By Hannah Brown

Copyright cambridge-news

Not enough has been done to consider an alternative to the proposed off-road busway near Coton, campaigners have argued. Representatives of the Coton Busway Action Group (CBAG) made their case at the public inquiry being held to consider the project to build the Cambourne to Cambridge (C2C) Busway.

Dr Marilyn Treacy, from CBAG, argued an alternative on-road route had not been properly considered. However, the legal representative for Cambridgeshire County Council claimed alternatives had been looked at, and accused the action group of wanting them to consider a “below standard” design.

The project to build the C2C Busway was put together by the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP). The scheme proposes to build a dedicated guided busway, with a pathway alongside it for pedestrians and cyclists to use, with a travel hub also proposed at Scotland Farm in Dry Drayton.

The busway route is proposed to be built from Cambourne to Cambridge, via the new Bourn Airfield development, Hardwick, Coton, and the West Cambridge site. The county council submitted an application for a Transport and Works Act Order (TWAO) to the Department for Transport, to ask for permission to build the new busway.

While the project is being led by the GCP, the organisation is not able to submit the TWAO application itself, which is why the county council as the highways authority has made the formal application. A public inquiry is currently underway where two planning inspectors are hearing evidence from those in support and in opposition to the plans.

‘Alternative route would cause minimal environmental damage and save millions’

The project has proved controversial, with around 300 objections being submitted to the inquiry. Many of those in objection have opposed the plans to build the busway through Coton Orchard, and have argued that an alternative on-road route along Madingley Road could be pursued instead.

Dr Treacy told the inquiry that CBAG “fully supported the initiative to provide better transport links” between Cambourne and Cambridge. However, she said the group “strongly advocates” for an alternative route to be adopted.

In particular she said they supported the proposal put forward by Cambridge Past Present and Future (CPPF) that included an on-road section along Madingley Road, rather than an off-road busway being built through Coton Orchard.

Dr Treacy claimed this option would have “minimal environmental damage, save £10millions”, and would provide “more direct journeys” to other key destinations in the city.

Dr Treacy accused the GCP of ‘failing to engage’ with arguments put forward in support of alternative routes over the years. She said: “It is extraordinary that their proposal has reached this stage without a fair, transparent appraisal of a very credible, far cheaper, and less environmentally damaging alternative.”

However, the legal representative of the county council said an alternative on-road option had been looked at and assessed, directing the inquiry to documents that had been submitted as evidence to show this. Dr Treacy claimed this assessment had not considered whether narrower bus lanes could have been used.

The legal representative said the on-road scheme assessed was designed to the required standards, and accused the campaign group of wanting a “below standard” design to be considered for the on-road route. Dr Treacy disputed the phrase “below standard” and claimed there were other bus lanes that had been created in Cambridge that were narrower.

The legal representative also told the inquiry that previous suggestions put forward by CPPF had been considered, and highlighted that proposals put forward in previous years were “strikingly” different to the alternative scheme currently being proposed. He accused CBAG of criticising the GCP for not considering a scheme at a time when it had not yet been put forward.

Dr Treacy responded arguing that she believed more should have been done at an earlier stage to consider on-road alternatives. The busway inquiry continues and is not expected to finish until November.

To get more breaking news and top stories delivered directly to your phone, join our new WhatsApp community. Click this link to receive your daily dose of CambridgeshireLive content.

We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice .