Tell us how you want to be involved in the planning process across Greater Cambridge

Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire residents are being encouraged to have their say on an important document that outlines how they can become involved in the planning process.

Greater Cambridge Shared Planning (GCSP), a partnership between Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District Councils, is consulting on a new ‘Statement of Community Involvement’ from 18 October to 29 November 2023, and leading councillors are asking local people to help shape it.

The Statement of Community Involvement sets out how the councils will involve communities in the range of planning related activities it undertakes.  Planning affects the lives of everyone who lives, works, and visits Greater Cambridge. For that reason, it is important that people can engage with the Council and its officers in the processes that lead to planning permission, and preparing the plan that sets out future development of the Greater Cambridge area.  

The Statement of Community Involvement outlines the types of engagement designed to capture views to inform the preparation of the plan the future of Greater Cambridge, involvement in neighbourhood planning, and the consideration of planning and related applications for new development.

Besides inviting online comments, GCSP is also attending two events later this month where members of the public are welcome find out more and to give their views. 

These are at:

• Northstowe Market: 9.30am - 12.30pm on Sunday 22 October 2023 at Northstowe Hub, The Community Centre, 1 The Green, Pathfinder Way, Northstowe CB24 1FD
• Café Drop in: The Meadows Community Centre, Arbury, Cambridge: 11am - 2pm on Friday 27 October at The Meadows Community Centre, 299 Arbury Rd, Cambridge CB4 2JL.

You can find out more information about the Statement of Community Involvement on the GCSP website which, when the consultation opens on 18 October, will also be where you can add your comments. Anyone who would prefer to receive printed literature to help them have their say should call 01223 457000 or 01954 713 000.

Cllr Katie Thornburrow, Cambridge City Council Executive Councillor for Planning, Building Control and Infrastructure said,

“It is really important that everyone knows how to make a difference to the area they live in, especially when it comes to planning and decisions councils make on housing, workplaces, and other issues.

We want to make sure that the way the council asks residents, businesses, local organisations, and visitors about what to build, what to change, and how to create the best possible spaces within which we can live, work, learn, and play is as good as it can be.

I hope everyone will take time to comment on these proposals. Like every elected councillor, I work closely with Planning Officers to make sure that we work in a transparent, trustworthy, and effective way, and this consultation is part our ongoing commitment to serving the people of Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire.

It’s through a concerted effort by everyone involved in planning that we can work towards improved transparency and arrive at a place of mutual trust.”

Cllr. Dr. Tumi Hawkins, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Lead Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Development Management said:

“Involving all of our communities in the planning process is very important. It enables us to hear their views and take those into consideration in making decisions that affect how land is used and developed in Greater Cambridge. It’s about decisions that will affect our children and grandchildren, so tapping into as much local knowledge is vital to ensure we get those calls right.

This Statement of Community Involvement tries to ensure that as many people as possible can participate in and share their views and aspirations in our emerging joint Local Plan as well as how development proposals are prepared, assessed, and determined.

Bringing forwards new homes that are genuinely affordable to live in and being green to our core are key priorities for the Council – and this Statement of Community Involvement ensures that residents can play an important role as we work towards those ambitions together.”