Trade · Berlins Today
Phil Shepka, Cambridgeshire political reporter Tom Jackson/BBC Anna Gazeley's family owns a century-old orchard on the path where a new busway will be built. The project, known as C2C, links 8.6 miles between Cambridge and Cambourne and aims to provide 10,000 daily passenger trips. Approved on Tuesday, the route will pass through Coton Orchard, where Anna Gazeley expressed deep emotional distress, calling it akin to receiving a terminal diagnosis.
Anna Gazeley, whose family orchard contains about 1,000 trees of 26 varieties of apples, pears, and plums, told the BBC: 'I feel bereaved. It is as though someone I love has been given a terminal diagnosis, and I am being told there is nothing I can do but watch her die.'
Brian Milnes, Lib Dem chair of the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP), acknowledged sympathy for protesters but emphasized the need for dispassionate decision-making, citing the busway's importance for sustainable development. Inspectors concluded the busway was 'crucial' despite objections, noting a lack of practical alternatives. Thousands of homes are planned at the former RAF site in Bourn, but a planning condition restricts development to 500 homes if a busway isn’t built.
Over 300 objections were raised, including safety concerns following deaths on Cambridgeshire’s current busway and skepticism about passenger numbers. The GCP insists the project is vital for better public transport in and around Cambridge, especially as Cambourne expands. However, Coton Parish Council criticizes the lack of thorough assessment for viable on-road alternatives, warning the scheme could be an expensive white elephant and cause irreparable harm to habitat.
Despite these concerns, Milnes expressed relief that the decision has been made, calling it a major new transport route for a rapidly growing area. The busway’s approval hinges on securing development at Bourn Airfield, which would otherwise be delayed.
Source: BBC
