Decision details

To consider the findings of the update to the Employment Land and to approve its use as part of the evidence base for the review of the Local Plan. 

Matter for Decision:  

In January 2012 the Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) commissioned an update to the Councils’ Employment Land Review.

The Employment Land Review provides an evidence base for developing policies and allocating sites in the review of the Local Plan and will also be a material consideration in the determination of planning applications.

A summary of the findings from the Update to the Employment Land Review is attached as part of the main report at appendix A of the Officer’s report.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Planning and Sustainable Transport:

(i)                Considered the summary of findings from the Employment Land Review 2012.

(ii)              Noted that the final Employment Land Review will be brought before Development Plan Scrutiny Sub-Committee for agreement at a future date. 

Reason for the Decision:

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected:

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations:

The Committee received a report from the Planning Policy & Economic Development Officer regarding the Employment Land Review Update (ELRU).

In response to Members’ questions the Planning Policy & Economic Development Officer confirmed the following:

(i)                There was greater demand for City sites for employment purposes when compared to South Cambridgeshire ones. SCDC would pick up the lack of demand for sites in their Local Plan review. City Officers would continue to monitor the situation too.

(ii)              The central area definition in the ELRU covers areas outside of the City Centre. The Local Plan Issues & Options report asked what demands the central area can support to balance competing needs. The report would also look at the impact of strategic sites, such as the proposed Chesterton Station.

The Committee resolved by 5 votes to 0 to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendation.

Conflicts of interest declared by the Executive Councillor (and any dispensations granted)

Not applicable.