Cambourne to Cambridge guided bus route

Holmes & Hills Solicitors is currently watching with interest, the progress of the Cambourne to Cambridge guided bus route proposal.

In November 2024, The Greater Cambridge Partnership (a body representing Cambridge City Council, Cambridge County Council and South Cambridge District Council) submitted an application under the Transport and Works Act 1992 for an Order authorising the construction of a new 8.7-mile (14km) bus route linking Cambourne with Cambridge City Centre, via Bourn Airfield, Hardwick, Coton and the Cambridge University West Cambridge Site.

If confirmed, this proposal will provide a dedicated carriageway for bus use only which will provide a sustainable alternative to car use for travel between these centres; it is hoped that in particular this will meet the local transport needs of occupants of the significant number of additional new homes/ employment areas in Cambourne, Bourn Airfield and the West Cambridge Site.

A transport hub is planned for Dry Drayton which will provide car parking for up to 2000 cars and 300 cycles for those picking up the bus service at this point. Around 8 buses are planned per hour in each direction, the majority of which will run between the City Centre, the train station and the Bio Med campus. This proposal will also provide a new path for walkers, cyclists and (where possible) horse riders along the whole route, to complement the existing rural walking/cycling network in the area.

The scheme promoters hope that the new bus route will ease traffic congestion, offer sustainable travel choices, improve journey times, connect communities and support growth.

Those impacted by these proposals had the opportunity to submit objections/representations to the Department of Transport before 8 January 2025. Thereafter, it is likely that the Department of Transport will proceed to call for an inquiry some time in 2025 which will provide an opportunity to challenge aspects of the proposals before an Inspector, who will then evaluate all evidence and make a recommendation to the Secretary of State on whether to confirm the proposal or not.

Cambourne to Cambridge guided bus way planning updates

Holmes & Hills’ Planning and Development Team, which is one of the largest teams of specialist Planning Law solicitors in East Anglia, has a wealth of experience in dealing with CPO/DCO orders. Please contact Mike Harman, Mel Francis or Catherine Hibbert if you would like to discuss and receive advice on the the Cambourne to Cambridge Scheme.