Policy I/SI: Safeguarding important infrastructure

10.45.  Greater Cambridge has an expansive infrastructure network that helps support many important functions both nationally and locally. It is important that infrastructure is protected from development proposals that would adversely affect their operation.

10.46. The Secretary of State for Transport has issued Safeguarding Directions for the A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet highway improvement scheme (8 September 2022) and East West Rail (first given on 14 November 2024 and most recently updated on 30 June 2026), to protect the land needed for delivering the transport projects. The Local Planning Authority is required to consult National Highways and/or East West Railway Company on any proposals for development within the safeguarded areas, shown on the Policies Map, to ensure that any potential conflicts between proposed developments and the transport projects are identified and addressed early on.

10.47.  The East West Rail route will not be determined through the development plan process but will instead be subject to an application for development consent under the Planning Act 2008, which will provide an opportunity for interested parties to submit representations on the proposals themselves. The A428 Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvement scheme was granted development consent by the Secretary of State for Transport on 18 August 2022 and is under construction at the time of this Local Plan being prepared.

10.48.  The Greater Cambridge Partnership has submitted applications through the Transport and Works Act Order process to obtain authorisation for the construction and operation of new public transport schemes on two corridors into Cambridge: Cambourne to Cambridge; and Cambridge South East Transport (Phase 2). The Waterbeach to Cambridge scheme is at an advanced stage of preparation and is expected to be submitted prior to submission of this Local Plan for examination. To prevent development that may prejudice these schemes coming forward, land subject to these applications is safeguarded in this Local Plan. The safeguarding, as reflected in the Policies Map, reflects the applications as submitted at the point of submission. Future decisions would have to take account of any updates to these areas agreed through the Transport and Works Act Order process.

10.49.  Other Mass Rapid Transit routes and schemes are being identified and appraised as part of an outline strategic business case prepared by the Cambridge Growth Company and Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority. Such routes may be subject to future safeguarding.

10.50.  Improving active travel links is a key priority for this Local Plan and there has been a longstanding commitment through recent transport plans and strategies of Cambridgeshire County Council and the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority to the creation of a safe, off-road north-south walking and cycling trail in Cambridge – the Chisholm Trail. Phase 1 of the scheme from Cambridge North Station to Coldham’s Lane has now been implemented. As the Greater Cambridge Partnership continues to develop detailed plans for the next phases of the scheme, this Local Plan safeguards the indicative alignment to prevent development that would prejudice the ongoing use of the Chisholm Trail and its continued development and help to secure its delivery where intersecting or adjoining developments may be able to support this.

10.51.  Rail has an important role in the movement of freight. There are a number of railway sidings within Greater Cambridge, which either are used, or have the potential to be used in the future, which have been safeguarded in successive local plans. It is understood that the sidings at Fulbourn and Whittlesford are no longer connected to the rail network, so are not proposed to be carried forward into this Plan.

10.52.  Although the Local Plan anticipates the Cambridge Airport site being redeveloped, whilst it remains operational, planning decisions must take full account of safety requirements.

10.53.  Public safety zones are identified where development is restricted whilst the airport is operational in order to minimise the number of people at risk of death or injury in the event of an aircraft crash on take-off or landing. The Airport Safeguarding zone is in place to ensure the safety of aircraft, their passengers and crew while taking off or landing or while flying in the vicinity of Cambridge Airport. This is achieved by assessing proposed development so as to:

• Protect the air through which aircraft fly;
• Protect the integrity of radar and other electronic aids to air navigation;
• Protect visual aids, such as approach and runway lighting, by preventing them from being obscured, or preventing the installation of other lights; and
• Avoid any increase in the risk to aircraft of a bird strike.

10.54.  Applications for development within Cambridge Airport’s Air Safeguarding Zone (shown on the Policies Map) will be the subject of consultation with the operator of the airport and the Ministry of Defence. Restrictions in height, or changes to the detailed design of development may be necessary to mitigate the risk of aircraft accident and maintain the operational integrity of the airport.

10.55.  Similar Aerodrome Safeguarding Zones apply to the Imperial War Museum Duxford (shown on the Policies Map) and Stansted Airport (as illustrated on the London Stansted Airport Aerodrome Safeguarding Map). Applications for development within these Safeguarding Zones will be the subject of consultation with the relevant aerodrome operators, where the relevant criteria are met.

10.56.  The internationally important Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory at Lord’s Bridge contains unique radio and optical telescopes which are highly susceptible to many forms of interference, specifically electrical interference, light pollution and mechanical vibration. Arrangements are made to consult the University of Cambridge about the technical consequences for the observatory of proposed development. Harm caused to the Observatory will be overcome with use of conditions or planning obligations to regulate the installation and use of equipment likely to interfere with the operation of the observatory.

10.57.  Bassingbourn Barracks and Barton Road Rifle Range have been identified as sites that play a role in supporting national defence activities. National planning policy sets out that planning policies should recognise and support development required for operational defence and security purposes. As per national planning policy, these operational defence sites will be protected from adverse impacts that may arise from other developments.

10.58.  The East 2 WAM Network contributes to aviation safety by feeding into the air traffic management system in the Eastern areas of England. There is the potential for development to impact on the operation and/or capability of this technical asset which consists of nodes and connecting pathways. Development proposals within East 2 WAM Network safeguarding areas (shown on the Policies Map), will be the subject of consultation with the MOD where development triggers the consultation requirement of the safeguarding area. Harm caused to the East 2 WAM Network will be overcome with use of conditions or planning obligations.

10.59.  This policy should be read in conjunction with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Minerals and Waste Local Plan 2021 (or successor document), which includes various safeguarding policies pertaining to existing and future infrastructure.

For further guidance on how to submit comments, please see the Representation Guidance Note.

All comments must be received by 25 September 2026 at 5pm.