Noticeboard

Accounts and Audit Report with details of how to obtain a copy

For more details, follow the link on the poster

The Notice sets out the rights of any interested person to inspect and make copies of the accounting records for the financial year to which the audit relates

Highways England will be carrying out essential maintenance on the A14 in this area. This will improve the overall condition of the road, make it safer for road users and extend its lifespan.

Traffic Information:

https://nationalhighways.co.uk/travel-updates/

Upcoming A14 Closures

A range of works, on the A14, between junction 33 and junction 44 will be undertaken in various phases, running until autumn 2022.

Lane 3 between junction 37 and junction 38, eastbound and westbound, is closed until summer 2022 so expect some delays.

A14 eastbound closure junction 35 and junction 39

Dates

Monday 23 May to Tuesday 31 May and Monday 6 June to Friday 10 June 2022 weeknights only from 9pm to 4am (excludes Platinum Jubilee Bank Holiday weekend)

Diversion

A14 Eastbound traffic exit at A14 J35 follow A1303, A1304 and B1506 re-joining A14 at junction 39.

A11 northbound traffic exit at Six Mile Bottom follow A1304 and B1506 re-joining A14 at junction 38.

A14 westbound closure junction 39 and junction 35

Dates

Wednesday 27 April to Friday 6 May 2022 weeknights only from 9pm to 4am

Monday 13 June to Friday 24 June 2022 weeknights only from 9pm to 4am

Diversion

A14 westbound traffic exit at A14 J39 follow B1506, A142 re-joining A14 at junction 37.

A11 southbound traffic exit at A14 J38 follow A1304 re-joining A11 at Six Mile Bottom.

A142 Fordham Road Bridge, full closure over the bridge

Dates

Saturday 23 April and Sunday 24 April from 8pm to 6am

Diversion

A142 southbound traffic will be diverted onto the A14 to junction 38, joining the A11 northbound to turn around at Red Lodge Bypass, re-join the A14 at junction 38 and re-join the A142 at junction 37.

A142 northbound traffic will be diverted onto the A14 westbound to turn around at junction 35 and exit the A14 eastbound at junction 37 to re-join the A142.

A14 junction 36 to junction 38 in both directions

Bridge waterproofing works for A14 Exning and Windmill bridges which will require a contraflow in summer 2022.

Young people across East Cambridgeshire are being given the opportunity to design artwork to help celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The competition is being run by East Cambridgeshire District Council over the Easter Holidays and is based on the theme “Plant a tree for the Jubilee.”

Three designs will be shortlisted by the Council and transformed into artwork to help raise awareness of the Jubilee celebrations in June.

Each winner will get to see their artwork pasted onto the East Cambs Street Scene recycling lorries, shared on social media and made into posters. The best design will also be transformed into a special Platinum Jubilee card to be sent on behalf of the Council to Her Majesty the Queen.

In keeping with the “Plant a Tree for the Jubilee” theme, each winner will also receive £50 of National Garden Gift Vouchers.

The competition is one of a number of activities being organised by the Council to help celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

On Tuesday (29 March), four children from Borough Green Primary School helped the Chairman of the Council, Councillor Alan Sharp plant a native beech tree in Brinkley.

Councillor Julia Huffer, Chair of the Council’s Operational Service Committee, said: “This is a great opportunity for anyone aged under 18 across the district to get involved in a very exciting project and I would encourage everyone who is able to, to take part and submit their entry.

“We look forward to seeing some of the creative ideas from young minds across the district.”

Designs need to be in landscape format, but can be created out of any media. The Council is accepting entries until 12pm on Friday 22 April.

Entries can be submitted to the Council office via post or by emailing comms@eastcambs.gov.uk.

For more detail and rules of entry visit:

https://www.eastcambs.gov.uk/press/queen’s-platinum-jubilee-artwork-competition-launched-young-people

Cambridgeshire County Council is pleased to have funding again this year to enable children, in receipt of income-related free school meals, to attend a holiday scheme for free during the Easter, Summer and Christmas school holidays. This Easter, eligible children can attend for up to 16 hours for no charge. Parents can book places directly with participating holiday schemes, more information can be found at www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/haf

ARE YOU INTERESTED IN BECOMING A PARISH COUNCILLOR?

FIND OUT HOW YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO YOUR COMMUNITY

All prospective councillors from Cambridgeshire and Peterborough are welcome to attend.

Wednesday 16th March 2022 - 1830 til 2100

The session is bookable via our online booking system -CAPALC Booking Page.
Direct Booking Link
Wednesday 16th March

If you are planning to attend please can you let the Clerk know–Jonathan GilesClerk@bottisham-pc.gov.uk

As you know Anglian Water have plans to relocate their current facility to a new one. The project is currently in the pre-application phase for a Development Consent Order (DCO), the planning consent required to allow the development to proceed. Their Phase 3 dates and locations for consultations with the public have been announced and you can see on the image attached alternatively listed below. The launch of Phase 3 Consultation will run from 24 Feb to 27 April 2022 with the intention of going for a planning application being made in the autumn of 2022.

Consultation Dates & Locations

• Wednesday 09th March - Online - 7pm - 8:30pm
  
• Tuesday 15th March - Main Hall, Milton Community Centre - 2:30pm - 6:30pm
  
• Wednesday 16th March - Fen Ditton Village Hall - 11am - 3pm
  
• Friday 18th March - Main Hall, Quy Village Hall - 11am - 3pm
  
• Saturday 19th March - Tillage Hall, Waterbeach - 11am - 3pm
  
• Tuesday 22nd March - Horningsea Village Hall - 3pm - 7pm

For more information on the project please visit:

https://cwwtpr.com

Contact Anglian WaterIf you wish to contact Anglian Water about anything regarding the project, or discussions etc then please do so:

https://cwwtpr.com/contact/

or Call their Freephone information line: 0808 196 1661

or Email: info@cwwtpr.com

We have a programme for the year which is set out below.  We welcome non-members to any of our meetings for a fee of £2.00. Our secretary, Julia Green 01223 811467, can be contacted for any information.

Tuesday, 22nd February - Clematis, Ray Nunnington

Tuesday 22nd March - Flower Gardens & Flower Arranging, Jackie Lince

Tuesday, 26th April - Hanging Baskets, Caroline Deeth

Tuesday 24th May - Fuchsias-The Three Virtues, Nick Dobson

Tuesday, 28th June - Summer Social & Plant Swap

Wednesday, 13th July - Outing to RHS Hyde Hall

Tuesday, 27th September - Coping with Climate Change, Nigel Start

Tuesday, 25th October - AGM

Tuesday, 22nd November - History of Anglesey Abbey, Helen Ackroyd

Tuesday, 13th December - Christmas Social

The Housing and Community Advice Service Bus will be travelling to areas across our area to provide support and advice on topics ranging from debt and benefits to homelessness and COVID-19 recovery. The Community Hub bus is a one stop shop providing information, advice, and support to improve the wellbeing of our community. It will be in Bottisham every third Wednesday in the month

.

Next Stop in Bottisham - 19th January 2022

At Bottisham Community Sports and Social Club just off Downing Close.

The hubs provide FREE support and advice for individuals and their families covering drink or drug challenges, housing or homelessness issues, benefit questions, mental health advice, domestic abuse, money worries, they are also there if you just need someone to talk to.If you have any paperwork relating to your questions, try and bring it with you.

You do not need to make an appointment, just drop in and someone will see you as soon as they are available

You can attend any of the drop-ins. Have a look on the bus timetable for where the bus is next.

https://www.eastcambs.gov.uk/housing/community-bus-timetable

For more details visit: https://www.eastcambs.gov.uk/housing/community-hub

Dr Tamara Keith talks about the GP Crisis on BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. Our surgery is working tirelessly to support our residents but we need to support them too. How? We ask that you consider what is urgent before you call so to ensure not overburdened any more. Look after yourselves, look after each other. Be kind and considerate to our GPs and recognise they are always working in our best interests.  Listen to the You Tube Interview with Dr Keith  Dr Keith shares the stresses and the strains that not only a doctor endures but also the statistics for the patients coming through our surgery.  

BOTTISHAM PARISH COUNCIL – VACANCY x 3

Are you interested in Bottisham village community matters and your local environment?

Would you like to make a difference in your village?

Local issues need local people to speak up for them!

We are looking to co-op 3 new Parish Councillors could you fit the bill?

You could get actively involved in projects to deliver benefits to the community.

For More Information Contact:

Jonathan Giles, Clerk and Proper Officer

Tel: 07789 012761  Email:  clerk@bottisham-pc.gov.uk

Bottisham Medical Practice Patients’ Participation Group

Masks: The guidance is for both staff and patients to continue to wear masks in healthcare setting. We would ask that all patients please continue to wear a mask when they attend to the surgery in order to protect them, other patients and our staff.

Blood Samples: Due to a shortage of equipment your GP may discuss with you postponing routine / non urgent blood tests.

Blood Tests: It may be the case that you are requested to have your blood test at the Newmarket Road, Cambridge Park and Ride location. The drop-in service will be available between 9.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Fridays to anyone over the age of 16 and who has medical paperwork or a request for blood tests placed on the hospital computer system confirming they need a blood test.

With best wishes to you all during these difficult times. Stay safe.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU OR SOMEONE ELSE IS IN CRISIS

What is a mental health crisis?

You, or someone you know, might be in crisis if:

• You are thinking of hurting yourself or suicide seems the only option
• Someone you know has made threats to hurt you or someone else.
• You are experiencing extreme distress that seems overwhelming.

Who can help in a mental health crisis?

Call 111 and press option 2 for theFirst Response Service- a 24-hour service for people in a mental health crisis. This service is for anyone, of any age, living in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. Specially-trained mental health staff will speak to you and discuss with you your mental health care needs – instead of you having to go to accident and emergency departments of local acute hospitals.

If you are over the age of 16 you can access the Sanctuary in Cambridge or Peterborough - People in crisis across the whole of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will be able to access Sanctuary support. Staffed by mental health charity Mind in Cambridgeshire, the Sanctuary offers people practical and emotional support between 6pm and 1am and is accessible by referral from the First Response Service.

Call your local GP if you are concerned about your mental health and you feel unable to cope.

Some websites and apps which may be helpful to cope with isolation, anxiety and stress are on the following pages.

General mental health support:

Websites:

https://www.headspace.com/

Mindfulness for your everyday life

Currently free

Just 10 days of Headspace can increase happiness by 16%

Explore guided exercises, videos, and more to help you get healthier and happier.

Meditation, mindfulness, stress and anxiety management

https://www.keep-your-head.com/

Keep Your Head brings together reliable information on mental health and wellbeing for children, young people and adults across Cambridgeshire & Peterborough.

Recourses for child and adult mental health

https://moodgym.com.au/

Moodgym is like an interactive self-help book which helps you to learn and practise skills which can help to prevent and manage symptoms of depression and anxiety.

https://www.moodcafe.co.uk/free-online-behavioural-therapy.aspx

Free Online Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

https://www.bemindfulonline.com/

The clinically proven online mindfulness course for better mental wellbeing

Specifically for children and young people:

www.Youngminds.org.uk

Information and resources for children, young people and families who suffer with mental health problems. Helpline. Signposting for support. Educational materials.

www.Kooth.com

Online counselling and support for children and young people.

www.Youngminds.org.uk

Information and resources for children, young people and families who suffer with mental health problems. Helpline. Signposting for support. Educational materials

www.Stem4.org.uk

A charity that promotes positive mental health in teenagers and those who support them through education, resilience strategies and early intervention. Provided digitally through education programmes, apps, website and mental health conferences.

www.Getconnected.org.uk

Free, confidential helpline for young people. Volunteers available 24/7 to offer support on a range of issues eg self-harm, bullying, drugs etc.

www.Moodcafe.co.uk/for-children-and-young-people/relaxation-for-children.aspx

A website with helpful relaxation exercises for children with anxiety

www.cool2talk.org

A safe space for children aged 12+ years to have their questions answered accurately, and can access online counselling.

Apps to help with mental health:

https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/ A website to find apps recommended by the NHS

https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/be-mindful/

Be Mindful is an online course for reducing stress, depression and anxiety. It guides you through the elements of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT).

https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/chill-panda/

Learn to relax, manage your worries and improve your wellbeing with Chill Panda. The app measures your heart rate and suggests tasks to suit your state of mind. Tasks include simple breathing techniques and light exercises to take your mind off your worries.

https://www.headspace.com/headspace-meditation-app

Headspace: Mindfulness and meditation. There is a kids section.

https://www.calm.com/

Calm: Mindfulness and meditation. There are different age-specific sessions.

https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/calm-harm/

CalmHarm: An app designed to help people resist or manage the urge to self-harm. Private and password protected

https://safespot.org.uk/

Safespot: A helpful app (and website) designed to help young people cope and manage stressful situations. Personalised coping plan.

https://www.happi-me.info/

HappiMe: HappiMe is a free app that helps to raise self-esteem, self-confidence and happiness levels in children and young people by teaching them about the power of thinking positively and how to choose a more helpful way of thinking.

https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/big-white-wall/

Big White Wall is an online community for people who are stressed, anxious or feeling low. The service has an active forum with round-the-clock support from trained professionals. You can talk anonymously to other members and take part in group or one-to-one therapy with therapists.

https://www.nhs.uk/apps-library/thrive/

Thrive helps you prevent and manage stress, anxiety and related conditions. The game based app can be used to relax before a stressful situation or on a more regular basis to help you live a happier, more stress-free life.

Document prepared by Dr T Keith

Bottisham Medical Practice

Bottisham Parish Council

Response to Planning Application 20/00296/OUM

Bottisham Parish Council does not support this planning application for the reasons outlined within this report

GREEN BELT

This application falls within land currently designated as green belt, which provides for general exclusion of development apart from exceptional circumstances.

Policy numbers 145 and 146 are well documented in the NPPF. We have previously supported in the 2015 Local Plan provision of affordable housing for local people on a limited area of green belt.

Part of the application also falls within the conservation area and the building envelope is also involved. During the review of the East Cambs Local Plan, we were explicitly assured by ECDC planning officers that it was not necessary to apply for Local Green Space designation, which would give a high level of protection for special green areas. We were informed that it already had a high level of protection, due to the Green Belt, Conservation Area and the village envelope, plus the Structure Plan statements. Any contemplation of a reversal of this position we feel goes against the previous statement.

Any development such as this would very significantly increase the number of houses, relative to the current size of the village, and we believe the infrastructure would not be able to cope.

There may or may not be demand more widely within East Cambs for retirement homes of this kind. However, we would argue that it should be located where there are large areas of brown and greenfield land without Green Belt status.

We are aware of the policies to provide protection to the Green belt and the applicable exceptions. The policy is there to protect Urban Sprawl, the environs of existing properties, biodiversity and especially to protect the character and needs of the community. It is well documented in the Green Belt, Structure plans and also recent planning appeals.

The need to protect the Green Belt was recognised by East Cambs, and then by the Inspector, during the recent appeal for planning permission on a very small area of Green Belt belonging to First Copy.

Any development in this area would be deemed as an encroachment and undermining of the rural character of the landscape and have an adverse effect on the neighbours and residents in other areas within the village and surrounding areas.

LOCAL SERVICES

The Bottisham Surgery provides health care for two care homes in the village, plus a high dependency unit, placing significant demand on local GP resources. It was keenly noted at the parish council’s consultation that residents were concerned by the creation of a top heavy resident demographic. This would place a significant extra strain on medical resources and like facilities in the village.

It should be noted that Planning Permission has already been granted for 50 homes inBell Road adding to the strain on local services.

At this stage there is no information on how the retirement village will be managed and this could seriously impinge on the care and health of the residents who come to live there. This should be clarified at an early stage, as the residents are not going to be the usual mix of ages. They will be in one particular group which would bring added requirements of support.

I am sure the Surgery will require further reassurances and information on how the care for emergencies and other care issues are managed.

TRAVEL IMPLICATIONS

These will apply not only for residents but staff, visitors and delivery vehicles. The public transport to other towns is considered inadequate and there is no bus service on Sundays or evenings. This will undoubtedly encourage car use by residents and be inadequate for staff who will be involved in shift work. This will bring extra traffic into the village

Staffing for such a venture will not come from the village, as the Care Homes within the village already have a high percentage of staff (including cooks, gardeners as well as carers and nursing staff) drawn from outside of the village. This will again cause an increase in traffic due to the poor public transport. This, at a time when East Cambs District Council is encouraging a reduction in the carbon footprint.

SEWAGE WORKS

We have always questioned the statement from Anglian Water that there is adequate capacity. Residents in the area repeatedly comment on the early morning traffic of tankers removing effluent several times a week. If more houses are built, as well as the 50 already granted permission off of Bell Road, then it could be estimated an extra one or two tankers a week will be required - as well as increasing the strain on a sewage farm built for much lower volume. .

LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT

We have previously commented on the Landscape and Visual Impact during several submissions on reviews in this area.

Green Belt policies and review in public, Local Plan, in particular the recent one, the review of the Structure Plan 1995. This concluded the area between the bridleway (now a public footpath) and The Grange (HiltonPark) is appropriately described as being high of landscape value and forms a clear cut, permanent and easily recognisable boundary for the Green Belt in the neighbourhood.

There is also a vista from the Nine Mile Hill to the Swaffham Road. This was referred to during the Consultation and opposition to the Nine Mile Hill application in 1991.

Any applicants will go to considerable lengths to reduce the impact of the proposal both in terms of layout, landscaping and usage. But, this will not overcome the detrimental impact on the area.

HIGHWAYS PARKING AND SAFETY ISSUES

This area already has traffic issues and we have installed traffic calming speed indicating displays within the area to ease some of them.

The traffic survey is misleading, as it was done during school holidays and at times when the village was quieter.

The area near to the Scout Hut on the High Street, close to the proposed access to the site, is a potential danger due to parking during school picking up times and when events are being held there. Visibility will be especially impaired for residents and visitors entering and leaving the site.

This area in the High Street and Beechwood Avenue have significant parking problems as it stands. The increased traffic flow coming from this new development will significantly increase the possibility of accidents. This will be particularly the case at pick up and drop off times at the primary school. Parking for visitors to the site could be an issue, leading to an increase of cars parked in the High Street and Beechwood Ave close to the primary school. These are already a dangerous place for children arriving and leaving.

Approaching the site along the High Street from the village centre, there are concerns that the visibility on entering the site is impaired due to a neighbouring property’s high wall.

The entrance to the play area has yet to be defined and there may be issues with ownership at the end of Rowan Close. However, if access is via Rowan Close, there will be issues with parking there – likely to be worse during school pick up time.

CONSULTATIONS

We received this application shortly before the Covid-19 restrictions, but managed to have a well attended meeting in order for the Village to see the plans. We were not however able to have a subsequent public meeting to discuss the feedback. However, the Parish Council has held an online meeting to discuss this. We have done our best to represent local views given the circumstances.

CONCLUSION

We oppose this application for the following reasons:

1. This proposal is not within the Policies of any of the exceptions to allow a departure from the Green Belt as allowed in the NPPF Para 145 and 146 and is also contrary to Policies: Growths 5, Env 1, Env 2 and Env 10 of the East Cambridgeshire Local Plan 2015 and also Chapter 13 of the NPPF.

2. Bottisham have always opposed any development in the Green Belt, unless in special circumstances. As a village we do not feel that these special circumstances have been demonstrated or that the land is suitable for development in the first place.

3. The need for this type of development for Bottisham has not been proven anywhere within the village. Any more large scale development in this village is not acceptable.

4. There are far too many imponderables in this application, even though it is outline. If this application is referred to Planning Committee we will further address them.

5. If this application is referred to Planning Committee, then we will inform the Village and also use our right to attend the meeting to speak.

6. We strongly urge this application be refused – most especially as it is in an area long recognised as deserving of protection. There is no demonstration of a local need for this facility in Bottisham.

Hilda Buchanan

Parish Councillor Representing Bottisham Parish Council

hilda.buchanan@bottisham-pc.gov.uk