findings in the field of neuroarchitecture, including from one of Cambridge University’s own pioneering researchers You can read more in the CPCA’s leaflet here “Modern architects and their commissioning firms uglifying Cambridge again?” Yep. For those of you who want to campaign on this, join Cambridge Past,Continue reading “Pilbrow and Partners design ugly carbuncles for Parker’s Piece Corner”

The minutes from the lates growth company meeting make for depressing reading for light rail supporters “CGC has accepted a commission from MHCLG, HMT and DfT to lead on a strategic outline business case for a Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) to inform transport solutions in support of the growth of Cambridge.” Above – from theContinue reading “The Cambridge Growth Company risks making the same mistake as the GCP on light rail”