News CambridgePPF helps stop inadequate CB1 development in its tracks Plans for the CB1 development near Cambridge s train station are heading back to the drawing board after Cambridge Past, Present & Future raised concerns about the quality of the proposed scheme. Rather than letting sub-standard blueprints get approved, CambridgePPF added its voice to the local debate in early June calling for inadequate plans to be rejected and a comprehensive redesign to take place. A few days before the City Council s final meeting on the topic, CambridgePPF issued a press release to local media. This highlighted concerns within the council s own planning team and questioned the disappearance of quality design that would befit a world-class city. An open letter was also sent to councillors on the eve of the decision urging them to vote carefully.
As a result, an article appeared in the Cambridge News and the charity s chair Robin Pellew was interviewed on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. The next day, Phase One of the scheme was not approved by the voting councillors.
Cambridge was being asked to accept a group of bog-standard office and residential blocks that did not meet the design challenge.
CambridgePPF has a strong voice and can influence local planning decisions. Hopefully, we will now get a development that preserves and enhances the character of the area. We will watch with interest as new plans take shape for this important gateway into the city. Spillers Mill (also known as Foster Mill) at the heart of CB1
Commenting Robin Pellew said: This would have been a major disappointment for a strategic location that warrants architecture of the highest quality. We are delighted planners and local decision makers stood up to developers. Our campaign proves that
Ripening up ready for Orchard Day CambridgePPF are holding a celebration of Autumn fruits on Saturday 2 October from 10:00am to 4:00pm. The third popular fun and educational day is held in the tranquil surroundings of Wandlebury: Lots of demonstrations and produce identification activities. There will be a community apple press for people to see in use and a human fruit machine! If you have any other ideas for interesting stalls or activities, please do let us know by the end of August.
Volunteers to help with the human fruit machine, making refreshments and manning the welcome stall etc. would be very
welcome. Please contact Carolin Gรถhler: ceo@cambridgeppf.org See Page 8 for more details
summer/autumn 2010 CAMBRIDGE PAST, PRESENT & FUTURE | 3