Historical Cambridge documents informing current housing and transport consultations – 2021

We have:

1. The Greater Cambridge Local Plan (emerging)
2. The Local Transport & Connectivity Plan (Cambs & P’boro)
3. The Greater Cambridge Partnership Bus Network consultations titled “Making Connections” (along with what look like much-reduced proposals for Cambridge Eastern Access).

These require a huge amount of reading if you want to get into the detail. You don’t have to – but it can help being part of a campaign group such as:

• A local residents’ association (see the Cambridge federation at https://www.fecra.org.uk/)
• Cambridge Cycling Campaign on cycling and walking routes & facilities
• Living Streets – formerly the Pedestrians’ Association (Formed before WWII, they have a Cambridge Branch)
• Cambridge Area Bus Users – if you are interested in campaigning for improved bus services
• Rail Future – if you want a new light rail and/or improved heavy/normal rail services
• Acorn the Community Union – for people in rental accommodation – they have a Cambridge branch

With campaigns generally, rather than spreading your resources and attention too thinly, better to join a very small number and get involved / do things well.

Finally, you can do the unfashionable thing and join a political party.

The big three past development plans – Davidge, Holford & Wright, and finally John Parry Lewis.

• The Cambridgeshire Regional Plan 1934 by W.R. Davidge.
• Cambridge Planning Proposals Part 1, 1950, Holford and Wright
• Cambridge Planning Proposals Part 2, 1950, Holford and Wright
  • A guide to the Cambridge Plan, 1956, Derek Senior
• A study of the Cambridge Sub-Region, 1973, John Parry Lewis

All significant for different reasons, all fascinating studies. Davidge’s report curtailed ribbon developments and designated the first areas to be protected from development. Holford & Wright restricted Cambridge’s growth to 100,000 people by the year 2000. John Parry Lewis recommended getting rid of that restriction and planned for a city of 200,000 with a new urban centre. His report was rejected by councillors – but given we are going to be closer to 150,000 people with the 2021 census results due in the next six months, his report is worth looking at again.

Cambridge – the future of the university town post-WWII

• The Future of the Backs 1956 – Richard Gray
• Dreaming Spires, Teeming Towers 1963 – Thomas Sharp

Grassroots newsletters and plans – The Kite

• Gradual Renewal of The Kite 1976, Kite Community Council
• Grapevine 10 (1979)
• Grapevine 11 (1979)
• Grapevine 12 (1979)

Campaigning pamphlets

• Save the Gogs – 1937.

Information and citizens’ guides

• Cambridge Public Services – 1960s.
• A history of Cambridgeshire local government boundaries in maps – 1959.

I will be adding to this list at future dates as and when I digitise / get permission to digitise more documents.