Issue - decisions

Matter for Decision

This report provided an update regarding the Local Development Scheme (LDS), which was a timetable to produce  a new or revised development plan documents that set out the planning policy framework for Greater Cambridge.

The LDS was prepared jointly between South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridge City Council as the plans in preparation are both joint plans for the authorities’ combined area.

Decision of the Executive Councillor for Planning, Building Control and Infrastructure

      i.          Agreed the Greater Cambridge Local Development Scheme (local plan timetable) 2025 at Appendix 1 of the Officer’s report be confirmed as the Local Plan Timetable

     ii.          Approved the Greater Cambridge Local Development Scheme (local plan timetable) 2025 be shared with Government and be published on the Greater Cambridge Planning website, superseding the Greater Cambridge Development Scheme 2022.

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 Strategic Planning Manager.

In response to comments from Members, the Strategic Planning Manager, the Joint Director for Planning and Economic Development and Executive Councillor said the following:

      i.          Noted the comment that extending the Plan period seemed  sensible to accommodate the growth required.

     ii.          Members would be kept informed as Officers moved forward with the Local Plan preparation to produce a Plan which could be submitted to the Sectary of State by December 2026

   iii.          The Government were aware of key issues that sat behind the emerging Local Plan through the Cambridge Delivery Company, discussions with the Combined Authority and other external stakeholders.

   iv.          In all the engagement, opportunities were being taken to highlight the work on the emerging Local Plan and issues raised, with Ministers, through the CPCA and the Water Scarcity Group

    v.          Had stressed the significance of the decision on the Development Consent Order as part of Cambridgeshire’s growth ambition with all external partners.

   vi.          Would expect to bring a report on progress at a future meeting.

 vii.          The proposal to submit the Greater Cambridge Local Plan by the end of December 2026, was not just about the proposed sites in the area but highlighted the Council’s policies, standards and quality. Would continue to engage with South Cambridgeshire District Council and opposition parties on this work.

The Committee voted unanimously to endorse the Officer recommendations.

The Executive Councillor for Planning, Building Control and Transport approved the recommendations.

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

None.