Decision details

Matter for Decision:

To agree the Policy Review of the Adopted Local Plans for Greater Cambridge: January 2025 update (see Appendix A).

Appendix A: Policy Review of the Adopted Local Plans for Greater Cambridge: January 2025 update - Cambridge Council

Local plans must be reviewed at least every five years from the date of a plan’s adoption.  A review of the Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire Local Plans has been undertaken and was agreed by the Executive Councillor for Planning, Building Control and Infrastructure in June 2023.  Work began on the joint Greater Cambridge Local Plan (GCLP) in 2019, as set out in the adopted plans, and, consequently, a process for the replacement of both plans is underway.

The key purpose of the review agreed by the Executive Councillor in June 2023 was to assess whether there were any relevant changes in national policy that might have a bearing on the weight accorded to adopted policies in determining development proposals.  A revised version of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published in December 2024.  It is necessary, therefore, to update the original review to take account of any changes in the latest NPPF version that might have a bearing on the weight accorded to the adopted plans’ policies.

The outcome of the updated review is that the vast majority of policies in both adopted plans remain consistent with national policy and, therefore, can be given full weight until replaced by policies in the GCLP.  The small number of exceptions principally relate to subsequent changes to national policy, with a limited number of these arising from the most recent changes to the NPPF.    

Alternative options:

The alternative options available are:

1: To not agree the Policy Review of the Adopted Local Plans for Greater Cambridge: January 2025 update.

Reason for Rejection: As above, a revised version of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) was published in December 2024. Not agreeing this updated policy review would mean that the Councils’ published understanding of the weight to be accorded to adopted Cambridge Local Plan policies would not be up to date.

The Executive Councillor’s decision:

To agree Policy Review of the Adopted Local Plans for Greater Cambridge: January 2025 update (see Appendix A).

Appendix A: Policy Review of the Adopted Local Plans for Greater Cambridge: January 2025 update - Cambridge Council

Reason for the decision:

To maintain an up to date understanding of the weight to be accorded to adopted Cambridge Local Plan policies.

Scrutiny Consideration: The Chair and Spokespersons of Planning and Transport Scrutiny Committee were consulted prior to the action being authorised.

Report: Appendix A: Policy Review of the Adopted Local Plans for Greater Cambridge: January 2025 update

Appendix A: Policy Review of the Adopted Local Plans for Greater Cambridge: January 2025 update - Cambridge Council

Background Papers

·       Published Adopted Local Plans 5 year review, June 2023

·       Cabinet papers for Adopted Local Plans – 5 year review, June 2023

Conflict of interest: None

Comments: The Liberal Democrat Opposition Spokes, Councillor Katy Porrer stated that they supported the recommendation.