Planning Matters

The Broadway/Waits Development – December 2024

Overview by Chair:

On 13th November 2024 the Chair of St Ives Civic Society wrote to Vanessa Kelly, Project Manager with Cambridgeshire County Council’s Place and Sustainability Team, to protest about the poor quality of workmanship on the traffic calming work on the Waits and the Broadway.

In particular reference was made to the hotchpotch of materials used, the absence of the promised trees and seating and uninspired planting.

It was pointed out that the area looks scruffy only a few weeks after completion with workmen’s bollards left scattered across the pavement causing obstruction.

Given that the project was imposed on the town under the healthy lifestyles banner to encourage walking at this end of town and to offer a place of rest it is felt to be so unattractive it fails on both counts.

The Civic Society understood that the absent seating will be installed shortly so asked the Council to use this opportunity to undertake appropriate remedial work to bring the project to a professional standard that St Ivians can be proud of. See photos of the main issues below.

Vanessa Kelly responded and understood the dismay expressed by the Chair. A snagging visit has taken place to fix issues such as the replacement of a missing bollard and temporary tarmac removed. On the north side paving slabs are due to be relaid and other paved areas made good. Benches and cycle racks have been installed.

It was pointed out that plants take time to establish. Although the visual plans of the new area showed trees, this was a mistake as everything has to be removable to accommodate the annual St Ives Michaelmas Fair.