Planning Service

Key links:

There are four teams within planning service:

Planning Policy

Responsible for the Local Development Framework. This provides policies to guide and encourage future development in the District. It is also responsible for the preparation of development briefs and other guidelines, transport policies and measures to protect and improve the environment.

Economic Development - The Development Plan division also prepares the Economic Development Strategy for the District.

Development Control

Implements planning policy through the processing of planning applications. It takes account of district policies, guidelines and briefs, Government guidance and the individual merits of each scheme, in order to control development in the District in the public interest. The section also deals with appeals against and the enforcement of planning decisions.

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

Provides specialist professional advice on the conservation and enhancement of the natural and built environment in the District. Ecology is part of the conservation service and provides specialist advice on the conservation of the natural environment in South Cambridgeshire.

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).

Permitted Development Changes from 1 October 2008

From 1 October 2008

  • a large number of homeowners will no longer need planning permission when extending their existing homes;
  • there are new regulations that will reduce the flood risks caused by surface water run-off;
  • there is revised guidance for loft extensions.

The Planning Portal has updated their interactive house guide, so if you require information about the new or existing rules, these can be found in an accessible and user-friendly way, by using the interactive visual guide for householders, which is on their website.