CambridgePPF Begins Challenge to Controversial Bus Road Plans

Photo showing some of the countryside that would be crossed by the busway credit Anna Gazeley 

A coalition of Cambridge villages, farmers, charities and conservationists is initiating proceedings to halt the Greater Cambridge Partnership’s (GCP) proposed Cambourne to Cambridge (CtoC) bus road. The contentious plan includes constructing 2.5 miles of road across the countryside, including through Coton Orchard (pictured above) and Madingley Hill, areas renowned for their environmental significance, heritage and agricultural value. 

On 12 November 2024, the GCP submitted a Transport Works Act Order (TWAO) application to the Department for Transport, seeking approval for their £200 million project. While much of the route from Cambourne to Cambridge follows existing roads, the proposed section through the countryside has sparked significant opposition due to its impact on wildlife habitats and farmland. 

Alternative route proposed 

The legal challenge is spearheaded by Cambridge Past, Present & Future (CPPF), a local charity dedicated to preserving the region's heritage and environment. The coalition argues that enhancing bus services alongside existing roads, such as providing a bus lane on Madingley Hill, would achieve the project's objectives without causing environmental degradation or disrupting agricultural activities. 

Local farmers are deeply concerned about the proposed bus road, which threatens to bisect their agricultural land classified as "best and most versatile". The Sadler family, whose farm lies directly in its path: "The proposed busway would cut our farm in half, making it nearly impossible to continue our operations. This land is not just our livelihood; it's our heritage." 

Voices of Opposition 

Clive Anderson, President of the Woodland Trust, stated: "The proposed new busway from Cambourne to Cambridge might, in the fulness of time, make a small contribution to combatting the global climate crisis, but it would be a great shame if this could only be achieved at the cost of making worse the biodiversity crisis which threatens the natural world as well. It is not in our long- or short-term interests to remove the mature trees of Coton Orchard, and the irreplaceable habitats which exist in and around them, which once lost, are lost forever." His sentiments are echoed by fellow Cambridge alumnae, Emma Thompson and Miriam Margolyes, who have also lent their voices to the campaign. 

Lord Whitty, former Parliamentary Under-Secretary for Environment, commented: "I do not dissent from the objective of providing public transport links between the new and expanding villages and the centre of Cambridge, but am appalled by the destruction of such a high-value biodiversity site when there is a cheaper and dramatically less nature-damaging route that could more easily be built more rapidly as well as more cheaply." 

James Littlewood, CEO of CPPF, emphasised the importance of the fight ahead: "It is possible to improve bus services from Cambourne to Cambridge without building a road through four wildlife sites and our charity’s land. Over 22,200 people signed a petition asking local politicians to build bus lanes, not bus roads, to avoid unnecessary environmental damage. However, they have pushed ahead with their plans, and we are submitting our objection to government, which will trigger a public inquiry. We will be faced with a huge legal bill to save nature and the countryside, and we are appealing for donations to help." 

Fundraising Underway 

The coalition is asking for donations to fund their legal case and professional representation at the upcoming public inquiry. Contributions can be made via the CPPF website at  www.cambridgeppf.org/cambourne-cambridge-busway 

Objections submitted to Government 

The coalition trying to save the green corridor and Coton Orchard includes Cambridge Past, Present & Future, Coton Parish Council, Coton Busway Action Group, Coton Orchard, Coton Loves Pollinators and the Sadler family. Objections have also been submitted by the Wildlife Trust for Beds, Northants and Cambs, other community groups and individuals. The deadline for objections is 8 January. 

More information about the campaign to save the green corridor can be found at: 

https://www.cambridgeppf.org/cambourne-cambridge-busway 

https://www.cotonbuswayaction.com/