Littleport Masterplan Public Consultation Feedback – Options Stage

Appendix 3i – Options stage consultation results Littleport Masterplan Public Consultation Feedback – Options Stage

Options Stage Consultation

The purpose of the options stage consultation was to gather views on the options presented, in particular on the future level of growth for the town.

Consultation activity included a public exhibition, a questionnaire, a community stakeholder workshop and meetings with key stakeholders.

Exhibition and Questionnaire

Respondent Profile

95 questionnaires were completed and returned, either at the exhibition or on-line via the East Cambridgeshire District Council website.

89% those completed the questionnaire were residents of Littleport, 2% resident of a local town/village/rural community within 5 miles of Littleport. 7% were from a local business.

4% of respondents are aged under 20 years, 6% aged 20-34 years, 24% aged 35-49 years, 36% aged 50-64 years and 31% aged 65+.

Attendance at exhibition

113 people attended the exhibition (1.4% of population). On Sunday (11am – 4pm) 41 people visited the exhibition, on Monday (10am – 7pm) 72 people attended.

Landscape and Public Realm Framework

92% of respondents agree that enhancing and embracing the town’s natural surroundings should be a fundamental principle of the Masterplan.

Comments:

 Obviously  Generally, natural surroundings govern the location of key facilities - however they should not impede development  We are fortunate to have so much green surrounding and this should be presented, enhanced at all costs  Depending where you live in Littleport do you get these views - sunrise over the river can be viewed as well  It’s a must - no more houses  Flooding may well be a future issue  Important not to develop in flood plain. Important to create good green spaces both for enabling physical activity and for improving general health and well being  I think the marina should be opened up and enlarged  Maybe a public slipway would encourage people to use the river than go to Ely.

81% agree that Littleport’s landscape edge is important.

Comments

 Need Bridleways  Not much variety in landscape - more trees on edge of Littleport  Providing the proposals have no impact for existing residents, and changes are "considered" not "imposed"  Littleport's strongest features are the river, the fens and the railway. It can't compete with, for example, Ely, because it doesn't have characterful building. Focussing on its green setting will make the most of its best features.  Littleport suffers from being less picturesque than surrounding towns/villages  Yes important for transition from urban development to rural  Depends how...  For adequate development of Littleport, people need to think beyond just providing greenery Walks are not apparent. Green fingers offer tracks along busy roads, eg Grange Lane, where traffic is busy coming off bypass and at school times in and out  Industrial area should be screened for both sides  Keep footpaths open  We must keep a green lung around Littleport and a green belt separating us from Ely

Other areas where more green open space should be provided are -

Around already existing town centre homes Within the village, especially on new estates e.g. land between crescent and Padnal Within the town centre Within the Highfields estate Between Littleport and Chettisham

Comments:

 Around already existing town centre homes  Along both sides of the riverbank or else increase risk of ribbon development  Proposals on plans and finger connections look good.  On the land at the moors  Importance in connectivity to green space  Looks good  This seems a sensible approach, but don't get carried away on unrealistic schemes which will never happen, e.g. water taxi/hotel!  Within the village especially on new estates but land between crescent and Padnal for example might be developed as green areas of parkland etc. Land is rough at this time  In the centre, with trees  Near river bank  More green open space in the centre of the village where possible  Keep river bank  There should be more green belt inside the town - there is only one such green patch in the main town.  House building in Highfields has to stop and more green space needs to be created there. If this is not done Littleport will have become an urban carbunkle in 50/60 years  Should be provision within each area being developed but needs to be realistic size. The one in Ashley Gardens is so small it just provides a nuisance to surrounding houses.  Within new housing development - often small gardens, so children forced to play in road  Path to Padnal and river via Eastfields should be a major 'green finger'  A permanent green belt between us and Chittering, separating us from a growing Ely  River  More open spaces will make the village more attractive

Neighbourhood Structure Framework

63% of people agreed with the neighbourhoods principle, 54% agreed these should be centred around the primary schools, 37% disagreed – and the following alternative focuses were suggested:

Closer to housing Off Wisbech Road and Ely Road The Medical Centre The Post Office

There were a number of comments in favour of retaining the focus on the town centre.

Comments:

 We still do need town centre facilities! Many people are not in Littleport 9-5! Not everyone can/will come into town centre. Facilities need to be open more than 9-5  If a bus service (minibus?) operated around the neighbourhoods then people would easily be able to come into town centre shops. However Littleport needs a out-of-town shopping area too - foodstore, DIY store, etc  I feel we should and need a town centre but small grouped facilities on new development are needed but not at the risk of new residents not coming into the centre of town. We need our town to be a community town  It will spread the good points more widely and give more areas enhancement.  No I believe the town centre should be the focus of the community  Neighbourhoods are important, but equally town centre needs to be more vibrant and with OPEN shops. e.g. greengrocers etc  But the town centres health is more important.  A second medical centre? Why when the new centre has much room to expand to accommodate the growing population and additional services  Littleport is small, the town centre needs the next development to make it more vibrant and attract retail outlets (which means more jobs for locals)  Main shops etc to be in town centre with smaller units if viable in neighbourhoods  There is a danger that facilities could become too thinly spread, to the detriment of the centre  Agree only to a small extent. The town centre needs developing with the right types of shops to cater for all needs  Would result in an increase of traffic  Town centre should remain very important  Where feasible although the scale of some facilities in relation to the size of the town make this unrealistic in some cases.  May not be sustainable to have multiple facilities  With a fragile town centre everything needs to focus around it  The village needs a heart  What kind of facilities are we talking about - will it affect the town centre? Group around the town centre to optimise resources  If neighbourhoods around schools, children can be encouraged to walk/cycle. There would be less need for parents to drive children to and from school  Obviously  New developments such as Highfields create a superb community  Centred in housing areas would be better. There are enough traffic congestion problems near school facilities. No point in making a bad situation worse because of traffic  Perhaps a small shop, but not main facilities - but economy will rule

Comments re alternative facilities as focus:

 Closer to housing - walking distance - less use of cars.  Centred around the entire built area  Would be too much traffic in one location, could cause disruption/jams.  Have doctor's surgery  No particular suggestion - presumably where there are suitable spaces for building to be developed and on the business route  Surely the influence of local government on facilities (other than those we already have is minimal, as they depend on private enterprise  Anywhere other than schools - what about elderly people?  Off Wisbech Road and Ely Road  Health centre (existing) could be a focus for wider group of services. No need for a second medical centre  We still need to get as much life as possible into the heart of the village, not segregate it  The post office  Main Street  School should be quiet road area. Children and delivery vans do not mix  I think there should be facilities around the town centre which is in danger of becoming dead especially as the Co-op is moving

The preferred location for the secondary school was option 2 (37%), followed by option 1 (32%). Other suggested locations were

Between Ely Road and Padnal Portley Hill

People also suggested coupling the 3rd primary school and new secondary school together.

Comments:

 NB. Option 3 also highlighted in preceding question. Both options 2 and 3 are also accessible from within Littleport as well and not susceptible to flooding.  If Woodfen opened up to A10 for access already has good access to A10 for children "bussed" in from outlying villages  NB. Option 3 also indicated in preceding question  NB. Option 2 also indicated in preceding question  NB. Option 2 also indicated in preceding question  No couple the primary school with the secondary school we need to look at needs of teenagers in the village  I don’t think it is a good idea to locate the secondary school near a primary school  But option 3 seems possible too  Camel Road  3rd primary school location possibly ok, but green areas especially need developing around it.  Pleased to see new site for cemetery put in.  2 and 3  And 3  The other option to be considered is the space between Ely Road and Padnal - below the 3rd primary school option - but more green space is needed here  Option 1 if flooding risk overcome, because next to sport centre need only add swimming pool. Option 2 if option 1 not possible  On the Ely road at the beginning of the village - Portley Hill  No, we don't want a secondary school  Place secondary/primary school together at option 4 along with medical centre

Movement and linkages

60% of respondents agree that walking and cycling should take priority over other modes of transport, 31% disagreed and said that the Masterplan should include more on public transport.

Comments:

 More frequent trains during the day and at weekends would link Littleport more effectively as well.  BUT for those not able to do so, "hopper" buses (minibuses) operating around the town would be good  All forms are important  Walking and cycle around give you the opportunity to make the village more community based.  You cannot get away from the fact that this is a rural community and residents do need cars!  Ageing populations rely more on cars. Bus provision would have to be very frequent and cheap to entice most people away from cars  Should still include more public transport as well  A Littleport village bus service to link housing with shops  Also improve buses  Walking and cycling are important but link with station (i.e. bus) would be an improvement  Confining areas to walking/cycling militates against the aged and disabled who can't walk far, if at all.  Small buses could be a real asset.  If shops were spread around the village it would be easy to walk to them  Although need to be mindful of the age of population and therefore need for transport  Need to take account of the poor public transport e.g. bus service/trains returning from London  Walking and cycling needed for improved leisure activity. Public transport is poor and needs improving.  Providing better rail services will help develop Littleport. More regular trains to Cambridge would bring people to Littleport - as houses are more reasonably priced, and also better value than Cambridge  Need better rail service  We need cycle paths between Littleport and Ely to link with existing cycle path at Ely High Bridge (A142)

Comments re public transport:

 But should have more public transport and that is more affordable to young and old  There is a real need for a bus service between the town centre and the station, but not one run by a business and liable to cancel in time of need  Consider pedestrianisation of village centre, late night shopping at Christmas time. Have a farmers market in the centre once a month  Absolutely  Must - it also gets people together  Buses are very important for those of us getting older but cars for younger generation  Whilst we wish to promote more walking and cycling, the aging population will make improved public transport another key priority  The east - west connections will cause considerable congestion  The Masterplan should provide for all the modes of transport listed  Could be need for local bus to provide links between station/library/sports centre/surgery and housing areas, and to employment areas on Wisbech Road  More use of the river would be good, too  This is a rural town. Cars and public transport are very important. Public transport must be improved  Demographics of Littleport - people over 60 is greater than those 19 and under - ageing population must have transport for older people who cannot walk. Both are important  There needs to be better cycle paths throughout - especially on the A10  Walking and cycling paths should be well maintained. This is a concern as most of the public footpaths within the village are covered with dog mess.  Walking/cycling routes to include areas on Wisbech Road business areas  We need a safe cycle route to the railway station  I live in Oak Lane and cannot cycle nor walk far so could do with nearer public transport and not a cycle route

90% said yes the Masterplan should investigate transport linkages with Littleport’s hinterland, Ely and Cambridge.

 A more useable safe cycle route to Ely (along river bank?) would be very useful  Off road cycle path (along riverbank) to Ely  More frequent train services at weekends and during the day (trains only operate half hourly service at peak times).  Better linkages, including a water ferry would open Littleport up to a greater degree of tourism  The electric trains have loads of potential for the village as it grows  No transport linkage across county borders - foolish!  Road transport to Cambridge/Ely is good. Need better rail services  Commuting outside of the town is quite difficult - the station especially needs upgrading  The station is quite a way from the main housing developments. Larger car park required or second station at Padnal or easy access by cycle  There is no bus service into Norfolk, eg Downham Market, Kings Lynn  Our transport links to Cambridge and beyond are already very good, preserve these as much as possible.  The hinterland depends on private transport  Transport for public must be maintained and improved in evenings and locally  But as with southern bypass it will probably never happen  See no 9 for oldies - present service not as good as it was!  The potential new road options are very well thought through. Will ease some congestion  Cannot be ignored - train service north and south is great asset to town. Also many small rural communities could benefit from better links (presumably school catchment area)  There is no direct bus route to Cambridge  Direct bus routes to Downham Market, Mildenhall, Newmarket, Cambridge, March and Wisbech.  A river bus is a great idea, linking Littleport, Ely and Cambridge No road infrastructure - no future

If there is to be further growth in Littleport 56% felt that Woodfen Road and Padnal should retain their country feel, 37% felt they should be opened up.

 Woodfen Road if secondary school located there. The Padnal?  Padnal as it's close to river. Woodfen Road has better transport linkages.  Woodfen Road, is an ideal area as it’s beside the A10  Woodfen Rd is a very wasted resource: surely a bridge over the A10 is feasible?  Woodfen Rd doesn't have country lane feel and leads to new development anyway!  Open up and retain country lane feel  Padnal a country lane?  Otherwise Littleport will never expand!  Woodfen Road from the junction with Parsons Lane to the A10 bypass (no through road) is supposed to be made into a byway. That was at least two years ago, so when will this happen?  It is a lovely area for walking  If Padnal was opened up it would take the pressure off the town centre as a shortcut  Both provide nice walks with access for disabled  But a footbridge over the bypass to access should be placed so people can walk there safely  Improved as bye roads  The view of ‘improve not destroy’ should be the approach used  Woodfen should be opened up as it is close to bypass main road. Keep Padnal as a country lane, beautiful area to cycle, walk, run  Chaos will/would develop near level crossing  This is an ideal site for the new secondary school  It’s not a country lane, it's a dirt track used by farmers, and children on motor bikes  Far too much traffic has to go through traffic lights, other routes needed  I feel strongly that there is too much pressure on the precious and diminishing countryside around Littleport

Junctions/areas in need of improvement in the existing road network:

Woodfen Road/Wisbech Road junction City Road Thoroughfare Way The Crown crossroads and junction with Wisbech Road (mini roundabout) Sandall Bridge The back road along the Ouse to Ely Parsons Lane Pavement on east side of Ely Road between Hempfield Road and Main Street is narrow and dangerous Wellington Street/Church Lane junction Wellington Street/Station Road junction Grange Lane/Ely Road junction Highfield Drive/Ely Road junction The station needs automatic gates Barkhams Lane/Victoria Street junction Westerly exit from Highfield to A10 Victoria Street/ Anchor Court junction

Comments:

 If new houses built, The Padnal would need to be opened up as road (with road bumps to reduce speed) to service new homes.  Woodfen Road at junction A1101 Wisbech Road blind corner!  Victoria Street is very congested with 2nd/3rd car's parked on road.  Grange Lane unsafe in icy weather  Why not spend the money on improving what we have than 'diluting' the spend across vast areas, and failing  The back road along the Ouse to Ely has nasty blind junctions near Ely  Traffic slowing/management needs to be a priority  This should be discussed by highways dept and their experience taken as a very good good  Wisbech Road needs something done to make driving smoother round corners - accidents with farm vehicles  Visibility in Barkhams Lane is very poor  The station needs automatic gates  The path on Ely Road between Hempfield Road and Main Street should be widened as it is a danger to kids walking to school

Dead-ends/cul-de-sacs that could be connected to allow more pedestrian/cycle links:

Holmewood Estate through to Grange Lane Improve Padnal to cycle path quality so it could be used for cyclists and pedestrians The Holmes to Station Road - make into proper footpath End of Upton lane through to Upton place A walking/cycle path could be made to link end of Woodfen Road near A10 to Grange Lane The unadopted part of Hempfield Road could be a major connection  Improve road from Eastfields to Padnal A number of people commented that cul-de-sacs should remain closed.

Comments:

 The Holmes - Station Road - very overgrown during summer and muddy and dark in winter!  Thoroughfare way to Padnal  Need to keep Highfields development and Parsons Lane area separate - i.e. no through road connecting the two  Cul de sacs should remain as they are  No, it will become a racetrack  Improve road from Eastfields to Padnal  Pedestrian links in Littleport just encourage more litter and drug use  No, if you choose to live in a cul de sac or dead end then you choose to do so for privacy, and the lack of through traffic, whether it be pedestrian or cycle I live in Oak Lane and really do not think it would be a good idea to have a Pedestrian/Cycle link across the A10 onto Woodfen Road as is suggested on the Masterplan because it would put additional pressure on what is a very narrow country lane and open it up to abuse by motorcyclists using it as a shortcut unless motorcycle barriers are erected either side of the A10 at the end of Oak Lane and end of Woodfen road

Built Form

62% of respondents voted for the lower growth scenario (approx 1,220 new homes by 2025), 24% for the medium growth scenario (approx 2,270 new homes by 2031) and 14% for the higher growth option (approx 3,250 new homes by 2031).

The preferred area for growth was to the West (36%), 26% opted for both to the East and West, and 18% to the East. 9% said neither area.

Comments:

 West better for road links but East better for station! - some of both?  Don't attempt to grow too quickly! Take things one step at a time leaving potential for future growth later  Too many houses now - infrastructure can't cope now  The present infrastructure wouldn't sustain large development at present. Keep east, near river, to enhance Littleport's best features.  Ideal next to A10 Woodfen  The main problem is development is distant from the station - a primary commuter link to Ely/Cambs/London  We need gradual growth with facilities to support new residents. Makes sense to expand towards the A10 as better connectivity and less impact on local roads.  Only within present housing site allocations  North west to minimise possibility of becoming a suburb of Ely  Around the Grange Lane area would be preferable and around the Camel Road area  Grange Lane  East - flooding problems in future?  Difficult to give a view without more knowledge of the town. From the display, East would appear preferable.  West would need a lot of new infrastructure which may not be viable or sustainable  Don’t build any more houses  Building too fast could ruin the town West is higher ground and west is nearer to employment

Both off Wisbech Road (58%) and around Littleport Station (54%) were felt to be suitable locations for employment. 24% of people thought it should be located in the town centre.

Other suggested locations were:

Grange Lane Leisure centre area/Camel Road Wellington Street Encourage home working with super fast broadband

Comments:

 But not to extend further down Wisbech Road.  Beware of placing factories adjacent to residential areas because of noise pollution, increased traffic unsocial hours etc  Employment should be spread rather than concentrated  Focus on what's already here and invest  Poor soil type near station for building  Spreading is always good!  Need a spread  If the proposed employment sites are created, Woodfen Rd would need to be opened up  Need to attract large supermarket near land adjacent to station. Develop town centre to create jobs though large retail outlets  How can you decide where employment should be located? It depends what it is, and where businesses wish to be  Leisure centre area/Camel Road  Out of town  Off Wisbech Road would encroach into countryside too much  Should explore all options  There are already enough industrial and business areas off Wisbech Road

Town Centre

76% of respondents agreed with the suggestion to maximise retail uses on the west side of the town centre and 82% agreed there should be more community uses in the town centre.

 The problem is many people are not in Littleport when facilities are open 9-5.30  However YPL is already an excellent community project and youth centre. We need to support it!  Essential to provide sufficient car parking  Too much would be focussed in a small area, making surroundings 'poor neighbours'  Need to try as hard as possible to regenerate town centre  We need large retail shops on the A10 bypass - and for local councils to agree to accept any applications that might come im, eg Lidl, Morrisons, Aldi etc. This would bring people into the town also.  Tastefully and take account of all needs of community - not fast food/restaurants  Yes, we do want a large petrol station  Also an area is needed for market stalls

Comments re community uses in town centre:

 Already have 3 excellent facilities in the Village Hall, YPL and Library so increase the use of them x 3  Developing a coherent and attractive centre, with mixed use, would greatly benefit the village.  But appropriate ones for the population  We need a swimming pool  Should be outside town centre - towards station  Should these be located in neighbourhoods?  Such as?  Ensuring facilities for all ages and abilities  For young people  I am currently involved in the Limes Close garden project which is a tenant group project  The village hall and library are fine, but the 'new communities' need an easily accessible facility.  A multi-purpose building - clubs, meetings, church use. Somewhere local for your residents to socialise

Additional comments

Landscape and Public Realm

Need more cycle paths/walking routes - 4  Need to encourage walking and cycling in Littleport, as the healthy, enjoyable and sustainable transport options. This needs to be a fundamental principle of the Masterplan.  I really don’t see the need for a cycle route along the full length of Oak Lane which has a dangerous and gated junction with the A10 at its southern end

Neighbourhoods and Facilities

Health - very poorly represented, again. There is virtually no mention of the impact on people's health - why hasn't a health impact assessment been undertaken of the options? NHS Cambridge does not support a second medical centre, If the high growth scenario were agreed, we would assess the additional capacity potential of St George's medical centre and seek to keep to 1 medical centre for the town, providing a hub of health and social care services. Need a centre for the growing Muslim community – 2 Equestrian centres, wind farms and water taxis to Ely would be very good There are approximately 200 horses in Littleport - bridleways and possible site for equestrian centre Secondary school needs to be priority - 2 Very important no renewable energy it will decrease local house prices further Providing a supermarket would help bring the community together More dentist/doctor surgeries Any thoughts re a running circuit? Public toilets needed near river at Sandhill. I was pleased to see recreational and necessary facilities, eg cemetery and schools, put in this time. If secondary school built in options 1 as leisure centre would be used more by local schools Littleport/schools need a swimming pool x3 Leisure centre should be updated.

Movement and Linkages

Extend Car park at station – 2 I still feel that the railway station platform needs to be extended in order to cater for trains with more carriages Safer access to the railway station should be a priority Providing better rail services would undoubtedly increase the attractiveness of Littleport. Better road signage for the railway station is needed - near to the station. Cycle route to railway station needed. Residents of Hempfield Road would like to see traffic calming or one of the roads blocked off, as it used as a rat run all the time, but mainly morning and evening as cars use it as a shortcut rather than go through the High Street or one way system and they travel at high speeds. Foot paths from Hempfield Road to Main Street between Ely Road and Barkhams Lane On board 11 there is a proposed pedestrian route between Hempfield Road through to the car park. As a resident here I strongly object to this as foreseeable problems can only arise from this, as the car park attracts problems as it stands without access through residents property. I cannot see why access cannot be obtained through to the High Street via Adams, as has been in the past Increased public transport provision. With regards to board 11, I strongly disagree with the green links. Most of the passageways in Littleport are full of litter and used by the many drug users. I think more time should be spent cleaning the litter and dog mess from our existing pathways. Also money should be spent on dealing with the drug users who litter the play parks with needles As a senior citizen limited to a walker, I would welcome all pavements to be made without drains and sweeping curves which make passing others very difficult. Better transport links Built Form

Am very concerned over too much housing development. Need to retain community feel, integrate new residents – 4 We are concerned that Littleport should not become a residential suburb of Ely, Cambridge or London, and that employment should therefore be developed alongside housing, education and retail. The size of the town in future would not be a reason to put retail out into the neighbourhoods, reason being costs and no selection therefore would close down and be lost Reduce rented and social housing and encourage more permanent residents - helps build community, reduces transient population who "don't care" about where they live. Do not allow the overall plan to be swamped in any future demand for housing development out of proportion to Littleport's ability to absorb it More employment opportunities are urgent for Littleport,

Town Centre

Shops need to be open later in evenings and at weekends for those who work - 2 We don't need any more hairdressers or takeaways We do need pubs - serving reasonably priced food and choice of good beers More shops – 4 Move youths from the shopping areas to cut down on yobbish behaviour and intimidation in areas that need footfall. What about considering placing small green areas in spots along the Main Street which are not architecturally pleasing. This could have the effect of creating a more space, with 'green' alleys, seating maybe, or places for market stalls. It would add variety and make the present town centre much more attractive – 2 There is a lack of car parking in the town centre Town centre - more green space, paddling pool in small park, trees, closed to through traffic Littleport town centre has been too run down for too long. The whole area (town centre) needs revamping. Redevelop part of town centre to provide additional parking for example above a new shopping arcade A weekly market again would be good. There needs to be hi tech, up to date fruit and veg shops etc into town centre. Seek the view of Mary, Queen of Shops. I'm sure she would have some positive suggestions! There is sufficient car parking now, if drivers would use the car park. A site for a market would be difficult to find, but I don't see that there is room for new offices, and making more employment, unless some of the houses would be vacated

Other

Reputation is poor and needs improving. Low level of aspiration, very little for young people to do. Need someone from masterplanners to be present to take on board comments. Involvement from designers would have helped. Listen to the views of Littleport residents who have to live and work here -2 Need more pre-school places/childcare needed for working parents – 3 I have no problem with progress provided our past is not swallowed up by our future Change will always be met with opposition, but in real terms it must happen. Young people of the future must be give an environment which reflects the modern sprinkled with the old Most of this seems sensible and grounded in reality, but please be aware of unrealistic and vague aspirations.  The landform of Littleport and it visible historic character are enormous assets which need to be specifically exploited through the Masterplan, to make it a development area of choice.

Feedback from Comments Board at Exhibition

Railway station needs improving by putting toilet facility. Ticket machine does not always work A weekly market would be good again Better rail links to Cambridge required Town centre is within 10 minutes of all Littleport now and in future. Retail around the centre I wouldn’t change a thing! Need a regular bus link between town centre and station No change will be popular but the best unpopular change must be selected Could infill A10 space with employment opportunities – high tech More than enough capacity in the St Georges Medical Centre. Why a 2nd health centre. Would de-centralise core services! Health poorly represented again. Why 2 medical centres? More equestrian focus What facilities for 200 horses in village? Inc Studs and liveries as ratepayers More wind farms could make us independent of the National Grid Needs a supermarket and more retail outlets Tourism and leisure as employment needs more consideration No to wind farms, unless production is within local area, bring in industry, wind farms are not cost effective.

Feedback from Comments Book at Exhibition

Off road cycle route (along the riverbank) into Ely Encourage people to walk or cycle (rather than use cars) Have a ‘hopper bus’ service servicing Littleport Railway Station to discourage those who live a long way from the railway station to drive into Ely and use the train from there instead No more hairdressers and takeaway but Littleport needs good pubs serving meals and choice of beers- reasonable prices! Many residents commute to Cambridge/London for work so are only in the town at evenings and weekends so shops need to be open longer than 9am-5.30pm Dangerous path on Ely Road from Hempfield Road to Main Street- needs widening ASAP. Better bus services to Cambridge, Bury St. Edmunds, King’s Lynn (Hunstanton in the summer), March and Wisbech River bus to Ely and Cambridge is a great idea Permanent green belt between Littleport and Ely with trees and picnic areas Cars are essential for a rural town Slow growth don’t go too fast too soon, less mistakes

Feedback from Key Stakeholders

Sustrans

Agree with Enhancing and embracing the town’s natural surroundings is a fundamental principle. A balanced combination of dense areas of developed land (for business and transport sustainability) with accessible green fingers linking (on foot or cycle) areas of nature conservation and the surrounding countryside (for amenity and wildlife sustainability) would be the strongly preferred option. Agree edge is important, but it should be achieved more through the extension of green fingers along existing and new rights of way into the surrounding fen landscape than by the creation of a green rampart separating the growing village from its surroundings. Views of the built area from the fen should be maintained, to form a "hill- fort" landmark. The green open space should be accessible, sufficient and well managed, not over- provided which might offer a temptation to reduce it for development at a later stage. Agree with neighbourhood structure-providing that the urban design provides legible, attractive non-car access to each neighbourhood. It would be important to preserve and enhance the vitality of the village centre, so the neighbourhood centres would not be too large and would complement the traditional hub of village life. Agree with the proposal of centring these neighbourhoods around the primary schools, simply because the schools have a morning and afternoon flow of accompanying parents, whose visit could have a further purpose at the centre adding vitality, but hopefully without using a car. The location of secondary school should be chosen alongside the decision as to where and how much expansion of Littleport should take place. An important factor is a location accessible safely and attractively on foot or cycle from all of Littleport, present and future. To some degree this will have to be retrofitted for any of the site options. Option 1 is an obvious, easy choice in that space and playing fields are there already (though it is on very low-lying ground), but the larger Littleport's growth, the less accessible it would be compared with Option 3. In our opinion Littleport has the capability of becoming an exemplar of "green" local transport, and this should be a fundamental principle in the village's masterplanning. Agree - walking and cycling takes priority over other modes of transport - this should be a fundamental principle of the Masterplan. The "island" character of Littleport defines the area that can be developed, within which no point more than 3m above sea level is more than 3km from any other point. Thus every place is within walking or very easy cycling distance from any other. This could and should be a motivational theme, a point of distinction and a source of pride for Littleport. The Masterplan should also investigate transport linkages with Littleport’s hinterland, Ely and Cambridge, but non-car transport should be given clear preference in all consideration of present and future linkages. A key component of the future local transport network for Littleport and Ely should be a "Spine Route" for cyclists and walkers linking the centres of the two communities by a direct route which through the areas of recent and future development. Sustrans' recommendation is that Ely Road/ Lynn Road should be closed to through traffic somewhere near the Chettisham level crossing, allowing only foot, cycle, bus and emergency services through access. Cycle access to the station, and more cycle parking, should also be improved. Padnal and Woddfen Road should retain country lane feel. They should be linked to improved rural rights of way beyond the A10, for the use of walkers and cyclists.  Junctions in need of improvement: Ely Road, Wisbech Road and their links into the central area need to be made more attractive for cyclists and pedestrians. Serious consideration needs to be given to providing a cycle contra-flow to each of the one-way streets, in conformity with Cycling England's infrastructure guidelines. The present and future built area of Littleport should be made a 20mph zone, and roads adapted to encourage cycling. Safe walking and cycling routes to the primary schools and the future secondary school must be an integral part of the Masterplan, and include the whole existing and future built area of Littleport. The active encouragement of walking and cycling in Littleport by improving links could make the expanding village a truly "liveable" place to be, and end the slow decline of the village centre. A comprehensive study of the existing and future areas of Littleport is needed, and the Masterplan should include walking (off-road, though in the centre and elsewhere "shared spaces" might be appropriate) and cycling (mainly on-road) networks. Growth Scenario C, located to both the East and West. We recommend that the Masterplan should set high levels of development but be flexible, in that growth is bound to follow economic imperatives which cannot be controlled by the planning authority. The Masterplan should control a phased development of the village/ town so that employment, education, trading and residential growth should be always located coherently and close, so as to minimise the need to travel and enable walking and cycling to be the means of choice from the first occupation of any development. The situation in Highfields, where the rear access planned to Millfield School will not be available until near the completion of the whole development, must be avoided in future. Employment which does not generate a high level of heavy vehicle traffic (eg offices) should be within or close to residential areas or the town centre. Locations of new employment should be guided to minimise the need for employee travel, consistent with the need to limit the number of HGVs using town centre or residential areas. Littleport has an attractive, small-scale and traditional retail (and formerly workshop/ craft) centre. We feel that with its expansion the centre could become a flourishing location for craft, design and specialists shops. It might be that to expand the conventional retail offer in the western side would help this, the danger being that it might generate motor traffic which would reduce the attractiveness of the whole, and discourage walking and cycling, the health and sociable ways of travel. This is one of the core issues which the Masterplan should address...  More community uses within the town centre would go hand-in-had with the Masterplan's policy for retail and access issues in the centre and throughout Littleport. Our comments centre around the need to encourage walking and cycling in Littleport, as the healthy, enjoyable and sustainable transport options. This needs to be a fundamental principle of the Masterplan. We also feel that the landform of Littleport and its visible historic character are enormous assets, which need to be specifically exploited through the Masterplan, to make it a development area of choice. We are concerned that it should not become a residential suburb of Ely, Cambridge or London, and that employment should therefore be developed alongside housing, education and retail. In Highfields even the smallest house has 2 off-road car parking spaces (often in a rear courtyard), yet the roads are wide enough to park a car by the front door, which many people do. There is no visible or obvious place for cycle parking. This presumably reflects parking levels in the ECDC local plan. I feel that to continue providing car parking at such a level in a compact, traditional community like Littleport could prove quite damaging to its future character.

RPS on behalf of Anglia Regional Cooperative Society

Expressed concern that the options for the Littleport Masterplan do not take the new Wisbech Road store into consideration. The Masterplan fails to take into account the 1,115sqm retail floor space the store on Wisbech Road will provide. The town centre framework, the assessment of linkages to the town centre and the location of facilities make no reference to the Wisbech Road store The Masterplan should provide sustainable linkages between the new retail store and the existing centre as a means to encourage linked shopping trips. Recognition of the Wisbech Roads store must be included in the LMP

Sanctuary Hereward

Will send us information re waiting lists Mainly deal with band A and B (priority) cases Feel there is a need for larger homes in Littleport. Lots of people need to upsize, but is a shortage of 3 bed properties and new builds tend to be 1 and 2 bedroom homes. Young adults feedback – not much for them to do and there is a lack of employment prospects. Not much for 13-18 year olds, many travel to Ely to socialise. Young people need somewhere safe and appropriate to hang out, located where they will not be perceived as a nuisance. Generally happy with shopping, good bus service to Ely – welcome new Co-op No tenants Association but Littleport resident sits on District Tenants Group Re older people and sheltered accommodation: There is no central sheltered accommodation – existing schemes regarded as a ‘bit far out’ and long walk to central facilities. However, very long waiting lists for sheltered accommodation in Littleport. Support proposed neighbourhoods structure, as this would make other parts of the town more desirable to future tenants. Locate secondary school near primary schools - support walking and cycling to school Liked idea of joined up walks and edges being enclosed by green spaces.

Environment Agency

Options proposed are generally water compatible. For all sites within the flood zone, will need to apply the exception test and do site specific Flood Risk Assessment. Should apply sequential test and give details of site specific mitigation and justification of why these sites have been allocated Green areas act as a buffer to flood zone and so are important for drainage as development means more impermeable areas. Sustainable Drainage Systems (SUDS) can be incorporated into green areas. Support employment areas identified in options document, as they are not in flood risk area, like some of current employment allocations. Supportive of water taxi idea. Will forward recent report on Moorings.

Anglian Water

Retain green areas where possible to absorb surface water. Any growth will require network improvements – Anglian Water would expect developer contributions towards this. The nearer the existing works any development is the better – on this principle support growth to West. Would need to lay pipe around the town to serve the East. Preferred location of pipe work is under the highway – potential to tie in work with any future road works e.g. 5th leg of roundabout. Encouraged that Masterplan does not include proposals for any short-term housing growth. Work still scheduled for sewage works and also some trunk sewer works. AW have submitted application for revised consent – will forward details.

Cambridgeshire County Council

Awaiting feedback.

Community Stakeholder Workshop

The group who met in March were re-convened, 21 people representing local organisations and services were in attendance.

The workshop began with a presentation of the proposals for the Littleport Masterplan. The stakeholders were split into groups to review the proposals and diagrams for each of the frameworks.

The key points raised at the Workshop are: Landscape and Public Realm Framework

General agreement with the emphasis on Littleport's green setting Like green boundary/edge to the town.

Neighbourhood Structure Framework

Support for neighbourhood structure 1 group preferred Secondary school option 3, 2 groups preferred option 1 All groups agree that the location of the 3rd primary school should be to the East

Movement and Linkages Framework

2 groups preferred option 1, 2 groups preferred option 2 Railway Station - more car parking/facilities i.e. toilets/cycle parking. Need larger platform Additional linkages were suggested.

Built Form Framework

1 group stated that they preferred the Medium Growth scenario 2 groups preferred growth to the East, 1 group preferred growth to the West, 1 group preferred growth to both the East and West Focus employment around A10

Vote for preferred level of growth

LDF Level: 0 votes Medium Level (additional 1050 houses to existing projections): 6 votes High Level (additional 2100 houses to existing projections): 11 votes

Town Centre Framework

Develop shops in Crown Lane, Granby Street/High Street, Wisbech Road to Church Lane 2 groups stated that additional car parking needed in town centre

The Workshop Report forms Appendix 1

Sanctuary Hereward

The scheme managers at Sanctuary Hereward’s Anchor Court and Fleet Close sheltered housing schemes held a special meeting with residents to discuss the Masterplan.

The key points raised were:

Need to attract more businesses to the town centre Better recycling facilities Bus service to the railway station Cinema Swimming pool at the leisure centre

Other concerns

Road humps to prevent speeding traffic Condition of Pathways Parking Hazard

The minutes of the meeting form Appendix 2

Young Parents Group

Officers will be meeting with the Littleport Young Parents Group on 24th August 2010 to discuss the Masterplan options and to gather their views. APPENDIX 1

Littleport Community Stakeholder Consultation – Options Stage Workshop

23rd June 2010

Attendees:

Councillor Christine Ambrose-Smith, East Cambs District Council, Working Party Member Yvonne Bartram, St. Georges Medical Centre Councillor Diane Boyd, Littleport Parish Council Councillor Francis Brown, Littleport Parish Council Councillor Paul Cox, Littleport Parish Council Councillor John Crane, Littleport Parish Council Councillor Darrell Gardner, Littleport Parish Council Grenville Goodson, The Littleport Society Councillor Brian Hayes, Littleport Parish Council Steven Layn, Land Owner Mandy Lott, Cannon Kirk William Martin, Land Owner Councillor Peter Moakes, East Cambs District Council, Chair of Working Party Councillor Neil Morrison, East Cambs District Council Adam Peacock, Health Trainer David Porter, J H Adams & Sons Susan Porter, J H Adams & Sons Brenda Sallis, Land Owner Ivatt Sallis, Land Owner Clive Webber, Littleport Rotary Club Susan Wiggans, Branching Out

The workshop began with a presentation of the proposals for the Littleport Masterplan, which have been built around five frameworks; Landscape, Neighbourhood Structure, Built Form, Movement and Linkages, and Town Centre. The stakeholders were split into groups to review the proposals and diagrams for each of the frameworks.

Below is the feedback for each framework.

Landscape and Public Realm Framework

Like green boundary/edge to the town. Get development right first then fit green areas around that rather than the other way round.

Neighbourhood Structure Framework

Neighbourhood structure would encourage walking and cycling 1 group preferred Secondary school option 3 2 groups preferred Secondary School option 1 All groups agree that the location of the 3rd primary school should be to the East Medical centre no. 2 – why is there a need? Already expansion room at existing facility.

Movement and Linkages Framework

2 groups preferred option 1 2 groups preferred option 2 Need safe way to cross Grange Lane/A10 to Oak Lane on foot Need safe way to cross Wisbech Road /A1101 on horseback Consider moving footpath by A10 boundary of petrol station Need to upgrade Woodfen Road so that people in the village can access employment/ facilities without going onto A10 Emphasise footpaths – proper surfaces and signposts Green spaces should be cycleways Railway Station - more car parking/facilities i.e. toilets/cycle parking. Need larger platform

Built Form Framework

1 group stated that they preferred the Medium Growth scenario 2 groups preferred growth to the East 1 group preferred growth to the West 1 group preferred growth to both the East and West More employment sites alongside A10 Focus employment around A10 not near rail station Develop employment and industrial areas on the other side of the A10 using Black Bank Road as access road. With any housing growth proximity to town centre is important.  Infrastructure – e.g. roads, lighting, and drains – must get that right and in place at right time.

Vote for preferred level of growth

LDF Level: 0 votes Medium Level (additional 1050 houses to existing projections): 6 votes High Level (additional 2100 houses to existing projections): 11 votes

Town Centre Framework

Wisbech Road to Church Street needs to be shops Audley garage site potential for development Develop shops in Crown Lane Develop shops in Granby Street/High Street Retain and improve Library facilities Shops too small in terms of square footage to be viable. The conservation area status of the town centre also limits what can be done. 2 groups stated that additional car parking needed in town centre

Other points raised

P Cox: There are problems with parking and traffic movement through the town, near existing schools, and along some internal circulatory roads– these existing issues need to be resolved before any further development.

Future development should have adequate parking provision

C Ambrose-Smith: People from Chettisham, Little Downham and Pymoor come to Littleport to use bank as it is easier to park here that in Ely.

B Hayes: Additional Cemetery space needed. Need to provide jobs along side homes and to grow naturally.

P Moakes: The role of the Masterplan is to say that if there is to be growth, this is what it should look like.

P Cox: There appears to be a number of planning documents at the moment – when will these all be integrated?

P Moakes: It is envisaged that the Masterplans will become statutory planning documents and be integrated with LDF or whatever system the new government introduces.

APPENDIX 2 An extraordinary meeting was held with residents (approx 30 in attendance) on Wed 23rd June 2010

Outcomes of meeting with Anchor/Fleet Close tenants on Littleport Masterplan.

To attract more businesses to the town centre

Urgent example is at least another chemist/pharmacy. “The waiting time in the current chemist is longer then in the surgery”

Another taxi firm is needed. There is only one in Littleport and many residents who do not drive need this service to attend the surgery. This can cost £7 per single journey as the taxi firm has to come from Ely and duly charges for this.

Better recycling facitilies

The current recycling facility is always full, either need more facilities or should be emptied more often.

Bus service to the railway station

In order that residents can make better use of the railway to Ely it was suggested that a current bus route incorporate the railway station as a bus stop.

Cinema

Swimming pool at the leisure centre

Other concerns

Road humps

The road humps on Anchor Court Rd leading to Peacock way are not high enough traffic is still speeding along this straight stretch of road.

Pathways

Victoria Street pathway on both sides of the road leading to the town centre from Anchor Court is very uneven.

The right hand side pathway of Fleet Close (on the bungalow side is very uneven.

 Parking Hazard

The car parking on Victoria Street opposite the junction of Anchor Court is a potential hazard. It is difficult to turn right at times due to vehicles parking directly opposite the junction. The parking also impacts on Thoroughfare way as the vehicles park all the way to this junction and it is difficult to see on coming traffic when turning left onto Victoria Street. Appendix 3j – Options stage town centre report LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT FOR EAST CAMBRIDGESHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT

studio | REAL REFERENCE : 1380 Littleport\Report\working\1380 Littleport Town Centre Report.indd 59-63 HIGH STREET KIDLINGTON PREPARED BY : Peter Newton, Dominic Busby OXFORD OX5 2DN T +44 (0)1865 377030 CHECKED BY : Karl Kropf F +44 (0)1865 377050 E [email protected] ISSUED : October 2010 W www.studioreal.co.uk LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT

CONTENTS

1 INTRODUCTION 1.1 Masterplan 3 1.2 Structure and purpose of this document 3

2 RATIONALE 2.1 Background 7 2.2 Motivation for change 7

3 TOWN CENTRE ANALYSIS 3.1 The challenges 10 3.2 The opportunities 12 3.3 The complement 14

4 TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY 4.1 Urban design framework 18 4.2 Existing quality street spaces 20 4.3 Proposed quality street spaces 22

5 SITE STUDIES 5.0 Town centre site studies 26 5.1 Crown Lane 28 5.2 Globe Lane 30 5.3 Hitches Street 32 5.4 White Hart Lane 34 5.5 Hempﬁ eld Road 36 5.6 Wellington Street 38 5.7 Park to High Street 38

LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Masterplan 1.2 Structure and purpose of this document

1 1 LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT INTRODUCTION

2 studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT 1 INTRODUCTION

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 MASTERPLAN 1.1.1 East Cambridgeshire District Council is leading the preparation of a Masterplan for the strategic growth of Littleport. As part of that effort, studio | REAL were appointed to prepare Masterplan options focussing on three growth scenarios. 1.1.2 The Littleport Masterplan Working Party agreed that an important complement to that strategic town-wide work is a more detailed look at the town centre, to identify potential changes that can be made to enhance and improve it and that will support the proposals contained in the Masterplan. The Littleport Masterplan Working Party therefore requested additional work looking speciﬁ cally at Littleport town centre. The proposals in this report are ideas only, illustrations of what could be done with a site should the owner be willing or the site become available.

1.2 STRUCTURE AND PURPOSE OF THIS DOCUMENT 1.2.1 The purpose of this study is to show how key sites and spaces in the town could be improved by enhancement or development. 1.2.2 The document concentrates on design opportunities and illustrations and provides a ‘concept’ for the town centre.

Figure 1.1.1 Town centre aerial plan

studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council 3

LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT 2 RATIONALE

2.1 Background 2.2 Motivation for change

5 2 LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT RATIONALE

6 studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT 2 RATIONALE

2 NEED FOR A TOWN CENTRE STUDY

2.1 BACKGROUND 2.1.1 The Littleport Masterplan looks at the strategic potential for the growth of the whole town. The town centre needs to be looked at in the context of the wider change for a number of reasons: • Consultation identiﬁ ed the need for improvement of the town centre and its environment. • Population and employment growth must be supported by improvements in shops, services and facilities. • Present-day movement patterns, both through the town as well as between the town and its surroundings, have affected the focus of the centre, weakening the traditional function of Main Street. • The centre remains the most distinctive and attractive part of the town, but gaps are emerging that need attention. These gaps are also an opportunity to provide the town centre uses required by the expanding town.

2.2 MOTIVATION FOR CHANGE 2.2.1 The social, economic and environmental context changes and evolves over time. These changes can require towns to adapt to this evolving context. The ‘Do Nothing’ Scenario = Decline Figure 2.1.1 The town centre can be identiﬁ ed as the heart and life of the town. The reasons for this include: • Buildings and public realm deteriorate and devalue over time (but property doesn’t). • Buildings and towns are designed to respond to need. Over time that need changes, and so buildings and towns must change to remain optimally useful. • Towns face competition from out of town developments and other towns regenerating and improving (Ely, Cambridge etc).

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LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT 3 TOWN CENTRE ANALYSIS

3.1 The challenges 3.2 The opportunities 3.3 The complement

9 3 LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT ANALYSIS

3 TOWN CENTRE ANALYSIS

3.1 THE CHALLENGES 3.1.1 Why is the town centre facing challenges? a) It is not located on the most active route into and through the town. b) Traditional town centre uses are leaving the town. c) Town centre uses such as community and leisure are reducing in frequency. d) Main Street is not well connected to the south where much of the future growth is likely to occur. e) Businesses and activities are relocating outside the centre.

KEY

Figure 3.1.1 The underlying issue for the town centre is the shift of many of its traditional activities to other locations

10 studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT 3 ANALYSIS

studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council 11 3 LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT ANALYSIS

3.2 THE OPPORTUNITIES 3.2.1 How do we maximise town centre shopping? a) Concentrate retail uses at the west end so that shops are more continuous. b) Take the opportunity on Ely Road / High Street to beneﬁ t from people going through the town centre. c) Take advantage of any development opportunities in that area over the 20 years of the Masterplan.

KEY

Figure 3.2.1 The main opportunity for the centre lies in focusing retail activity to the west

12 studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT 3 ANALYSIS

studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council 13 3 LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT ANALYSIS

3.3 THE COMPLEMENT 3.3.1 What do we do with the remaining town centre areas? a) Consolidate and bolster community uses such as the library, village hall and youth centre. b) Promote mixed-use and town centre residential development. c) Support development proposals for town centre uses in this area.

KEY

Figure 3.3.1 A refocused retail centre with a concentration of community uses and new residential in the centre

14 studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT 3 ANALYSIS

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LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT 4 TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY

4.1 Urban design framework 4.2 Existing quality street spaces 4.3 Proposed quality street spaces

17 4 LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT STRATEGY

4 TOWN CENTRE STRATEGY

4.1 URBAN DESIGN FRAMEWORK Key observations relating to the existing town centre are captured in the analysis and used to inform which sites to focus on for development proposals. The town centre has the following attributes: Some good key frontages within the conservation area. Some frontages which have potential for improvement. Main Street has the greatest proportion of good key frontages on both sides of the street. Other streets have good key frontages on only one side. Poor development weakens the character and appearance of the centre.

KEY

Figure 4.1.1 The urban design framework

18 studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT 4 STRATEGY

studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council 19 4 LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT STRATEGY

4.2 EXISTING QUALITY STREET SPACES Figure 4.2.1 shows street spaces that are characterised by having good key frontages on both sides of the street. Although Littleport has a conservation area with a number of good quality buildings, they are too often not consolidated into street spaces with good quality frontages on both sides. This means that the town has good buildings but not necessarily good spaces. Good street spaces are in part deﬁ ned by good built form on both sides of streets and lanes. Some streets and lanes in the town centre have potential for improvement to materials and surfacing.

KEY

Figure 4.2.1 Existing quality street spaces

20 studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT 4 STRATEGY

studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council 21 4 LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT STRATEGY

4.3 PROPOSED QUALITY STREET SPACES As introduced in section 4.2, good quality spaces are characterised by good built form on both sides of streets and lanes. The strategy to consolidate existing good key frontages into good quality street spaces guides which sites to improve. Interventions on key sites identiﬁ ed results in a better contribution of new development to the improved perception of the town centre. This strategy does not preclude other sites within the town centre from being appropriately improved or redeveloped. The study can also be seen as identifying opportunities to realise improved land value. KEY

Frontages identiﬁ ed for improvement

Figure 4.3.1 Proposed Quality Street Spaces

22 studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT 4 STRATEGY

studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council 23

LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT 5 SITE STUDIES

5.0 Town centre site studies 5.1 Crown Lane 5.2 Globe Lane 5.3 Hitches Street 5.4 White Hart Lane 5.5 Hempfield Road 5.6 Wellington Street 5.7 Park to High Street

25 5 LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT SITE STUDIES

5.0 TOWN CENTRE SITE STUDIES

5.6

5.2

5.1

5.7

5.5

26 studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT 5 SITE STUDIES

5.3

5.4

studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council 27 5 LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT SITE STUDIES

5.1 CROWN LANE

New shared surface public realm with clear visual differentiation between carriageway and pedestrian areas

New town centre housing with ﬂ exible ground ﬂ oor units for possible future conversion to retail/ commercial use

New pocket parking in format that can be developed into building frontage

New ground ﬂ oor retail unit with residential units above

New corner marker building with 700m2 ground fl oor retail use and offi ce accommodation on two fl oors above

New public realm treatment to junction signalling areas of pedestrian priority whilst maintaining full vehicle Figure 5.1.1 Plan View - Crown Lane accessibility

28 studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT 5 SITE STUDIES

OBJECTIVES New developments located to form high quality spaces with good quality existing frontages opposite. Provide town centre uses that support the proposals included in the Masterplan. Continuous development frontage with clear deﬁ nition between public and private space and increasing levels of privacy. Natural surveillance of public realm from windows of principal rooms facing onto the public realm. Terminate important views in the centre adding to the legibility and uniqueness of the place that it is. Figure 5.1.2 View of Main Street and Crown Lane junction as existing

New corner landmark building highlights the junction of Crown Lane/High Street and Main Street/Church Lane as the heart of the town

Figure 5.1.3 Proposals to Crown Lane to realise the goal of shifting and concentrating the retail offer at the west side of the town centre studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council 29 5 LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT SITE STUDIES

5.2 GLOBE LANE

New alignment to lane allows for new areas of frontage to existing residential for defensive planting to front façades

New shared surface treatment to lane with clear visual differentiation between carriageway and pedestrian areas

New town centre residential with ﬂ exible ground ﬂ oor allowing future conversion to retail or commercial uses

New corner building replacing existing poor quality retail facility with town centre residential accommodation on two ﬂ oors above

Figure 5.2.1 Plan View - Globe Lane

30 studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT 5 SITE STUDIES

Figure 5.2.2 View of existing Co-operative food store at junction of Main Street and Globe Lane

New corner building completes high quality frontages on both Main Street and Globe Lane

Figure 5.2.3 Proposals to Globe Lane to replace poor quality retail facility along with ﬂ exible town centre housing studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council 31 5 LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT SITE STUDIES

5.3 HITCHES STREET

New shared surface public realm with clear visual differentiation between carriageway and pedestrian areas

New town centre housing with ﬂ exible ground ﬂ oor units for possible future conversion to retail/ commercial use

Figure 5.3.1 Plan View - Hitches Street

32 studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT 5 SITE STUDIES

Figure 5.3.2 View along Hitches Street towards Main Street with proposed site to left

Figure 5.3.3 Proposals to Hitches Street completes corner frontage to Wellington Street studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council 33 5 LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT SITE STUDIES

5.4 WHITE HART LANE

New treatment to lane/ public realm, creating shared surface high quality street/lane

New residential units with ﬂ exible ground ﬂ oor accommodation

New courtyard arrangement for servicing/ residents parking

New corner marker building with ground ﬂ oor retail use and town centre residential on two ﬂ oors above

New building with ground ﬂ oor commercial/ retail/community use and residential above terminating important alignment of White Hart Lane Figure 5.4.1 Plan View - White Hart Lane

34 studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT 5 SITE STUDIES

OBJECTIVES New developments located to form high quality spaces with good quality existing frontages opposite. Provide town centre uses that are consistent with the proposals included in the Masterplan. Continuous development frontage with clear deﬁ nition between public and private space and graduation of levels of privacy. Natural surveillance of public realm from windows of principal rooms facing onto the public realm. Terminate important views in the centre adding to the legibility of the town centre and the uniqueness of the place that it is. Figure 5.4.2 Existing building on corner of White Hart Lane and Victoria Street

New corner building with new feature building opposite as a focal point of White Hart Lane

Figure 5.4.3 Aerial View - White Hart Lane studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council 35 5 LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT SITE STUDIES

5.5 HEMPFIELD ROAD

New townhouses

New corner building with town centre residential units. Possibility of community use on ground ﬂ oor such as the pre- school that is on site at present

New courtyard arrangement containing servicing and parking for residents

Figure 5.5.1 Plan View - Crown Lane

36 studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT 5 SITE STUDIES

OBJECTIVES Provide town centre uses that are consistent with the proposals included in the Masterplan. Continuous development frontage with clear deﬁ nition between public and private space and graduation of levels of privacy. Natural surveillance of public realm from windows of principal rooms facing onto the public realm.

Figure 5.5.2 Existing area view

New corner building with housing continuing along both streets around corner

Figure 5.5.3 Aerial View - Crown Lane studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council 37 5 LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT SITE STUDIES

5.6 WELLINGTON STREET AND 5.7 CHURCH LANE PARK

New, high quality residential unit in key strategic position along Wellington Street

New road alignment to accommodate new unit

Figure 5.6.1 Plan View - Wellington Street

Site with possible development potential

New residential units deﬁ ning new route to High Street and providing natural surveillance over park and new route

New pedestrian and cycle route to High Street

Figure 5.7.1 Plan View - Church Park to High Street

38 studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT 5 SITE STUDIES

OBJECTIVES OBJECTIVES Continuous development frontage with clear deﬁ nition Continuous development frontage with clear deﬁ nition between public and private space and graduation of levels between public and private space and graduation of levels of privacy. of privacy. Natural surveillance of public realm from windows of Natural surveillance of public realm from windows of principal rooms facing onto the public realm. principal rooms facing onto the public realm. Terminate important views in the centre adding to the Terminate important views in the centre adding to the legibility of the town centre and the uniqueness of the legibility of the town centre and the uniqueness of the place that it is. place that it is. Unlock possible future development sites. Help improve pedestrian and cycle connectivity.

Figure 5.6.2 New building to complete view along Wellington Street Figure 5.7.2 New units deﬁ ning proposed route to High Street studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council 39 5 LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT SITE STUDIES

Victoria Street

City Road

Granby Street

Hitches Street

Wellington Street Granary Lane

Pont's Hill

Figure 5.8.1 Overall Aerial View

40 studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT 5 SITE STUDIES

Hempfield Road

Mill Pit Furlong

High Street

Church Lane

obe Lane Gl

Crown Lane

Wisbech Road

St George's Church

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Figure 5.9.1 Illustrative Plan View - town centre

42 studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT 5 SITE STUDIES

studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council 43 5 LITTLEPORT TOWN CENTRE REPORT SITE STUDIES

44 studio | REAL for East Cambridgeshire District Council