Planning Service

The planning service offers four main functions:

Planning Policy

Prepares planning policy documents to guide development in the district, including:

- The Local Development Framework (LDF) - including Development Plan Documents (DPDs) and Area Action Plans (AAPs)
- Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs)
- Annual Monitoring Report

For more information on the projects that the team is currently working on, visit the LDF News page.

Development Control

Implements planning policy through the processing of planning applications:

- view planning applications and planning appeals (This link will open in a new window)
- seek general planning advice and pre-application advice
- find out if you need planning permission for your development (This link will open in a new window)
- submit a planning application online (This link will open in a new window) or download planning application forms

You can also find out about:

- making a complaint about a development
- Section 106 Contributions - what are they and how do they work?
- Agents Forum and Parish Forum- what are they and when do they take place?
- Exception Sites Parish Review Group - what is it and when does it take place?

The planning process can be complex. Read the Parish Planning Pack, a simple, easy-to-read guide to the ins and outs of the planning process and planning law. For a wider range of services and guidance on the planning system, visit the Planning Portal (This link will open in a new window).

Major Developments

South Cambridgeshire is one of the Governments four "growth" areas and as such is identified for substantial development over the next 10 - 12 years seeing its population rise to 162,000 by 2016.

The team lead on the planning aspects of growth working to deliver sustainable communities at all the major sites identified. Some applications are determined through joint arrangements for schemes that abut Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire district boundaries.

Building Control

Ensures that building works comply with the health, safety energy conservation and access for the disabled requirements as laid down in the Building Regulations and Building Acts.

Conservation & Design

Conserves and enhances our countryside, villages and heritage and helps create attractive new places. Covers landscape, trees, wildlife and historic buildings and supports museums, archaeology and countryside access. Works closely with local communities, volunteers and a range of other partners.

For each of the services above we aim to deliver a high quality, responsive and accessible service, as outlined in our Customer Service Standard for Development Control.