A new Neighbourhood Plan for Pampisford has been adopted by South Cambridgeshire District Council to help shape future development in the area and protect the environment.
The Neighbourhood Plan has been prepared by a local community steering group, working with the parish council with support from Greater Cambridge Shared Planning. It is the ninth Neighbourhood Plan to be adopted in South Cambridgeshire.
A referendum was held in April to ask residents if they wanted the Pampisford Neighbourhood Plan to be considered when planning applications in the local area are decided. Almost 99% of those who voted were in favour of this.
On Thursday 22 May 2025, the Neighbourhood Plan was formally made (adopted) at a Full District Council meeting.
The Pampisford Neighbourhood Plan has an overall vision to create a village community that combines the benefits of its rural, historic character and connection to modern facilities and travel routes, to be a friendly and sustainable place to live for all generations.
The Pampisford Neighbourhood Plan has nine goals and 18 policies that seek to deliver the vision. The policies in the Pampisford Neighbourhood Plan aim to:
- maintain and improve the character and distinctiveness of Pampisford
- meet the needs of the local community by supporting new housing that is affordable and of an appropriate size
- protect, enhance and give access to the rural environment surrounding the village
- improve and protect local employment areas, and their surroundings
- protect valued local heritage assets.
Neighbourhood Plans can help communities shape development and protect, enhance and improve aspects of the neighbourhood area.
The Chair of Pampisford Parish Council, Cllr Bill Gysin, said: “Like many worthwhile endeavours, creating a Neighbourhood Plan and having it adopted is not easy. There is a great deal of hard work and commitment required, mostly from members of the parish, giving their time voluntarily. I have witnessed this first hand, and I have been repeatedly reminded of just how much the parish council is indebted to those individuals. April’s referendum produced an excellent turnout and a resounding vote of confidence in the benefits of the plan, so I feel justified in saying that the pride we feel in achieving this milestone goes beyond the parish council and the Neighbourhood Plan Group to include the village itself.”
Cllr Peter McDonald, South Cambridgeshire’s District Councillor for the Pampisford parish, said: “This is a great achievement by Pampisford. Well done on all their hard work. It’s a fantastic example of local democracy in action, where residents have taken the lead in shaping the place they live, preserving its unique character while planning thoughtfully for future generations.”
South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Lead Cabinet Member for Planning, Cllr Dr. Tumi Hawkins, commented: “This is the ninth Neighbourhood Plan to be adopted in South Cambridgeshire, and it’s another great example of what can be achieved when local communities come together with passion and purpose. The Pampisford Neighbourhood Plan reflects the unique character of the village and sets a clear vision for its future. These plans are a vital part of our planning system, giving residents a real say in how their areas grow and develop. We’re proud to continue supporting communities like Pampisford in shaping places they’re proud to call home.”
Greater Cambridge Shared Planning, 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.
Pampisford’s plan joins adopted plans in South Cambridgeshire for the Former Land Settlement Association Estate at Great Abington, Cottenham, Histon and Impington, Foxton, Gamlingay, Waterbeach, West Wickham and Fulbourn, as well as South Newnham’s Neighbourhood Plan in Cambridge City.
More guidance can be found on their website for those thinking about preparing a plan for their community.
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