Decision details

Matter for Decision

A joint Area Action Plan (AAP) is being prepared by Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District Councils for North East Cambridge that will promote future structural change in the layout and land use of parts of the area. This includes new strategic walking and cycling connections; residential use of Nuffield Industrial Estate; the consolidation of industrial uses around the aggregate railhead; and the relocation of incompatible uses.

In addition to landowners, developers and other delivery partners, the councils may have a role in facilitating delivery of a new spatial framework for the area. Depending on the circumstances and delivery options available, this may include the acquisition or disposal of land, and may require use of compulsory purchase order powers.

To take the AAP to its next formal stage, the councils must be able to demonstrate that the AAP is ‘deliverable’, including ensuring any required land assembly or relocations can be delivered. An ‘in principle’ commitment to delivery of the AAP is therefore sought from both councils to satisfy this requirement ahead of the respective authority’s consideration of the Regulation 19 draft of the Plan programmed for December 2021 – January 2022.

This is a not key decision as this report seeks to establish an ‘in principle’ commitment to deliver the AAP; a decision to acquire or dispose of land, or to use compulsory purchase order powers, would be subject to a separate report to outline the specific circumstances, the case for Council intervention, and resource implications.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Strategy and External Partnerships

i)     Noted that the North East Cambridge Area Action Plan is contingent upon the separate Development Control Order being undertaken by Anglian Water for the relocation of the Waste Water Treatment Plant being approved;

ii)    Subject to (i), agreed that the Council is committed to the delivery of the North East Cambridge Area Action Plan, including land disposal or assembly, and subject to formal adoption of the Area Action Plan in due course, to use its Compulsory Purchase Orders powers if required.

Reason for the Decision

As set out in the Officer’s report.

Any Alternative Options Considered and Rejected

Not applicable.

Scrutiny Considerations

The Senior Planning Policy Officer introduced the report.

It was noted that the scrutiny committee and Executive Councillor were not being asked to consider the detail of the AAP.

The Committee resolved by 4 votes to 0 to endorse the recommendations.

The Executive Councillor approved the recommendations.

Conflicts of Interest Declared by the Executive Councillor (and any Dispensations Granted)

No conflicts of interest were declared by the Executive Councillor.