FAQs
Haslingfield Greenway FAQ
The Broadway/Coton Road section currently has c.140 cyclist and c.100 pedestrian trips over 24 hours. This is predicted to increase to c.190 cyclist and c.110 pedestrian trips over 24 hours.
The Burnt Close section currently has c.25 cyclist and c.35 pedestrian trips over 24 hours. This is predicted to increase to c.33 cyclist and c.40 pedestrian trips over 24 hours.
Materials palette – The selection of materials will be carefully considered to correspond with historical buildings and existing materials while reflecting the character of the conservation area.
Open views – The designs will be developed to maintain key views along Broadway towards Grantchester Meadows.
Key arrival intersection (Coton Road / Broadway / High Street junction) – Key view towards the conservation area on arrival from Broadway would be retained. There is the potential to enhance the intersection by proposing a roundabout pattern through careful selection and use of materials that would reflect the character of the conservation area.
Why are you consulting again?
In 2018, we held a public consultation on ideas for this route, with supportive feedback on the majority of the proposals. In summer 2022, we presented more detailed designs to the public for feedback where concerns were raised regarding the route through Grantchester. Key concerns included impacts on the historic conservation area, safety, lighting and excessive signage. As such, we have updated the design through the village. The ‘You said, We did’ document from the summer 2022 engagement can be found on the website.
We are currently consulting on a specific section of the route that spans 2.5 kilometres, starting from the Baulk Path in the north, going through Grantchester, and ending at the M11 bridge in the south. This route would provide the most direct connection between Haslingfield, Grantchester and Cambridge and would also allow the M11 bridge to become step-free.
We are not proposing any changes to the remaining sections of the Greenway between Barton Road and the Rugby Club, or the section south of the M11 bridge, which predominantly follows the alignment of existing bridleways and Cantelupe Road into Haslingfield village with a spur to the A10 at Hauxton.
The results of this public consultation will help the GCP to decide whether the section of the route being consulted on will be taken forward. Should this section not proceed, Haslingfield Greenway users would use the link alongside the M11 to join the Barton Greenway and continue their journey using the Baulk Path or Barton Road.
We look forward to receiving feedback from the public, whether you live in, work in, or travel through Grantchester, to help us shape this project and ensure that it meets the needs of the community it serves.
Are the Baulk Path improvements going ahead?
The Baulk Path falls under the Barton Greenway scheme and was consulted on in 2018, with further engagement undertaken in 2022.
The proposals would include improvements to the Baulk Path to make it more usable throughout the year. We are proposing a shared-use path with a wide grass verge alongside it for soft surface users. This would provide an alternative off-road route as part of the Barton Greenway and would provide a connection to the Haslingfield Greenway.
Construction on the Baulk Path is due to commence in 2025, subject to all appropriate approvals.
If the Greenway runs through Grantchester, how many cyclists are predicted to use this route?
The Greenways are everyday cycling and walking routes and would lead to an increase in people cycling for everyday journeys to work, school and shops and to visit green spaces.
The Haslingfield Greenway Outline Business Case findings indicated an expected increase of 10% in walking and 25% in cycling based on the current usage numbers.
Examples of what this means include:
Will there be a loss of parking spaces?
We are not proposing any changes to parking restrictions.
How have the proposals been developed to ensure they are in keeping with the conservation area and feel of the village?
We have been listening to your feedback and working with local people and stakeholders to ensure that the design put forward is in keeping with the rest of the village.
We have explored various features during the design process which have been designed in accordance with Historic England’s “Streets for All” guidance to ensure that these respect the character of designated conservation areas. This includes:
We have also considered other potential features that could be included, including street furniture such as bins and seating, as well as planting. These design features are to be determined subject to consultation feedback, landowner agreement and further refinement. However, we would welcome any thoughts or feedback at this stage.
Why are the M11 accessible bridge ramps included in this section?
Currently, there are no cycling connections between the north and south of the M11. The proposals include removing the steps on the M11 bridge, to be replaced by a shallow gradient ramp to provide accessible access for pedestrians, cyclists, wheelchair users, mobility scooters and those pushing buggies.
The improvements on the bridge would make this route more accessible and provide onward connectivity for the section that runs into Grantchester. If that section doesn’t proceed, there will be no strategic or funding case to undertake the bridge works in isolation.
The feedback we receive will determine whether the Haslingfield Greenway will pass through Grantchester and subsequently improve the M11 bridge or not.
What precautions are being undertaken on Broadway and Grantchester Road to avoid potential conflicts between cyclists, parked cars and buses?
The proposed designs consider the safety of road users and sensitivity to the surrounding context, with the 20mph speed limit extended to cover the whole of Grantchester village. While the carriageway widths throughout the village will remain mostly unchanged, we have identified specific locations where build-outs are necessary to slow down the traffic and to improve safety. Traffic surveys undertaken since the engagement in 2018 indicate that the scale of traffic flows meets the criteria for roads suitable for cyclists to mix with vehicular traffic. The predicted cycling numbers are also not significant enough to cause road safety concerns.
Is new lighting proposed?
We do not have any plans to make changes to the existing lighting provision. If necessary, we may propose upgrades to improve safety and visibility. It's important to note that we would only look at improving lighting at key junctions and any lighting proposals would be mindful of the conservation area status. Should this requirement change, we would seek advice from the Parish Council before proceeding
We are considering the use of reflective solar studs on off-carriageway (rural) sections, depending on environmental and ecological considerations.
What surface materials are being used?
The use of red asphalt has been completely removed from this entire section of the Greenway.
Final designs and materials to be determined subject to consultation feedback, landowner agreement and further refinement. However, careful consideration will be given to the choice of materials to correspond with historical buildings and existing materials to reflect the character of the conservation area.
Are traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps, planned?
Speed bumps have been removed and build-outs and raised tables are proposed to slow down traffic.
What precautions are being undertaken to reduce speeding along Coton Road?
Proposals to introduce traffic calming on Coton Road would be proposed under the Barton Greenway, should the Grantchester section of the Haslingfield Greenway proceed.
This would include raised tables and other speed reduction measures, along with accompanying sensitive landscaping and planting.
What happens next?
A report of the engagement and its findings will be presented to the GCP Executive Board to decide on the future of Haslingfield Greenway through Grantchester
After the consultation period concludes, all the feedback provided by participants will be carefully analysed and evaluated.
This analysis aims to extract valuable insights and identify key themes and concerns raised during the consultation. The findings will then be compiled into a comprehensive summary report that will be made accessible on our website.
Your views on the proposal will be given due consideration by the GCP Executive Board, who will take into account the insights shared during the consultation process. It will be the Executive Board who takes the decision to go ahead with the section, with further changes, or not at all.
Should this section not proceed, the Haslingfield Greenway would use a new link alongside the M11 to join the Barton Greenway and users would continue their journey using either the Baulk Path or Barton Road.
Your input will play a significant role in informing the Executive Board’s decision-making process and shaping the future steps regarding this proposal.