Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision

The report provided an update regarding the Local Plan Timetable (previously called the Local Development Scheme (LDS)), which was a timetable for the production of new or revised development plan documents that set out the planning policy framework for Greater Cambridge. It was being prepared jointly between South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridge City Council as the Plans in preparation were both joint Plans for the authorities’ combined area. The Councils were required to keep the Timetable up to date.

Decision of Executive Councillor for Planning, Building Control and Infrastructure

                          i.          Agreed the Local Plan Timetable Update at Appendix 1 (of the Officer’s report) be added as a November 2024 Addendum to the Greater Cambridge Development Scheme 2022 (updating the current March 2024 Addendum) and published on the Greater Cambridge Planning website.

                         ii.          Agreed an updated formal Greater Cambridge Local Plan Timetable be brought to Members in spring 2025 once there is clarity on the transitional date for plans under the current plan-making system to be submitted, and also on the outcome of the Cambridge Wastewater Treatment Plant Development Consent Order.

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 and Strategy Team Leader

In response to Members’ questions the Planning Policy and Strategy Team Leader, Strategic Planning Manager and Deputy Director, Greater Cambridge Shared Planning and 3C Building Control said the following:

      i.          Officers agreed there was a level of risk and uncertainty regarding the impact of the Cambridge Development Group (CDG)’s work on the Greater Cambridge Local Plan.

     ii.          Engagement with the CDG had not yet been in depth, but the Government had announced a re-set of that relationship in the Summer.

With the October 2024 budget announcement of funding towards a growth in Cambridge it was hoped there would be further clarity and engagement between Officers and Government Ministers.     

   iii.          In the engagement that was taking place with Government, all opportunities were being taken to highlight the work on the emerging Local Plan and issues raised, through regular meetings with Ministers, through the CPCA and the Water Scarcity Group. Officers have been advocating in all meetings that the Local Plan should be the first step for any longer term growth ambitions; the evidence already produced should form the basis for any future planning.

   iv.          Officers suggested that the proposed approach of continuing work on the emerging Local Plan, whilst continuing to engage with the CDG, was a proactive and positive response to the current context, noting that Government’s wider ambitions were for local authorities to progress local plans as quickly as possible.

    v.          The proposed draft revised timetable aim was to submit the Greater Cambridge Local Plan by the end of December 2026, to meet the Government’s proposed cut-off date for submitting Local Plans for Examination under the current system. The timetable deadlines involved were tight. It was important that dialogue between Officers and the Committee was kept open and that Members were kept updated.

   vi.          Officers would engage with Government to ensure that work already done could be transferred to the new system if necessary, in case the December 2026 date could not be met.

 vii.          Officers were mindful of uncertainties in any Plan. The aim was to produce a flexible Plan, but also recognising the need to remain evidence based to be found sound at examination.

The Executive Councillor stated that the Leader of the Council, Councillor Davey had met with Peter Freeman (Chair of the CDG), and it would be appropriate that certain questions were directed to Councillor Davey rather than Officers 

The Committee unanimously endorsed 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