Policy WS/MU: Meanwhile uses during long term redevelopments

As part of the phased development of large-scale development sites, and on other vacant sites or within underused buildings where a permanent use has not yet been secured, proposals will be supported for appropriate meanwhile uses. 

Large-scale development proposals where all or part of a site may remain temporarily undeveloped for a long period of time should, where appropriate, include a strategy for accommodating meanwhile uses on the site. 

Proposals for meanwhiles uses must contribute positively to the local area, support community needs, and enhance the vibrancy and functionality of the site during the interim period. 

Planning applications for meanwhile uses must demonstrate that a proposed meanwhile use is compatible with surrounding existing uses and will not inhibit the future permanent development of the site and the delivery of the site’s long-term development objectives.

A ‘meanwhile use’ is the temporary use of a site or building for a duration of time before it is turned into a more permanent end state, providing an active and potentially beneficial use on what would otherwise be vacant land awaiting development. Examples of meanwhile uses include pop-up shops, markets and cafes, creative workspace and exhibitions, short-term office units, sustainable energy generation, community meeting places and facilities, and temporary housing. 

Some large-scale developments can take years to complete. Meanwhile uses provide an efficient use of temporarily vacant land or spaces. Providing temporary spaces, buildings and activity can help to create a sense of community to combat the ‘new town blues’ that can arise in the early stages of a development. Meanwhile uses can also provide temporary uses in vacant and underused buildings while the longer term use is being resolved. Meanwhile spaces can support ‘start up’ businesses and local businesses requiring affordable space, developing a pipeline of businesses that could potentially permanently locate in the area in the future. 

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.

: Topic Paper: Wellbeing and Social Inclusion

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.

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