{"id":255,"date":"2025-12-02T15:36:39","date_gmt":"2025-12-02T15:36:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/karenyoung.uk\/uncategorised\/cambridge-new-local-plan\/"},"modified":"2026-07-05T21:17:57","modified_gmt":"2026-07-05T20:17:57","slug":"cambridge-new-local-plan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/karenyoung.uk\/?p=255","title":{"rendered":"Cambridge\u2019s New Local Plan: What\u2019s In It and Why It Matters"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The draft of the new Greater Cambridge Local Plan has now been published. It has been reviewed by the PAS Scrutiny Committee and was approved by Cabinet on 25 November for release for public consultation.<\/p>\n<p>This plan has been around seven years in the making and, together with its evidence base, runs to around 8,000 pages. Below is a straightforward guide to what\u2019s in it, what happens next, and how it affects Cambridge and the surrounding villages.<\/p>\n<p><strong>What Happens Next?<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The next steps are:<\/p>\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Public consultation \u2013 from 1 December 2025 to 30 January 2026, when residents and stakeholders can give their views.<\/li>\n<li>Officers review responses and make changes based on the feedback.<\/li>\n<li>Formal second consultation in summer 2026.<\/li>\n<li>Submission to government together with all supporting evidence.<\/li>\n<li>Independent examination by a Planning Inspector, who checks it is lawful and \u201csound\u201d.<\/li>\n<li>Adoption \u2013 the final plan is voted on at a full Council meeting.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>It is essential that the plan is submitted by December 2026. National planning rules are changing, and missing this deadline would mean starting the entire process again under the new system.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Why Your Views Matter<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Developers, landowners and businesses will certainly be submitting their opinions\u2014so it\u2019s important that residents do too. Your comments will directly influence the final version of the Local Plan.<\/p>\n<p>You can access the documents here: <a href=\"https:\/\/consultations.greatercambridgeplanning.org\/draft-greater-cambridge-local-plan-consultation\">https:\/\/consultations.greatercambridgeplanning.org\/draft-greater-cambridge-local-plan-consultation<\/a><\/p>\n<p><strong>What the Evidence Says We Need<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Jobs<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The plan responds to a forecast of 73,300 new jobs. Recent data suggests job growth may be even higher, so the plan allows flexibility.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Homes<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The evidence shows a need for 48,195 homes. There is already a supply of 37,865 under the existing plan, leaving a need for around 10,330 additional homes.<\/p>\n<p>The draft plan identifies:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>13,463 new homes on various allocated sites<\/li>\n<li>Up to 3,950 homes at North East Cambridge (Hartree), if that site goes ahead<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There is no need for new retail (no surprises there) or leisure floorspace, but there is a clear need for more hotels.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Employment Space<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>To support future jobs, the plan proposes:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>302,600 sqm of office space<\/li>\n<li>600,000 sqm of Research &amp; Development space<\/li>\n<li>317,000 sqm of industrial \/ warehousing space<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Where New Development Will Go<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The plan follows a simple principle: larger, more sustainable places should take most of the growth. These are locations with good public transport, cycling routes, and services.<\/p>\n<p>Order of priority for new housing sites:<\/p>\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cambridge urban area<\/li>\n<li>Edge of Cambridge<\/li>\n<li>New settlements outside the Green Belt<\/li>\n<li>Villages<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Key development sites include:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>North East Cambridge \/ Hartree \u2013 redevelopment of the existing sewage works site (if government funding for relocation is restored)<\/li>\n<li>Land south of Coldhams Lane \u2013 new Urban Park and mixed uses<\/li>\n<li>Cambridge Airport \u2013 once Marshalls fully relocates<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Green Belt<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Only two Green Belt releases are proposed:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cambridge Biomedical Campus (CBC) expansion<\/li>\n<li>Babraham Research Campus<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These are judged to meet the \u201cexceptional circumstances\u201d test due to the unique benefits of expanding world-leading research clusters i.e. the combination of clinical practice, medical research and commercial enterprise all on one site.<\/p>\n<p><strong>The Major New Housing Areas<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Most new homes are directed to places with low flood risk and good transport links:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cambourne North &#8211; 13,000 homes<\/li>\n<li>Northstowe &#8211; 10,180 homes<\/li>\n<li>Waterbeach &#8211; 11,000 homes<\/li>\n<li>Grange Farm new settlement &#8211; 6,000 homes<\/li>\n<li>Bourn Airfield new village &#8211; 3,500 homes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Placing homes near jobs is important. For example, Grange Farm is within walking and cycling distance of Babraham Research Campus and on the Cambridge South East Transport route.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Water: A Serious Challenge<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Water supply remains one of the biggest concerns.<\/p>\n<p>The plan relies on:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Retrofitting existing homes to reduce water use<\/li>\n<li>A future water efficiency credit scheme (requires national legislation)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>From the 2040s, more radical measures such as a desalination plant may be required, which will be expensive and energy-intensive.<\/p>\n<p>Foul water<\/p>\n<p>The existing wastewater treatment system is already under strain.<\/p>\n<p>Anglian Water currently has a standing objection to large developments for this reason, and many permissions are being granted with Grampian conditions, meaning development cannot proceed until foul water capacity issues are resolved.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Transport<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>A key principle of the plan is reducing car dependency. New homes are therefore located near:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>East West Rail<\/li>\n<li>The busways<\/li>\n<li>Greenways and active travel routes<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This aims to prevent new pressure on already busy roads.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Climate Change and Sustainability<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Climate change was the top priority raised by residents in earlier consultations, and the draft plan includes ambitious measures.<\/p>\n<p>All major developments must produce a Sustainability Statement covering:<\/p>\n<p>a) Climate change adaptation<br \/>b) Net-zero carbon design<br \/>c) Integrated water management<br \/>d) Sustainable travel<br \/>e) Waste management<br \/>f) Nature-based design<br \/>g) Materials and circular economy<br \/>h) Carbon sequestration<br \/>i) Whole-life carbon assessment<\/p>\n<p>Cooling and overheating:<\/p>\n<p>New buildings must prepare for hotter summers. A preferred \u201ccooling hierarchy\u201d is set out:<\/p>\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Passive design first \u2013 green infrastructure, shading, cool roofs<\/li>\n<li>Natural ventilation<\/li>\n<li>Mixed-mode cooling<\/li>\n<li>Full mechanical ventilation as a last resort<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Net-Zero Carbon<\/p>\n<p>Buildings should:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reduce the need for heating<\/li>\n<li>Generate energy on-site where possible<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>If this is not economically viable, developers must get as close as possible and may make payments to a local energy offset fund. The fund will finance local renewable energy projects.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Sustainable Water, Drainage and Flood Management<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Developments must integrate water management from the start, using nature-based solutions that protect neighbours and local environments.<\/p>\n<p>Priority order for surface water drainage:<\/p>\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Re-use for non-potable purposes<\/li>\n<li>Infiltration into the ground<\/li>\n<li>Discharge to a waterbody<\/li>\n<li>Surface water sewer<\/li>\n<li>Combined sewer<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>Flood risk must be managed using the national sequential approach, ensuring developments do not increase flood risk elsewhere and that long-term maintenance is secured.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Renewable Energy<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The plan strongly supports renewable and low-carbon energy projects, as long as they do not significantly harm:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Key landscapes and views<\/li>\n<li>Biodiversity<\/li>\n<li>Water quality or flood resilience<\/li>\n<li>High-quality agricultural land<\/li>\n<li>The historic environment<\/li>\n<li>The Green Belt<\/li>\n<li>Aviation safety<\/li>\n<li>Road safety or neighbours\u2019 amenity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Renewable energy on existing buildings and community-led schemes are particularly encouraged. Heat networks are also supported in suitable zones.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Have Your Say<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The Local Plan will shape Cambridge and the surrounding villages for decades\u2014where we live, how we travel, and how we protect our environment. It will influence everything from housebuilding to water supply to how the city responds to climate change.<\/p>\n<p>We intend to hold discussion groups with residents in January to assist with questions and hear people\u2019s concerns.<\/p>\n<p>The consultation is now open and concludes on 30 January, please take part. Your feedback genuinely helps shape the future of our area.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The draft of the new Greater Cambridge Local Plan has now been published. It has been reviewed by the PAS Scrutiny Committee and was approved by Cabinet on 25 November for release for public consultation. This plan has\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":100,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-255","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/karenyoung.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/255","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/karenyoung.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/karenyoung.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/karenyoung.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/karenyoung.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=255"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/karenyoung.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/255\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/karenyoung.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/100"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/karenyoung.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=255"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/karenyoung.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=255"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/karenyoung.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=255"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}