Development strategy

Local Plans set out a vision and a framework for the future development of the area, addressing needs and opportunities in relation to housing, the economy, community facilities and infrastructure – as well as a basis for conserving and enhancing the natural and historic environment, mitigating and adapting to climate change, and achieving well designed places. 

Our vision for

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

to 2045 takes inspiration from what is unique about our area, and our engagement with communities who have helped shape the plan. The policies in 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.

will help to achieve this vision. 

We want

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

to be a place where a big decrease in our climate and environmental impacts comes with the continued flourishing of our internationally significant innovation economy, and a big increase in the quality of everyday life for all our communities. New development must: minimise carbon emissions and reliance on the private car create thriving neighbourhoods with the variety of jobs and homes and supporting infrastructure we need, increase our network of nature, wildlife and multi- functional green spaces, and safeguard our unique, locally distinctive heritage and landscapes. 

The vision flows into seven strategic priorities for the plan as follows: 

• Climate change: Help

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

  transition to net zero carbon by 2050, by ensuring that development is sited in places that help to reduce carbon emissions, is designed to the highest achievable standards for energy and water use to reduce environmental impacts, adapts to and mitigates against climate change, and is resilient to current and future climate risk, including the longer term risk of flooding. 

• The variety of life in all its forms. This includes the plant and animal species that make up our wildlife and the habitats in which they live.

  and green spaces: Increase and improve our network of habitats for wildlife, and green spaces for people, ensuring that development leaves the natural environment better than it was before. 
• Wellbeing and social inclusion: Help improve equality of access and opportunities for people in

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

  to lead healthier and happier lives, ensuring that everyone benefits from the development of new homes and jobs. 
• Great places: Sustain the unique character and identities of Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire, and complement it with well-designed and distinctive development, creating a place where people want to live, work, visit and play. 
• Jobs: Encourage a flourishing, dynamic and mixed economy in

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

  which includes a wide range of jobs, while maintaining our area's global reputation for education, research and innovation.
• Homes: Plan for enough housing to meet our needs, including significant quantities of housing that is affordable to rent and buy, and different kinds of homes to suit our diverse communities. 
• Connectivity and infrastructure: Plan for transport, water, energy and digital networks; and health, education and cultural facilities; in the right places and built at the right times to serve our existing and growing communities. 

The strategic priorities have been set around 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.

’s seven themes, and have been informed by National Planning Policies, 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.

Sustainability Appraisal objectives, and feedback from earlier draft

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.

consultations.