Redrow are in discussion with South Cambs District Council regarding a proposal to build houses adjacent to the M11 motorway (see below).
They have submitted a planning application with potential construction to start in early 2027 subject planning approval.
HAUXTON PARISH COUNCIL
PLANNING RESPONSE
Proposed Development: Residential development of approximately 140 dwellings
Location: Land at Hauxton, Cambridgeshire, defined as ‘Street Record High Street Hauxton
Cambridgeshire
Planning Application Ref: Plan/26/02161/SCRE
Hauxton Parish Council has considered the above planning application and wishes to raise
concerns regarding environmental impact, particularly in relation to noise arising from the adjacent elevated section of the M11 motorway. The Parish Council wishes it to be noted that with a closing date of 18th June for comment on this application, they were only notified on 15th June.
Given the scale of the development (140 dwellings) and its proximity to a major transport corridor, and the advent of the anticipate East West Rail link, including a proposed increase in the numbers of night freight trains, the Parish Council formally requests that the Local Planning Authority undertake an EIA Screening Opinion under the Town and Country Planning
(Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations 2017. The Parish Council wishes to ensure the wellbeing of all residents, and that any future residential development would not be adversely affected.
The Council has concerns that the development has the potential to give rise to significant
environmental effects, particularly:
• Noise impacts from the motorway
• Air quality impacts associated with traffic emissions
• Increased noise impact from the new East West Rail link
• Cumulative impacts on residential amenity
Should the screening determine that significant effects are likely, a full Environmental Impact
Assessment should be required. In any event, and regardless of whether an EIA is required, the
Parish Council strongly requests that a comprehensive Noise Impact Assessment (Acoustic
Assessment) be submitted and approved prior to the determination of any future application.
This assessment should:
• Include baseline noise monitoring
• Assess both daytime and night-time impacts
• Specifically address the raised alignment of the M11, which may amplify noise propagation
The Parish Council has concerns re:
• Long-term exposure of residents to high noise levels
• Impacts on health and wellbeing
• The usability of outdoor amenity space, including private gardens
In the absence of an EIA screening opinion and a robust acoustic assessment the Parish
Council considers that any future application for the residential development of the site cannot be properly assessed.
Submitted by: Hauxton Parish Council
Date: 17th June 2026
Observations from a Resident
Following my visit to the above meeting, herewith my observations. I support the proposal in general. Please see my specific comments.
- It is imperative that the Company work closely with the Parish Council, to ensure that local young families are given priority opportunities to access the affordable new houses in this development.
- The proximity to the Motorway requires that traffic noise and atmospheric pollution must be minimised by the construction of a solid acoustic fence along the periphery of the M11 boundary.
- The highway authority must ensure that the most sympathetic road surfacing, noise abatement materials, be maintained along this section of the motorway at all times.
- That any tree planting along the boundary be “evergreen” in order to provide a “year-round” sound barrier. I would respectfully ask you to consider a mixture of Austrian Pine (Pinus austriaca nigra) and English Oak {Quercus ilex}.
- House design: The Developer must consider as a priority noise and atmospheric pollution.
- Assuming section 106 is still applicable I would wish consideration be given to the installation of traffic lights at “Hauxton Gap”. The access to and from the A10 on to Church Road provides 95% of all vehicle movement through the village (the County Highway Authority are aware of this situation}. There was a 99% request from the residents of the Village that this facility be included in the previous housing application. This new housing development will compound this flow.
- Community Orchard: May I suggest that during the planting of this Orchard that we include a number of Olive trees and if practicable, a number of Fig trees. The temperature in this Village during the summer months is very high with a very low rainfall: we must take advantage of ”Climate change” if possible.
- New Safe Walk and Cycleways: If section 106 legislation still applies, consideration must be given to the construction of a new safe footway along Hauxton Road adjacent to this development. Especially for parents and carers walking to and from the Shelfords. New cycleways should link into the Addenbrook Cycleway system.
- A new Bus Stop and Shelter should be included adjacent to this development.
- The development must include two Children’s Playground notices at strategic points adjacent to the playground including permanent 20 MPH notices. This will need to be arranged through the County Highways Authority as a part of the Planning Process. It is vital since the entrance and exit to the playground are on a bend.
John Wilkinson, Director of Leisure and Community Services, 1973-1993, Cambridge City Council.