FAQs
Hardwick engagement
What is the current public engagement for Hardwick?
The proposals through Hardwick were added to the Comberton Greenway scheme, following requests from residents as part of previous engagement undertaken in 2022.
We now want to understand the views of the local community and other interested parties on our proposals, and to use this feedback to develop the proposal in more detail.
The public engagement for Hardwick, as part of the Comberton Greenway, runs until midday on Friday 1 November 2024, in which time you can fill in our surveys and let us know your feedback on the proposals through the village.
You can also attend our drop-in event on the Thursday 17 October 2024 at The Cabin at St Mary’s, Village Hall, Main St, Hardwick, Cambridge CB23 7QU. We will be there from 3:30pm to 7:30pm.
You can contact us at any time to share your thoughts by emailing us at hello@greatercambridge.org.uk or via phone: 01223 699906, or writing to Greater Cambridge Partnership, PO Box 1493, Mandela House, 4 Regent Street, Cambridge, CB1 0YR
This engagement period is your opportunity to provide feedback on proposals designed to enhance the local environment to help make Hardwick safer and better connected.
How will my feedback be used? What happens after public engagement?
Your feedback will be analysed once the engagement period ends. The findings will then be compiled into a summary report and made available on our website and to our Joint Assembly and Executive Board, who will decide on whether and how to progress with the scheme.
Your feedback will then be used by the project team to update current designs in detail, ready for construction.
Hardwick, Comberton Greenway specific FAQs
- Introduction of a 20mph speed limit approximately 100m south of the St Neots Road / Cambridge Road junction. There will be signposts and a ‘gateway’ feature which will provide ‘welcome’ signage and plant boxes to make people driving aware they are arriving in a village.
- Raised table and side road junction treatments at the Limes Road junction and the Egremont Road junction to slow down people driving and make crossing easier and safer for pedestrians.
- The existing temporary cycling feature north of Kesters Close will be converted into a footway to widen the existing path for pedestrians. As the speed limits will be reduced, cyclists will be safer travelling in the carriageway where they can maintain a position of priority.
- A raised table and side road junction treatments will be provided at the Kesters Close junction. We will also be providing a new uncontrolled crossing with tactile paving and dropped kerbs to better connect to the existing footway on the other side of the road.
- Raised table and side road junction treatments at the Kings Close, Sadlers Road and The Pastures junctions to slow down people driving and make crossing easier and safer for pedestrians.
- Widening of the footway to 2m wide from The Pastures to the existing public right of way (south). Opposite The Portway junction, we are proposing to remove an out of use bus shelter to allow for a two-metre-wide footway.
- A new uncontrolled crossing point (approximately 40m south of The Portway) to connect to the Comberton Greenway, where the existing Port Way Track is. Dropped kerbs and tactile paving will be provided.
- Introduction of a 30mph speed limit on exiting the village, approximately 100m south of The Portway / Main Street junction. There will be signposts and a ‘gateway’ feature which will provide ‘welcome’ signage and plant boxes.
- We will provide speed limit signs and ‘rumble strips’ on the approach to Hardwick from the north, to slow down people driving.
- The speed limit will transition from 30mph to 40mph approximately 350m south of The Portway / Main Street junction.
- Landscaping features throughout including new and existing areas of verge planted with flowering bulbs and wildflowers. Benches and seating will also be provided.
- A safer, calmer and quieter road to walk alongside or cross.
- A safer space for people of all abilities to feel more comfortable cycling.
- A safer road to drive along with people able to react and brake more quickly, reducing the chances of collisions and their severity.
What are the considerations for the link into Hardwick?
Following engagement in 2022 with the Parish Council, landowners and walking, cycling and horse-riding groups, there are a variety of viewpoints that we needed to consider for the route section into Hardwick.
Based on initial discussions with the stakeholders and the request for traffic calming measures on Main Street and Cambridge Road, our designers have put together a proposal which looks to reduce traffic speeds through the village and provide a safer walking and cycling environment.
Current proposals for this section primarily include traffic calming measures in the way of raised tables as junctions, narrowed junctions at side roads, widened footways where possible, improved uncontrolled crossing points to match desire lines and a gateway feature on entry to the village. The overall combination of these measures should help to create a pedestrian and cycle friendly environment for greenway users.
We are keen to get your input on the scheme designs, before they progress to detailed design. As such, we are now seeking additional comments and feedback for the proposed link into Hardwick.
What is being proposed?
Features include the following (north to south from Cambridge Road to Main Street):
How will the scheme be delivered?
As the proposals are all within the extents of the highway boundary, the scheme will be delivered via Permitted Development rights. There will be a further opportunity to comment when we advertise the Traffic Regulation Orders relating to changes in speed limit and provision of raised tables.
In terms of construction programming, the works along Main Street and Cambridge Road in Hardwick will likely be scheduled in Spring / Summer 2025, once the outcomes of the engagement have been confirmed and incorporated in the designs, and the construction teams mobilised. This will be dependent on approval from GCPs Joint Assembly and Executive Board.
How do these new features improve safety?
The measures will create a much safer, more pleasant environment along Main Street and Cambridge Road for all users by slowing traffic and creating a safer environment that prioritises pedestrians and cyclists. Provision of raised tables, narrowing side road junctions and introducing 20mph Zones (i.e. a slower speed limit and traffic calming features) are well-established as being significantly safer for all, particularly for people walking and cycling. It will mean:
What do raised tables and side road treatments do?
Raised tables make drivers slow down, making crossing the road safer and easier. They also provide priority for people walking and cycling to cross the road. Flat-topped raised tables at side road junctions reduce traffic speeds as people have to slow down when driving to pass over them. They also provide a level surface to help people cross the road more easily.
Narrowing side-road junctions encourages people to drive more slowly as they turn, making it safer for everyone. It also helps to reduce the distance between pavements, making it safer to cross. Narrowing side road junctions also helps safety by making it easier for people walking, cycling and driving to see each other.
What about the Cambridge to Cambourne route?
Whilst there are no specific interfaces for the Comberton Greenway and Cambourne to Cambridge through Hardwick, we are working collaboratively with Cambourne to Cambridge designers and have planned for the interfaces between the two routes and wider greenway network.
Both schemes will improve connectivity for sustainable, active travel in the area, helping to achieve the GCP’s vision for sustainable travel.
Have you considered a more direct route to Comberton or Toft?
Yes, we explored all potential route alignments during the initial feasibility studies conducted from 2017 to 2020. This process included a thorough review of public feedback received during a formal consultation between July 2017 and May 2018. Although the proposed routes may not appear to be the most direct, they were selected because they have the least environmental impact compared to other alternatives evaluated at the time. The final routes were approved by the GCP Executive Board in 2020.
What about the off-road path to Long Road, which was advertised in 2022?
The off-road path between Long Road and Hardwick village, as advertised in 2022, is still part of the current plans. The route will follow the existing Port Way track, running along field edges and woodland, before connecting to Long Road to the east. We are currently working with landowners to address their needs before completing the detailed design of this section.
Will there be any impact on vegetation or trees?
The current landscaping plans for Hardwick village aim to preserve all existing trees, hedgerows, and planted verges. Any necessary maintenance will involve addressing overhanging vegetation from private properties. Additionally, the proposals include planting bulbs to further enhance the greenery and landscaping in the area. No tree removals are planned.
Can horse riders use the section through Hardwick village?
The proposals through Hardwick on Main Street and Cambridge Road are limited to junction improvements and traffic calming measures. Whilst there are no specific measures for horse riders within the existing public highway, horse riders will still be benefit from the improvements as vehicles in the road will be encouraged to travel at slower speeds, making it safer for horse riders.
General Questions
What is a greenway?
Visit our main website to find out more about the Greater Cambridge Greenways by clicking here or following www.greatercambridge.org.uk/sustainable-transport-programme/active-travel-projects/greater-cambridge-greenways
How were the greenway routes decided?
In 2015, the Greater Cambridge Partnership received £500million to make vital improvements to Greater Cambridge’s walking, cycling and public transport network.
The greenway routes were initially proposed to one of the three GCP partners, Cambridgeshire County Council, by Nigel Brigham associates in a report that was commissioned in 2016. They have since been revised following public comments on route alignments and proposed interventions between July 2017 and May 2018.
The routes and potential types of intervention were agreed following this consultation and at meetings of the GCP Executive Board throughout 2020.
We are now focused on designs for the routes with the help of local communities – in particular, at Hardwick, part of the Comberton Greenway.
Where is the funding for these projects coming from?
The greenways were approved for funding by the GCP Executive Board in 2020 as part of the City Deal investment programme. The City Deal was set-up to invest in transport, skills and housing to support and unlock growth in Greater Cambridge and more broadly benefiting the UK economy and wider society.
Small sections of some routes may be funded by, or built as part of, new developments that already have planning permission (called Section 106 agreements).
When does building on the greenways start?
Construction is already underway on some parts of the greenways. There is an aspiration to complete construction of all greenways by the end of the 2025/26 financial year. Where possible, GCP are pushing forward with sections of routes that can be delivered sooner. For example, the Linton Greenway is currently under construction. Parts of the Comberton Greenway through Comberton Village itself have also been completed.
We will work to develop designs in detail and obtain consents before construction and building can begin.
We will then start building the greenways in different phases on a rolling basis. Primarily, sections that are located within the highway boundary will be prioritised for early delivery. This may mean some sections of greenways will be open and available to use before the whole route is complete, ensuring some benefit is delivered to certain places sooner, depending on planning consents, ecology, complexity of construction or landowner requirements.
How will the greenways be maintained and by whom?
The greenways will be adopted by Cambridgeshire County Council as part of the Highways and Public Rights of Way network and be managed accordingly.
What type of signage will be used along the greenway routes?
All signage included along the greenway routes will be set out in a prescribed way, in accordance with the latest guidance and in line with the latest version of the Highway Code. This includes signage to advise users of the presence of pedestrians, cyclists and, where appropriate, horse riders, along the greenway network.
A detailed schedule of proposed signage, including types of signage and locations, will be included as part of the detailed drawings in the next stages of the design.
We are happy to receive feedback and comments from the public and stakeholders as part of this engagement process, on any signage which we should consider.
What traffic surveys are being done? How will this help?
Traffic surveys help us to determine existing traffic flows, speeds and the number of pedestrians and / or cyclists that use an existing road, crossing point or existing footpath. This data helps us to determine where we could improve safety and what impact this may have. This data is also helpful when auditing designs as part of a Road Safety Audit.
How will the greenways support accessibility needs?
We encourage feedback from disabled people on these designs to help ensure we are accommodating different needs.
We will also be engaging local disability forums on the greenways network, to understand how we can make the designs accessible and more inclusive.
The routes are being designed to be fully accessible for wheelchairs. This will include widening of paths, step-free access and hard surfaces and ensuring any ramps that replace steps have gentle gradients.
An Equality Impact Assessment (EqIA) has been conducted for each route to ensure that our actions and decisions for each route are fair and do not present barriers or disadvantage any protected group.
Will any further future links be considered as part of this greenway network, other than what is shown?
GCP are aware of further opportunities to provide additional links to the greenway network, other than what is shown as part of this engagement process.
However, funding for the scheme is currently limited to the design and delivery of the set routes, as currently proposed.
What is the environmental impact of the scheme? Has the carbon impact been calculated?
We are committed to ensuring minimal disruption to the areas surrounding the greenways including existing trees, hedgerows, and other vegetation.
The off-road sections are being designed to enhance the landscape for wildlife, help people reach greenspaces and travel in sustainable ways.
We have already commissioned a number of environmental surveys which will allow us to ensure that any impact on sensitive ecological features is kept to a minimum and to confirm areas where we can contribute positively to biodiversity. GCP are also working with their contractors to ensure impacts are kept to a minimum throughout the construction and operational phases of the project.
We have also undertaken specialised ecological surveys including on existing water bodies, trees and hedgerows to determine the precise impact of the Greenway on any existing habitats. A tree specialist will also recommend ways to mitigate these impacts during construction, including root protection plans and good practice construction methods, for example. They will also identify any further planting or enhancements required to increase biodiversity and meet the 10% net gain requirement.
Of course, there will be carbon cost to construction and the materials we use. However, we are discussing materials and any potential to reduce carbon during construction with our contractors.
Greenways are just one part of a package of measures helping us to leave the car at home and travel in ways that do not harm the environment for many years to come – transport is currently the largest single source of carbon emissions from Greater Cambridge
We will be using Cambridgeshire County Council’s Carbon Calculator to assess the carbon impact of the scheme. The Carbon Calculator is set to be a standardised tool used for all Council’s projects and suppliers. This approach will provide transparency, enable carbon emissions to be quantified and reduce environmental implications.
What surface materials are proposed? Will these be environmentally friendly?
Generally, the new routes will be made from a hard, smooth surface such as asphalt. In more rural locations, we will introduce appropriate surface treatment that is sensitive to the local environment.
We are working to ensure that any materials used as part of the greenways network will be fit-for-purpose, environmentally friendly, durable and long-lasting, and meet county highway’s maintenance requirements.
GCP are in regular contact with the county’s highways teams to discuss any ongoing maintenance and highways issues as part of the proposed greenway network.
Any proposed materials will be subject to feedback that we receive from the public and stakeholders as part of this engagement process.
Can horse riders use shared use paths?
The current legal position is that horse riders do not have the right to use routes marked with the blue “pedestrian/cycle only” or cycle stencil sign. In order to allow equestrians on existing routes which are currently signed as “pedestrian/cycle only”, the Department for Transport would need to change the current definition of a “pedestrian/cycle only” share use path.
There are currently two signs in the Traffic Signs Regulations and General Directions 2016 relating to shared use paths.
The sign indicating a shared route for bicycles, horses and pedestrians must only be placed to indicate the effect of an Act, order, regulation, bylaw, resolution or notice which prohibits or restricts the traffic on the road.
Allowing equestrians to use routes that are currently shared cycle and pedestrian use only, would require a change which Cambridge County Council Members would need to approve. This could be done on a case-by-case basis where it is appropriate. However, there would need to be consideration about the width of the route, additional head height clearance required and what crossing facilities are in place at any formal crossing points, as these should include provisions suitable for horses.
In order to legally change an existing “pedestrian and cycle only” route to allow equestrians, the route would need to be re-dedicated by way of a notice and updated to include the “bicycle, equestrian and pedestrian”. This would have a cost implication to make the changes, particularly if changes are required at crossing points or additional height clearance or width is required. Given the current financial climate unfortunately there are no County Council funds available to progress any changes on existing routes at this time.
The BHS have delivered an information session for County Council officers to help them identify these issues for future schemes.