The leaders of Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District councils have welcomed the Government's announcement that they will invest up to £400 million to help solve some of the challenges that hamper inclusive and sustainable growth in the area.
The leaders of Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District councils have welcomed the Government's announcement that they will invest up to £400 million to help solve some of the challenges that hamper inclusive and sustainable growth in the area.
The Government announced today (Thursday 23 October) their intention to consult on setting up a centrally-led Development Corporation to help plan, manage, and deliver large-scale development projects in Greater Cambridge.
Council leaders have said for many years that national intervention on matters such as water supply, wastewater, power, transport and healthcare has been urgently needed and have lobbied successive governments. Lack of water supply and infrastructure to deal with wastewater is already insufficient to ensure all the current locally planned high quality new communities and homes can be delivered.
The leaders of the councils have said that, like any announcement of this kind, further discussion and details are now needed to understand the Government’s intentions and to ensure it also supports local priorities.
Both councils will work with Government to ensure decisions on the precise form and purpose that any development corporation takes are shaped and informed by good evidence and input from the democratically elected and accountable leaders for the area. Once more information is known the Government will consult local residents on setting up a development corporation, allowing local voices to be heard.
The Government’s announcement today included:
- Up to £400 million of initial government funding to kickstart development
- A pledge to increase the supply of affordable homes
- Investment in infrastructure
- Business expansion – with £15 million for the University of Cambridge for a proposed Innovation Hub to create lab space for science start-ups to grow and compete on the global stage
Cllr Bridget Smith, Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “We have lobbied successive governments for national support on the infrastructure we need, including on wastewater and water supply. We’ve also made clear time and time again the challenges our local area faces when it comes to traffic and public transport. Getting this right is a top priority if we are to continue to ensure Greater Cambridge is a great place to live, grow-up, work and learn.
“We recognise that a Development Corporation’s capabilities, including the ability to call upon the resources of the Government, do potentially provide a means to address some of these challenges but it’s key that local voices shape any decisions about our area.
“An intention to also increase the number of truly affordable homes is also very welcome but, like any announcement of this kind, we need to understand the detail that sits behind it and how it can become a reality. It’s also personally very welcome that ministers have recognised our advocacy for growth in a way that protects more land for nature and will soon be setting out plans for a new forest locally.
“We will be working with Government to ensure we get this information, and we will want to be sure that the priorities of local people are fully considered. We know that for a Development Corporation to be formed the Government will need to consult. When all the information is available and the Government is able to do that, we will ensure we encourage everyone locally to have their voice heard.”
Cllr Cameron Holloway, Leader of Cambridge City Council, said: "We welcome the Government’s investment in our area – we need their help to address key challenges regarding housing affordability, improving the quality of existing homes, water infrastructure, and the insufficient space on our roads. We look forward to working with the Government in the coming years to improve the quality of life for current and future residents.
"We are proud that Cambridge makes a major contribution to research, development and economic growth for the UK and the world, and we want to work with Government and its agencies to ensure that continues. The funding announced today for the Innovation Hub is a welcome step in this regard. But the development of our area must also work for local residents.
“Our vision for the area remains unchanged: investing in and empowering our communities; providing much-needed new homes, including plenty of council homes, built within easy reach of new workplaces to provide good, secure jobs; sustainable transport links; and spaces for nature; all underpinned by a commitment to listening to and working with local residents.
“We will shortly be publishing an update on our work to develop the next Local Plan for Greater Cambridge, with detailed plans for the future of our area.
“The Cambridge Growth Company and any development corporation must help us to realise our emerging Local Plan, to bridge, rather than exacerbate, existing inequalities in Cambridge, and to protect and enhance our natural environment. We owe it to people who live, work and study here now, and who will do in the future, to get this right."