I wasn't able to get to the meeting on Monday night when representatives
of the developer met with the Parish Council, and have only now had time
to read the proposals as they relate to Milton.
My initial reaction to the relevant section of the document
(http://www.mereham.info/admin/uploads/74/Appendix_4.pdf - big at
4.55MB) is that it is very badly written, verbose, and jargon-laden. The
standard of written English is poor, and, if this document is intended
to bring doubting residents/planners/councillors round to the
developer's way of thinking, it has already had a poor start with me.
How can we be expected to trust an organisation with our precious
village environment if they cannot be bothered even to properly
proof-read their proposals?
I am also profoundly troubled by the 'developer knows best' tone. We
might just like the village the way it is! We are the people who live
here: or is this just to improve the aesthetics of the journey for the
Mereham residents using the 'HQPT corridor'?
One of their points is that the road surface is in poor repair, and that
their 'improvements' will include a new surface, and better 'legibility'
for cyclists. The resurfacing and re-marking earlier this year has taken
that argument away. Sure, they can tidy up the road signs, and get rid
of some of the street furniture clutter if they want - and I personally
wouldn't object to some harmonising of the different designs of street
lights along Ely Road/High Street/Cambridge Road so that they better
suit a 30mph residential area. However, these are all very peripheral
issues.
What I don't understand, and reading the proposals hasn't enlightened me
much, is why they are so interested in 'improving' Milton. It has
nothing to do with Mereham, other than that their posh bus service will
come through, together with their 'rat runners'. Nothing in their
proposal would deter the latter - they would just have a nicer view
while they queue to go past Tesco.
As for replacing the Jane Coston Bridge - they can't be serious. I know
we live in a throw-away society, but this beggars belief!
Their proposal for Milton seems to me to be a misguided attempt to
sweeten the bitter pill of serious increases in traffic volumes on the
A10, consequent major disruption at the A10/A14 interchange (even when
the current remodelling is completed), increased rat running through the
village and misery for anyone living in Milton who wants to travel
anywhere outside the village between 7am and 8pm. I for one am not taken
in by it, and fully support the Parish Council in their initial comments
(http://www.miltonvillage.org.uk/opus1310.html). No doubt their further
deliberations will uncover more areas for objection.
Gently steaming from the ears,
David.
--
Rev David Chamberlin
Rector of Milton, Diocese of Ely
The Rectory, Church Lane, Milton, Cambridge, CB4 6AB
t: 01223 861511 :: m: 07761 630775
www.revdc.net :: www.allsaintsmilton.org.uk
:.
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