Parish Review - Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do we need a review of parish boundaries?

New developments are either taking place, or proposed to take place, on the outskirts of Cambridge, which will create new communities. Much of the land where the new developments are, or are proposed to be, lay within the administrative area of parish councils within south Cambridgeshire, and which are physically remote from existing villages, for example separated by roads or rivers. In order to help provide a relevant and meaningful identity for these new communities, it was felt that it would be more appropriate to create new parish councils with new administrative boundaries, rather than have administrative functions performed by an existing parish council that was remote from the new community.

2. How do I respond?

You can respond in a number a ways: on line via the interactive consultation, by email to parishreview@scambs.gov.uk or in writing to Parish Boundary Review, Community Services, South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cambourne Business Park, Cambourne, Cambridge, CB23 6EA

3. Where can I find out more information?

We will be holding an exhibition for the recommended Arbury Park Boundary Review Consultation on Wednesday 30 April 2008 from 7pm - 9pm at the Meadows Community Centre, 1 St Catherine's Road, Cambridge, CB4 3XJ. This event is open to everybody who might be interested in a new parish for Arbury Park and South Cambs DC Officers will be on hand to answer any questions or queries you may have about the proposed new parish boundary.

More information is available on our website

4. How will the Council decide on the final boundaries?

The Council will consider all the responses it receives, including those from members of the public, existing Parish Councils that would be affected by the new developments, Cambridge City Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, Cambridgeshire Constabulary, etc. Once the responses have been considered, our Electoral Review Committee will make a recommendation on what would provide the most benefits and best overall solution for both the new community and existing and neighbouring communities. The recommendation will then require a further consultation period and any changes will ultimately be made by Order of the Secretary of State.

5. What happens to Electoral boundaries?

Electoral arrangements need to be considered where new parishes are being created or the boundaries of existing parishes are being altered and we must make proposals to the Electoral Commission in connection with the proposals for the new parish boundaries formulated after the process has been completed. This will be done in accordance with the provisions set out in the Local Government and Rating Act 1997 which states that any electoral changes would ultimately be made by Order of the Secretary of State. We will consider the number of councillors for each ward and the number and boundaries for each ward.

6. When does the consultation period end?

Consultation period ends on Friday 9th May 2008.

7. What happens next?

Once the consultation period ends, the Council will consider all responses and prepare a report to the Council's Electoral Arrangements Committee seeking their input on the recommended change. A further consultation on the Council's preferred option will then take place, with the final proposal then reported to full Council for recommendation to the Department for Communities and Local Government. That will be subject to the approval of the Secretary of State toward the end of the year and an Order will be required to implement the changes.