University objects to railway line over observatory

The University of Cambridge has objected to the current plans for East-West Rail (EWR) because of concerns about a number of its sites, including an "internationally renowned" observatory.

The £6bn project is planned to connect Cambridge and Oxford, and a final consultation has recently ended before EWR applies to government for permission to build the line in 2027.

The university said that while it was supportive of EWR "in principle", it had "serious concerns regarding the potentially significant adverse impacts" on some assets, including the Mullard Radio Astronomy Observatory (MRAO) near Harlton.

EWR said it was "carefully analysing all feedback received during the consultation".

The railway is being built to provide faster links between the university cities, via Milton Keynes and Bedford. The first section, between Oxford and Milton Keynes, is complete, but not yet running passenger trains.

The university said its concerns had been "consistently" highlighted with EWR, but added "the progress of mitigation has been limited".

It said there was no reference in consultation documents to the extent of the mitigation needed "to provide the university with confidence that [EWR] are taking their responsibility to protect the university's research and UK science seriously".

In its consultation response, the university said work at the MRAO has been recognised with two Nobel Prizes for physics.

It said at its closest point, the route is within 150m of the MRAO boundary and within 800m facilities which "include some of the most sensitive astronomical equipment".

It said it "must register and maintain its objection to the proposals between Comberton and Cambridge".

As well as the MRAO, it said it was objecting with regard to the Anne McLaren Building (AMB) on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus, the Cambridge University Press and Assessment site - and the Granta Backbone Network.

Key concerns included ensuring that vibration and electromagnetic sensitive research undertaken at the MRAO and AMB could continue uninterrupted; ensuring access to buildings, land and facilities was maintained at all times; and the extent of land acquisition at the Cambridge University Press and Assessment site.

Natalie Wheble, external affairs director at East-West Railway Company, said it appreciated the university's engagement and their feedback, "which reflects the constructive and positive working relationship we have maintained since 2019".

"The University acknowledges in its response that East West Rail will provide the connectivity and opportunities to expand academic collaboration, and that it could reduce journey times to its key sites by as much as 75%.

"We also note the importance of the issues they have raised and are now carefully analysing all feedback received during the consultation."

She said it would work "collaboratively" with the university and other stakeholders, adding: "This includes exploring appropriate mitigation measures in partnership with the university as we continue to refine our proposals."

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