Mixed use developer First Base is inviting local residents and businesses to share their views on the future of the Travis Perkins depot site on Devonshire Road, in a second round of public consultation before planning applications are submitted in the Spring. In partnership with The Railways Pension Fund (RPMI Railpen), First Base is proposing to deliver a highly sustainable and community-focused development with a new public park, community amenities, space for local businesses and 134 new homes for rent.
Following the first consultation, which took place at the end of 2020, feedback from the local community has already shaped the developing plans for the site. After 55% of respondents to the first consultation voted in favour of the development featuring a new community space, plans for Devonshire Gardens include a large, open green park and indoor spaces available for community use. The local community also shared their wishes for the new public park at the site to increase the biodiversity of the area, and current proposals include plans for the introduction of over 100 new trees, extensive flowerbeds, areas for edible planting and other plants and shrubs across the site.
Sustainable travel was also an area of significant public interest in the previous consultation and feedback demonstrated the passion for cycling in Cambridge. As a result, plans for the development will prioritise cycling and walking, with extensive, segregated footpaths and cycleways across the site, the seamless integration with the forthcoming Chisholm Trail and the provision for around 600 cycle spaces included in current plans.
The aim of this final consultation with the public will be to gather additional insight into the existing proposals, which can be accessed in full detail by visiting the development’s interactive website http://www.devonshiregardenscambridge.com/.
Douglas Higgins, Project Director at First Base, said:
“After a successful first round of public consultation in December 2020, we are excited to share our emerging proposals for Devonshire Gardens, which have been actively shaped by the local community. We would like to thank everyone who has responded so far and encourage local people to continue to have their say on the future of Devonshire Road.”
Local residents can also share their views through an innovative community engagement platform, Give My View, which invites participants to answer questions and offer their views on what would benefit the local community in a new development. In doing so, users collect points to donate to one of two local Cambridge-based charities: Allia and Blue Smile.
In addition to the online surveys, residents can provide feedback via phone or in writing using a freepost address.