Cycle-themed café plans move forward

Plans for the development of a cycle-themed café at Barnwell Lake in Cambridge have taken a step forward after the secretary of state for housing, communities and local government confirmed the application would not be called in.The proposal for the land near Barnwell Lake on Newmarket Road was filed by Barnwell Café Ltd in August 2017.They propose the construction of a cycle-themed café with a kitchen, storage area and toilet facilities, as well as a cycle repair outlet, 24 car parking spaces and 100 bicycle parking spaces.The project also comprises a partially new and upgraded road, public open spaces, picnic space and play areas.The application was set to be refused by Cambridge City Council’s planning committee in November 2018, although members voted in favour of the scheme and contrary to the officer’s recommendation.A decision was issued by the local authority earlier this week (4 February 2019) giving the scheme the green light, after the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government confirmed the secretary of state would not call in the plans.Approval is subject to a number of conditions, including submission of reserved matters.