Policy H/RM: Residential moorings

1. Proposals for residential moorings will be permitted where the proposal: 

  a. Provides demonstrable evidence of need for the type of mooring proposed; 

  b. Is located within, or is well related to, an existing settlement (shown as Defined

This refers to development in its widest sense, including buildings, and streets, spaces and places. It also refers to both redevelopment, including refurbishment, as well as new development.

Extents on Policies Map); 

  c. Is of a scale appropriate to the location taking into account where the settlement sits within the settlement hierarchy (Policy S/SH: Settlement Hierarchy) and the cumulative impact of the proposal when considered with other existing and planned moorings; 

  d. Integrates successfully and positively with the surrounding landscape and/or townscape; 

  e. Is served by adequate pedestrian, cycling, public transport, and vehicular access (including access for emergency services); 

  f. Is served by appropriate electricity, water supply, sewerage and refuse disposal facilities; 

  g. Has no significant negative effect on the amenity, visual character, water quality, historic and ecological value of the river or nearby land; 

  h. Is close to existing services and amenities; 

  i. Only provides minimal essential external lighting, which shall be located so as to minimise glare and/or visual intrusion; 

  j. Does not impede navigation and/or the use of any footpath; 

  k. Has a design that is appropriate for the intended use and elements such as flood risk and maneuverability have been considered; and 

  l. Provides details of how the moorings will be managed and maintained. 

Residential moorings are an existing part of the housing provision within Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire. Houseboats meet the housing requirements of some groups whilst also contributing to the diversity and supply of different forms of housing in the area. It is important to have a policy within the

The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

A plan for the future development of a local area, drawn up by the local planning authority in consultation with the community. In law this is described as the development plan documents adopted under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. A local plan can consist of either strategic or non-strategic policies, or a combination of the two.

so that there are clear requirements for any new moorings so as to take account of the different river users, houseboat occupiers and any neighbouring uses. 

A criteria based policy approach is considered appropriate because the Accommodation Needs Assessment of Gypsies,

Travellers refers to both Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople.

,

Members of a group organised for the purposes of holding fairs, circuses or shows (whether or not travelling together as such). This includes such persons who on the grounds of their own or their family’s or dependants’ more localised pattern of trading, educational or health needs or old age have ceased to travel temporarily or permanently, but excludes Gypsies and Travellers.

and Bargee

Travellers refers to both Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople.

and other caravan and houseboat dwellers found no specific need for more residential moorings. 

• The combined areas of Cambridge District and South Cambridgeshire District Councils.

  A plan for the future development of a local area, drawn up by the local planning authority in consultation with the community. In law this is described as the development plan documents adopted under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. A local plan can consist of either strategic or non-strategic policies, or a combination of the two.

  : Homes Topic Paper (2025)
• Accommodation Needs Assessment of Gypsies,

  Travellers refers to both Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople.

  ,

  Members of a group organised for the purposes of holding fairs, circuses or shows (whether or not travelling together as such). This includes such persons who on the grounds of their own or their family’s or dependants’ more localised pattern of trading, educational or health needs or old age have ceased to travel temporarily or permanently, but excludes Gypsies and Travellers.

  , Bargee

  Travellers refers to both Gypsies and Travellers and Travelling Showpeople.

  , and other caravan and houseboat dwellers for Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire (2024)

We will consider all comments while developing the next version of the

A plan for the future development of a local area, drawn up by the local planning authority in consultation with the community. In law this is described as the development plan documents adopted under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. A local plan can consist of either strategic or non-strategic policies, or a combination of the two.

.

All comments must be received by 30 January 2026 at 5pm.