Villagers and farmers launch legal challenge against road that could go through farmland
10th January 2025
Villagers, farmers, charities and conservationists have joined forces to fight against a £200 million ‘sustainable green bus route’ that would cut through picturesque countryside and farmland in Cambridgeshire.
The locals have challenged the proposed Cambourne to Cambridge bus road that is set to go across the countryside, including Coton Orchard and Madingley Hill, areas renowned for their environmental significance, heritage and agricultural value.
While much of the route from Cambourne to Cambridge follows existing roads, the proposed section through the countryside has sparked significant opposition due to its impact on wildlife habitats and farmland.
A local charity dedicated to preserving the region’s heritage and environment, Cambridge Past, Present & Future, has argued that enhancing bus services alongside existing roads, such as providing a bus lane on Madingley Hill, would achieve the project’s objectives without causing environmental degradation or disrupting agricultural activities.
Cutting farm in half
Local farmers are deeply concerned about the proposed bus road, which threatens to bisect their agricultural land classified as ‘best and most versatile’.
The Sadler family, whose farm lies directly in its path, said: “The proposed busway would cut our farm in half, making it nearly impossible to continue our operations. This land is not just our livelihood; it’s our heritage.”
Clive Anderson, president of the Woodland Trust, added that the proposed new busway from Cambourne to Cambridge might, in the fullness of time, make a small contribution to combating the global climate crisis, but it would be a great shame if this could only be achieved at the cost of making worse the biodiversity crisis which threatens the natural world as well.
“It is not in our long- or short-term interests to remove the mature trees of Coton Orchard, and the irreplaceable habitats which exist in and around them, which once lost, are lost forever.”
The coalition is asking for donations to fund their legal case and professional representation at the upcoming public inquiry. Contributions can be made via the CPPF website.
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