Author: chris

  • Proposals could see Driving Test Centre relocate to Vision Park

    Proposals could see Driving Test Centre relocate to Vision Park

    Approval of an application for change of use to mixed use office and car driving test centre could see the existing Driver Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) centre at Cambridge (Brookmount Court) close, with learner drivers taking their test instead from Compass House on the Vision Park here in Histon.

    Compass House sign. Vision Park Histon.

    Currently the centre at Brookmount Court hosts car tests only alongside Approved Driving Instructor (ADI) tests part 2 and 3. Motorcycle testing takes place from the nearby village of Hardwick. DVSA has confirmed that an average of around 75 practical car driving tests take place daily from Brookmount Court, with testing beginning from 7am and the latest test finishing at approximately 5pm.

    Local backing

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    The application has received the backing of Histon & Impington Parish Council who has voted “all in favour to make a recommendation of approval, with the condition that the Highways Authority investigate possible effects on local highways due to increased traffic as a result of the car driving”.

    The local Highways Authority has also added comments, stating: “Following a review of the documents provided to the Highway Authority as part of the above planning application, no significant adverse effect upon the Public Highway should result from this proposal should it gain benefit of Planning Permission, as the extent of Chivers Way, from which the site will achieve access, is not highway maintainable at public expense”.

    Driving test pass joy for Impington resident Jemima. Photo her own.

    ‘A lifetime of safe driving’

    A DVSA spokesperson told HI HUB: “DVSA’s priority is to help everyone through a lifetime of safe driving. 

    “We regularly review the locations of testing centres to make sure that they best serve the community and no decisions have been taken on this site at this time. Any changes are communicated to pupils and driving instructors well in advance. 

    “Our current testing centre continues to offer tests to local pupils, as well as those travelling from outside the area.”

    The Planning Application, reference, 25/00451/FUL, can be viewed at the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning website and is open for comments until 4 March with a determination deadline of 3 April.

  • Parish Council vacancy creates opportunity for new blood

    Parish Council vacancy creates opportunity for new blood

    Residents interested in having more say in local decision-making have a chance to join Histon & Impington Parish Council for a limited period, without having to stand for election.

    The recent resignation of former Councillor Walter Davey created a vacancy that will be filled by co-option, meaning Councillors can select an individual of their choice on the electorate’s behalf. The Council hopes to fill this vacancy at their next meeting on Monday 17 March.

    To be considered, residents must meet a set of eligibility criteria and are asked to write to the Clerk by Wednesday 12 March with brief reasons for wishing to stand. 

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    If more than one applicant comes forward there would be a vote amongst existing Council members to fill the position.

    The person co-opted would serve until May 2026, when all Councillors’ terms of office come to an end and an election will be held.

    Structure and responsibilities

    Full Council meetings are held on the third Monday of the month, except August, December and April, and Councillors can choose Committees and Working Parties to join, depending on their interests.

    There are currently six Committees, all of which have vacancies:

    • Planning and Development (1 vacancy)
    • Nature and Biodiversity (3 vacancies)
    • Wellbeing, Recreation and Leisure (2 vacancies)
    • Highways, Drainage and Formal Spaces (1 vacancy)
    • Employment and Development (1 vacancy)
    • Finance, Governance and Legal (2 vacancies)

    These Committees are responsible for taking decisions and making recommendations that are then presented to, scrutinised by and ultimately approved or rejected by Full Council meetings.

    In addition, there are two working parties at present, one examining future uses for the Recreation Ground and the other considering possible approaches to youth provision in the village. The working parties report to committees, or sometimes direct to Full Council.

    To discuss the Parish Council vacancy, call 01223 235906.

    To apply for co-option, write or email to The Clerk, Histon & Impington Parish Council, The Parish Office, Histon & Impington Recreation Ground, New Road, Impington, CB24 9LU or email clerk@hisimp-pc.gov.uk .

    The deadline for applications is noon on Wednesday 12 March.

  • Church could relocate to Histon

    A Cambridge church could be moving to Histon’s Vision Park, if a change of use planning application is approved. South Cambridgeshire planners are currently considering the proposals to convert three office units at 1-3 Trust Court into a “place of worship”. 

    The City of David Church – which is described as a “vibrant, multicultural pentecostal church” – needs to relocate because its current home at The Paddocks is set to become a research and development facility. 

    Relocation 

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    A planning statement supporting the application explains: “The Redeemed Christian Church of God (otherwise known as RCCG) City of David Parish in Cambridge is a vibrant, multicultural church which is currently based at The Paddocks employment area on Cherry Hinton Road.

    “Due to plans to redevelop The Paddocks into a research and development facility the Church has been given notice to vacate the building by March 2025 hence the need for new accommodation. 

    “Units 1, 2, 3 Trust Court are ideal for the Church with ancillary offices as well as serviced offices to rent out.”

    Plans 

    Drawings for the proposals show the ground floor offices will be knocked through to create a main hall, two reception areas and WCs. A family friendly area with a creche, sensory room and nursing room are included in the first floor plans, as well as a gallery, coffee area and office space. More offices are proposed for the building’s second floor. 

    Proposed opening hours for Sundays are 9am-2pm, with Worship Service between 11am-1:30pm. The food bank is suggested for Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings. Evening events are planned Tuesdays-Thursdays. The planning document explains a congregation of 150 is expected on a Sunday and points out the “busiest time is when surrounding offices are closed for the weekend”. 

    Transport

    The Church employs 11 staff and has 16 part time volunteers; seven staff with four cars are said to be “associated with the church office element during the working week”. The site has 26 car parking places, and is accessible by foot, bicycle and public transport. Eighteen new cycle parking spaces are also being proposed with the application.

    The planning statement said: “The Church already actively implements a range of travel measures designed to reduce dependence on the private motor car e.g. lift sharing and provision of a community bus. In addition, some of the congregation are local and will walk or cycle to church.”

    The majority of the Parish Council’s Planning and Development Committee voted in favour of approving the application on 18 February, with six votes for approval and one vote against. The Local Highways Authority commented there should be “no significant adverse effect” on the surrounding area.

    Fundraising

    Towards the end of last November, the Church launched a fundraising campaign to raise £200,000 towards its new home. The “New Church Home” page on its website explains the support would go towards expanding the food bank services, enhance IT and training courses and help for other community initiatives. 

    The Church’s recent change of use application was validated by South Cambridgeshire District Council on 3 February, 2025. The reference number on the planning portal is 25/00305/FUL.

    The City of David Church was approached for comment. Eddisons is the applicant’s agent. 

    READ MORE: Footpath construction to go ahead after a 14-year lead-in

  • Actions of quick-thinking passer-by leads to burglary conviction

    A burglar who broke who into a house in Clay Street, Histon, has been jailed for two years thanks to evidence provided by a local witness.

    In September 2024, Patrick Wall, of no fixed address, smashed a window and searched a bedroom at the property but in doing so triggered the house alarm.

    As he left empty-handed, a passer-by who heard the alarm and saw the intruder walking along the driveway, took photos of him, followed him along Winders Lane and called the police.

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    Wall got into a car and drove off, and an unidentified man, seen by the car with him, walked off towards Cottenham Road.

    But the passer-by had noted down the number plate, and the vehicle was found and seized in Harrow, London, two days later. A black jacket, similar to one Wall was wearing in the passer-by’s photos, was also found in the car.

    Arrest and conviction

    Patrick Wall

    Soon after, Wall was arrested at a house in Arbury. It was discovered he had also broken into a house in Carisbrooke Road, Arbury, in June, and had attempted a burglary in Camberley, Surrey, in August.

    At Cambridge Crown Court, Wall was jailed for two years and four months, having been found guilty of burglary.

    PC Andy Smith, from Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s acquisitive crime team, said: “I’d like to commend and thank the passer-by of the Histon burglary as his photo and the information he passed onto us played a big part in getting Wall convicted.

    “It was also very brave of him to follow a potentially dangerous criminal who had just burgled a property.

    “Burglary is a despicable crime that leaves people feeling incredibly vulnerable in their own homes so it’s great Wall is now behind bars.”

  • Inclusive and ‘inspiring’ music sessions start at Salvation Army

    The Salvation Army is set to launch a music education programme for people with learning disabilities this week.

    The Music Man sessions, which start on Friday 28 February, will teach students to sing, play instruments and perform, with the aim of “building confidence, inspiring creativity, and bringing people together.”

    The Histon sessions are part of a national project in Salvation Army churches across the UK, founded by disability rights campaigner and composer, David Stanley. To date, the programme has featured special events, workshops and even a performance at the Royal Albert Hall.

    Community together

    Major Georgina Symons, one of the leaders of The Salvation Army in Histon said: “For almost 10 years now I have been part of The Salvation Army’s enabled community and have grown to love being part of this beautiful community of people.

    “I have received so much more in blessings than I could ever give. Music is a huge part of my life, and being able to share in music making in this way brings a huge smile to my face and my heart.”

    Music Man sessions take place from 10.30am-12pm on Fridays at The Salvation Army, Impington Lane, Histon. The charge is £5 per session, with no charge for carers. For information or to book, call 07792 324647 or email devonhorn@icloud.com

  • 4 bedroom detached house for sale in Home Close

    4 bedroom detached house for sale in Home Close

    Guide price £750,000, freehold.

    Ground floor: Entrance hall, living room leading to family room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room, shower room.

    First floor: Four bedrooms, family bathroom.

    Garage.

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  • 2 bedroom retirement property for sale in Windmill Grange

    2 bedroom retirement property for sale in Windmill Grange

    Offers in region of £170,000, leasehold.

    First floor retirement flat. Entrance hall, living/dining room, kitchen, bathroom, two bedrooms.

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  • 5 bedroom detached house for sale in South Road

    Guide price £950,000, freehold.

    Downstairs: Porch, entrance hall, study/office, dining room, living room, kitchen, utility room, shower room, WC, bedroom 4, reception room/ bedroom 5.

    Upstairs: Master bedroom with en-suite shower room, two further bedrooms, family bathroom.

    Office/ garden room.

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  • 4 bedroom detached house for sale in South Road

    Guide price £995,000, freehold.

    Downstairs: Entrance hall, shower room, family room, living room, dining room, kitchen/breakfast room.

    Upstairs: Four bedrooms, bathroom.

    Garage and workshop.

    (Reduced from £1,100,000 on 26/02/2025)

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  • 3 bedroom semi-detached house for sale in The Coppice

    Guide price £400,000, freehold.

    Downstairs: Porch, entrance hall, living/dining room, kitchen, WC.

    Upstairs: Three bedrooms, bathroom.

    (Reduced from £450,000 on 24/02/2025)

    More Info