City Deal
Cambridge residents called to have their say on proposals for Mitcham's Corner junction
Residents have been called to have their say on the development framework for Mitcham's Corner in Cambridge
Flo Snead
Mitcham's Corner in Cambridge (Image: Warren Gunn)
Residents have been called to give their views on initial proposals for the future redevelopment of a busy Cambridge junction.
The call comes after Cambridge City Council released a new document detailing its 'development framework' for Mitcham's Corner as part of the emerging Local Plan for the city.
The area covered by the document is to the north of Cambridge city centre, centred around the one-way system where Chesterton Road, Milton Road and Victoria Road meet.
Three main objectives have been set out in the 'Mitcham's Corner Development Framework' – creating a "connected place", improving the district centre and creating "places for people".
According to the document these can be achieved in a number of ways, including potentially changing the road layout, reducing vehicle speeds, improving access and creating new public areas.
Cllr Kevin Blencowe, executive councillor for planning policy and transport, said he wanted to hear from as many people as possible about how they area should be shaped for the future.
'Over the years its potential has been affected by a road system which has become outdated and can be confusing to many people visiting the area.'
He said: "Mitcham's Corner is a unique part of Cambridge, home to some thriving businesses and a large community of people who use its facilities.
"However, over the years its potential has been affected by a road system which has become outdated and can be confusing to many people visiting the area.
"We think that this framework to improve Mitcham's Corner will help the area meet its potential as a thriving local centre bringing people closer together and as a gateway to the city centre."
Mitcham's Corner is currently dominated by a one-way gyratory traffic system introduced in the 1960s.
Some have said the layout currently means movement in the area can be difficult and confusing for pedestrians and cyclists, and that large parts of the vicinity are underused.
Concern from the local community was raised earlier this year when it was said the junction was at risk of being pushed aside among fierce competition from other City Deal projects.
'No definite direction'
Adrian Medd, a Friends of Mitcham's Corner committee member, told the News there were fears the junction had no "definite direction" and that it was "not high up on the list of concerns".
However a Cambridge Greater City Deal spokesman countered these claims and said its aims were to improve travel and public transport throughout the city.
The consultation starts at 9am on September 5 and will continue until 5pm on October 17.
The draft document will be available online at cambridge.gov.uk/mitchams-corner-spd.
Hard copies will also be available to read on request from the customer service centre at Mandela House, Regent Street, and at Milton Road Library on Ascham Road.