Dear Richard,
Thank you for copying me in.
Let me begin by stating categorically that I will represent the Residents of Hilton.
As I am sure you will appreciate, I also represent 4 other Villages in my role on CCC i.e. Fenstanton, Houghton & Wyton, Hemingford Grey and Hemingford Abbots (I know you will understand this!) You will also appreciate that they will have a very different point of view on some of the issues surrounding this project.
At the PC Meeting I believe they wish to continue to liaise with The Offords, Brampton and Buckden villages - of course, these villages will have their own DC and CCC Cllrs.
I have already asked 9 questions to Highways Agency, I did this some considerable time ago, and have since received answers. These being the following:
1 What is the distance from the shop in Hilton, via B1040, to middle of the A14 bypass?
The distance is approx 1.6 kms (1 mile)
2 What is the distance from the village hall, via the Hilton Road, to the middle of the A14 bypass
The distance is approx 1.9 kms (1.2 miles)
3 Does the B1040 Potton Road bridge and the Hilton Road bridge go over or under the A14 bypass?
It is confirmed that both the B1040 Potton Road and Hilton Road bridges will go over the proposed A14 Huntingdon Southern Bypass
4. What is the height of the proposed A14 - what will it be raised by?
At the B1040 Potton Road proposed crossing the A 14 would be at approx 2.7 m above ground level. At the Hilton Road crossing the A14 would be approx 2.8m above ground level.
5. In specific relation to the Environmental Statement what noise, visual landscape and air quality mitigation measures may be required within Hilton?
At this stage of the consultation we are unable to provide specific details regarding the mitigation for noise, landscape and air quality within Hilton, beyond the indicative mitigation shown on the scheme drawings. The scheme drawings referencing Hilton are proposed schemes X and X and can be assessed used in the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/a14-cambridge-to-huntingdon-improvement-proposed- scheme.
As part of the ongoing environmental impact assessment, the mitigation in this area will be refined and reported in the A14 Cambridge to Huntingdon improvement scheme environmental statement.
6 What is the history surrounding the development of the A1198 Godmanchester Junction?
CHUMMS reviewed the requirements for a junction with A1198 and considered the options of no junction, a full junction and a partial junction ie west facing slip roads. CHUMMS concluded that west facing slip roads were advantageous to cater for the movement from the west to Papworth Everard, Cambourne and south to Royston. The position on east facing slip roads was less advantageous because of the more obvious use of the existing A14 between Godmanchester and Swavesey. The Ellington to Fen Ditton scheme built upon CHUMMS and went through various consultations on route options and again considered the need for a junction at the A1198.
7 Are the westbound slips as a result of lobbying from Wood Green Animal Shelter?
No, the purpose of the west facing slip roads is to cater for movements from Royston, Cambourne and Papworth Everard to the A14 westbound. Without the slip roads such movements would have to pass through Godmanchester and huntingdon, or make use of the A428 to Wyboston and then the A1.
8 What is the scheme cost?
The Government has provided £1.5 billion of funding as part of the spending review. Initially this was for a proposed option that included provision for tolling, with this now removed the latest estimated cost is an anticipated range between £1.1 to £1.6, with a mid point of £1.3 billion. This range estimate, produced by the Highways Agency Commercial team recognises the degree of risk and uncertainty, including inflation that remains as we develop the design of a major and complex infrastructure improvement.
9 When the A14 is detrunked what condition and standard will be handed over in?
Discussions and negotiations will be held with Cambridgeshire County Council over the expected conditions and standard that usually accompanies de-trunking. However at this stage, we do not next expect to undertake any significant re-construction of the A14 prior to de-trunking, except for the usual annual maintenance.
Richard: these are the actual words which came to me from Highways Agency, I have not altered/amended them.
Of course, I can ask further questions.
I met Kieron Dunk the weekend before the PC AGM, at which you and Lynn were in attendance. This pre-meeting was to assist Kieron in his understanding of who has responsibility eg CCC is Local Highways & Strategic Planning Authority, HDC is Environmental Health, Air Pollution, Noise.
On 13th of May CCC had its AGM (i.e. Full Council). At this Council the administration converted from a Cabinet system into a Committee structure. There will now be 6 committees and Economy & Environment, which will have responsibility for responding to Highways Agency matters, will meet for the FIRST time on 27th May. At this meeting there will be a report 'A14 Development Consent Order (DCO) Formal Consultation Response'. This Report will be available today on CCC web page, and I would suggest that you access this Report as it will help you with your understanding.
Just as an aside, on the 13th I was elected as Chairman of this new committee, which consists of 17 Members from across the County and of all political shades.
I understand that HDC Cabinet will also have an item next month on A14 Consultation. I would suggest you read their report in due course.
Please feel free to circulate this, Richard, as widely as feel appropriate.
In conclusion, happy to help, meet and discuss and to continue working for ALL of my Constituents.
regards Ian
Ian Bates Huntingdonshire District Council County Councillor Chairman Economy & Environment Service Committee Home: 01480 830250 Blackberry: 07799 133467 Personal 07543 602108