Thriplow and Heathfield have taken a major step in shaping their future, as South Cambridgeshire District Council officially adopts their community-led Neighbourhood Plan.
The plan was prepared by a local community Neighbourhood Plan steering group, working with the parish council with support from the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service (GCSP).
Residents of Thriplow and Heathfield voted in favour of the Neighbourhood Plan, which will now be used to help decide planning applications in the area. The referendum, held on 12 June 2025, saw a majority of voters support the plan, which sets out a shared vision for the parish through to 2041.
Today, Thursday 17 July 2025, the Neighbourhood Plan was formally made (adopted) at a Full District Council meeting.
The overall vision for Thriplow and Heathfield is to grow sustainably, staying a vibrant and inclusive community that offers a high quality of life for people of all ages, while protecting its rural character and enhancing the natural environment. The area will respect its rural character and protect the natural environment. Walking and cycling routes to nearby countryside and villages will be improved, supporting better social, mental, and physical health. The vision is supported by 12 objectives split into three themes, along with 15 policies. Included in the policies are:
- Improving the character and quality of Heathfield and protecting and enhancing village character in Thriplow
- Promoting nature recovery by protecting existing sites and features, increasing parish biodiversity and delivering biodiversity net gain
- Supporting the rural economy
- Improving parking provision and improving road safety
Cllr Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Lead Cabinet Member for Planning at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Neighbourhood Plans are a powerful way for communities to shape the future of their local area. The Thriplow and Heathfield Neighbourhood Plan reflects the aspirations of residents and will play a vital role in guiding development that respects the parish’s unique character. From protecting green spaces and enhancing biodiversity to improving road safety and supporting the rural economy, this plan sets a clear and thoughtful direction for the years ahead.”
Cllr Dr. Richard Williams, District Councillor for the Heathfield and Thriplow parishes, commented: “This Neighbourhood Plan is the result of hard work and dedication by many members of the Thriplow and Heathfield community over several years. Writing a neighbourhood plan is a huge undertaking and I have watched with admiration as this plan has developed and now come to fruition. It has the endorsement of the whole community following the recent referendum. I congratulate all those involved in the plan, particularly those who have led the work on the plan. It will help to ensure that development in Thriplow and Heathfield works for residents and that the special character of the two communities is maintained and enhanced for year to come. Well done all!”
The Chair of Thriplow and Heathfield Parish Council, Cllr Jane Gough, said: “Creating a Neighbourhood Plan and having it adopted is not easy. A lot of work has been done by Philippa MacGarry and her helpers especially Kit Jackson, Kerstin Rivett and Parish Councillor David Easthope together with other members of the Neighbourhood Plan Committee. We are all grateful for their hard work and effort. The preparation of the Thriplow and Heathfield Neighbourhood Plan has been a long and at times arduous process involving a lot of time, meetings, exhibitions and corrections leading up to the referendum in June which approved the making of the plan. Everyone involved has helped to achieve a result which is for the benefit of this parish in the future.”
A Neighbourhood Plan sets out planning policies for the neighbourhood, identifies priorities for local infrastructure, green spaces and community facilities, and reflects the community’s vision for how the area should evolve over time. The plan now forms part of the statutory development plan for South Cambridgeshire and will be used alongside the Local Plan when determining planning applications in the area.
GCSP, a partnership between Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District councils, continues to support groups in the preparation of Neighbourhood Plans with guidance from expert Planners.
This is the eleventh Neighbourhood Plan to be adopted in Greater Cambridge, joining Former Land Settlement Association Estate at Great Abington, Cottenham, Histon and Impington, Foxton, Gamlingay, Waterbeach, West Wickham, Fulbourn and Pampisford in South Cambridgeshire, as well as South Newnham’s Neighbourhood Plan in Cambridge City.
More guidance can be found on the GCSP website for those thinking about preparing a plan for their community.
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