Cambridgeshire Local Plan Watch - Autumn 2022

Greater Cambridge Joint Local Plan continues through its plan-making process. The next formal consultation round (Reg 18) is earmarked for later 2023. Adoption of the Plan will be no earlier than 2026.

There remains to be a strong and consistent demand for new R&D floorspace which is driving diverse investment into the city to bring about a heightened stability at a time when there are wider economic instabilities.  The discussion will come as to how much the Local Plans should embrace and work with this demand or to try and supress it.  There is so much good that can flow from some of the best, most sustainable commercial developments in the Country.  The growing ask is for the Authorities to embrace this opportunity and use this moment to Plan for good growth.

The leading discussions relate to what economic growth scenario the Plan should respond to.  The market is showing all the signs that the high growth scenario is already here and needs to be planned for.   The other debate is climate change and what different planning approach needs to be placed into the Plan to achieve different developments and decisions to those we have seen to push towards a net-zero carbon place. 

The Combined Authority and Greater Cambridge Partnership continue to press ahead with their programme of sustainable transport infrastructure.  Some projects are now delivered, but there are many in consultation and committed for delivery.  A coordinated plan has the greatest potential for a sustainable place, underpinned by sustainable travel. 

Five Year Land Supply

The Housing Delivery Test latest figures do not give any immediate opportunities in the area, a product of earlier five year housing supply deficits giving way to developments that are now coming through the system, allied alongside a long-awaited strategy for new settlements to deliver new homes.