East West Rail Environmental Surveys in Haslingfield
EWR aims to build a railway from Cambourne to Cambridge in the 2020s. Information on the status of this section of the route can be found on their website here. They have selected a search area for the route that includes all of Haslingfield and the area to the north. In terms of possible impact on village life, this is probably the biggest planning issue we have faced in decades.
The last six EWR consultation meetings including one on 31st March in Barrington Village Hall were postponed indefinitely due to the Coronavirus lockdown. Consequently many people outside the search area may be better informed than we are here in Haslingfield.
I was approached by EWR’s agents Ardent, who are offering to pay residents a few hundred pounds to do environmental surveys of their gardens. They are looking for protected species especially bats, great crested newts and any ponds, rivers or streams. I am aware of 5 home owners that have been approached – all on the edge of the village next to Chapel Hill. I spoke to Ardent to get more background. Their Philip Alliston told me that the surveys would be conducted by a well-known EWR contractor called Arup. I persistently asked what route option they were investigating having chosen these specific properties. He refused to move from the line that they were just gathering information and pushed to get the licence signed. He also would not be specific about where these surveys had been requested.
Beyond environmental surveys they would do a different kind of survey to check the nature of the ground. This would involve digging test bore holes and, unlike the environmental surveys, these surveys would be enforced in case the homeowner refuses the offer of a survey license (This happened during the A428 improvement work).
Mr Alliston also said that they would try to avoid built up areas because of the expense and the effect on the reputation of EW Rail.
The parish council are aware of the issue and have held a conference call with EWR. It would be good if the substance of that call were reported to the village together with any next steps. As a village we should at least be considering noise pollution, the effect on access to the village, e.g. of level crossings and the impact on property values.
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From a previous discussion there may also be a route using the existing Foxton spur and then coming through the hill with a cutting or cut and shut tunnel. This would most likely appear between Haslingfield and Harlton and then following the east and north boundary of Harlton. Currently just outside the fuzzy boundary shown on maps it may be a signficantly cheaper option for EWR and seen to have less impact on Haslingfield properties and the environment.
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NEVILLE JAMES COLE
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Interesting reading. Any thouhts on eventual connections further west, like Bedford.
Taken with the SCDC proposed commitments to “greener and cleaner”, I’ve put
forward thoughts regarding the rail spur from Foxton to the development on the site
of the former Barrington cement works. A means to reduce local road commuter traffic. Also the use of “clean and green” shuttle buses serving surrounding villages
connecting with the rail/tramway station at the development. The rail link to the stations at Addenbrooke’s and science park included, at Foxton to join southbound
services.
From my experiences in France, such services have been implemented, and proving
welcome. Gaillac, where I live, uses a “green” shuttle bus on local services. The first in France.
Costs important to carry out any substantial modifications, and no doubt the exit from EU eliminates help from that direction.
In conclusion I recall from my life in Haslingfield the presence a good variety of flora
and fauna, most indigenous, and others such as muntjacs more recent arrivals.
The future looks interesting.
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william
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@Tom Thanks for the encouragement! See my next post about solving the problem of where the environmental surveys are being requested to shed light on what route option EWR might be evaluating.
@Jay interesting to know that we do have Great Crested Newts in the village. I have certainly seen bats in our garden in Haslingfield.
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jay cole
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i live near the centre of Haslingfield and have had great crested newts, and common newts in my pond and canal for 30 odd years. Happy for the garden to be surveyed and protected.
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Tom Lindley
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Hi William – I live (30yrs) in Harlton (Haslingfield side) with friends and contacts in Haslingfield – I would congratulate you on a very excellent article you have written and reflects my findings as what you write about affects Harlton. I have written and spoken with EWR myself and they have not engaged me as your contact has! Talking to local people there is sadly a lack of awareness – this is very concerning as this project is MASSIVE in its environmental impact. I am very encouraged by your well written report. Best regards – Tom Lindley.
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