Policy S/AMC: Areas of Major Change

1.    

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.

within designated Areas of Major Change (AMC), as shown on the Policies Map, should be of the highest quality design and incorporate the principles of sustainable design and construction. Excluding very minor development, development proposals within AMCs will only be permitted in the following circumstances:
  a.    when the necessary infrastructure and associated arrangements to support that development have been secured, either by delivery as part of the development or through other stakeholders including relevant local authorities;
  b.    where acceptable alternative infrastructure provision, including temporary provision where appropriate, has been secured;
  c.    where an assessment shows that a particular development can take place in advance of such provision without causing unacceptable impacts.

2.    Additionally, development will only be permitted:
  a.    where it is in accordance with a comprehensive implementation plan for the area which has demonstrable support from all key landowners, or it is supported by evidence to demonstrate that the comprehensive and successful delivery of the development can still take place without this being secured;
  b.    where the development is based on clearly articulated and justified objectives and approach through the provision of a site-wide masterplan, strategies and/or other over-arching coordination documents;
  c.    in instances where the infrastructure provision is to be phased, an approved phasing strategy is in place.
 
3.    In terms of density, activity and movement, development should:
  a.    be of higher densities in the city centre, and around key transport interchanges, district centres and local centres, subject to local circumstance;
  b.    create active and vibrant places that encourage social interaction and foster a sense of community by improving both accessibility and inclusivity. This should include providing external plant equipment and, or utility connections to support temporary outdoor community and cultural activities.

4.    In protecting existing assets, including open space, heritage assets, landscape and water management, development should:
  a.    seek to protect and enhance public rights of way, where possible and existing public assets, in accordance with the applicable

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.

policy requirement;
  b.    develop a new, strong landscape framework that is guided by and incorporates existing positive landscape and townscape features and heritage assets;
  c.    where practicable, undertake on-site strategic landscaping to the agreed framework early in the development of the site so that this will become established as development proceeds.

Areas of Major Change are large development areas, in key locations which require a comprehensive approach to development and renewal through an implementation plan, over-arching framework or equivalent masterplan to guide their transformation in a joined-up manner.

These areas will often require significant infrastructure investment and support especially where they form part of a wider network of infrastructure improvements with neighbouring or nearby sites and transport hubs. A co-ordinated approach is especially important, given the length of time often needed to transform or re-configure these areas. It is therefore essential short-to medium term proposals have regard for the area’s longer-term aspirations including transport projects and connections with adjoining areas.

This holistic planned approach will also ensure that opportunities to make the best use of land, in sustainable locations creating vibrant neighbourhoods are maximised, along with their careful integration with existing nearby communities. The enhancement of existing positive landscape and townscape features along with local heritage assets and environmental resources will also help create successful communities. The provision of suitably designed public realm areas with access to utility connections will also facilitate regular community and cultural events. These should help development community development and integration with the peripheral neighbourhoods. Site- specific requirements and opportunities are outlined in the policy and are applicable to the consideration of planning applications

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.

: Sites Topic Paper

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.