Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council are working together to create the first joint Local Plan for Greater Cambridge.
SCSC consulted on a draft local plan earlier this year, and after considering comments received, we are now consulting on the Proposed Submission Greater Cambridge Local Plan | Greater Cambridge Shared Planning. Public consultation on the Proposed Submission Greater Cambridge Local Plan is now open, and runs until 5pm on Friday 25 September 2026.
The Proposed Submission Local Plan consultation is different from earlier stages. All comments received during this consultation period will be submitted to government alongside the Local Plan for independent examination. A Planning Inspector, appointed by government, will consider these as part of that process.
It is important you make comments at this stage if you want your views to be considered by the Inspector. Legislation for this stage of the Plan-making process states that comments should focus on whether the Plan complies with the law and is ‘sound’. This means considering whether the Plan is justified, effective, positively prepared and consistent with national policy.
Please visit our local plan webpage to view the Proposed Submission Local Plan and to learn more about how to comment. Paper copies can also be consulted at some Council offices and libraries.
Further details about the consultation, how you can respond, and what we will do with representations received, can be found in the ‘Statement of Representations Procedure’ at the bottom of this email.
We are holding a number of online and in-person events set out below during the consultation period, where planning officers will be available to answer questions.
For each event below we have set up an Eventbrite link to help us understand likely numbers. It is not essential that attendees sign up in advance, but doing so will help us plan better.
Please comment using our online consultation platform if possible. This is the easiest and most convenient way for you to comment. If you have difficulty commenting online, please contact us on 01954 713694 or localplan@greatercambridgeplanning.org and SCDC will help you.
All comments received during the consultation period will be published. Please refer to our Privacy Notice for further details, which can be found on our website.
The government is now consulting on four options to reorganise Cambridgeshire’s seven councils into fewer unitary councils. This is the government’s plan for a once in a lifetime shake up of local councils across the country which, in Cambridgeshire, would see all seven city, district and county councils reorganised into two or three new councils providing all local services – from housing and planning to social care – under one roof.
Alongside Cambridge City and East Cambridgeshire District councils, we believe option B works best for people across Cambridgeshire. Option B would replace the current seven councils with two new councils: • One for Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire • One for North Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
Option B could save £43 million a year, with savings reinvested into frontline services.
Find out more about option B Residents are invited to register to attend a webinar hosted by the three council leaders on Friday 6 March, from 5 to 6pm.
Leaders and representatives from all three councils will talk more about the options and specifically their preferred option B proposal View the councils’ presentation about option B
South Cambridgeshire District Council have free environmentally period product available for residents. Please visit their Facebook page at the link below
Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council are working together to create the first joint Local Plan for Greater Cambridge.
We are getting in touch to let you know that public consultation on the draft Local Plan is now open. It runs until 5pm on Friday 30 January 2026.
The Local Plan sets out how the area should develop up to 2045 and beyond, including where sites for new homes, jobs and infrastructure will go and what these places should be like. Our Plan has been informed by the thousands of comments we have received through several stages of public consultation so far.
This consultation is your opportunity to help shape the Plan, and we would like to encourage anyone with an interest in the future of the Greater Cambridge area to take part. Feedback from this consultation will help shape the final version of the Plan, which will be consulted on for a final time next year before it is submitted to Government to be examined.
Paper copies are available to view at council offices and main libraries. See our Public Notice for more details.
Join one of our online or in-person events to ask questions – event details are on the webpage. The first of these is an introductory online webinar on Tuesday (2 December) at 6pm and you can register to attend now.
Please comment using our online consultation platform if you can as this will provide you with the smoothest user experience. If you have difficulty commenting online, please contact us on 01954 713694 or localplan@greatercambridgeplanning.org and we will help you comment in other ways.
All comments received during the consultation period will be published. Please refer to our Privacy Notice for further details, which can be found on our website.
If you have any questions about the consultation, please consider attending our events, or watch our webinars. If you still have queries, please contact us using the details above.
SCDC are asking for your help in shaping the actions of the District Council for the year ahead.
There is still time to take part before the consultation closes at 11:59pm on Sunday 16 November.
The consultation is based on the Council’s Corporate Plan 2025-2030, which was agreed earlier this year (2025) and sets out a long-term vision for a fairer, kinder, and greener South Cambridgeshire.
It focuses on five key priority areas: * Healthy and supported communities * Sustainable homes and vibrant places * Being green to our core Helping businesses to thrive * Financially secure and fit for the future
The Council is now asking for comments on how these priorities should be delivered in the year ahead, through its annual Corporate Action Plan.
Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council are currently running identical surveys on the future of Local Government in Cambridgeshire. This week is the last chance to participate.
Your feedback will be key to helping us develop our recommendations to Central Government.
The surveys close at 11.59pm on Sunday 12 October. Responses to the Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire survey will be used to feed into the proposals being developed by the councils.
The proposals will be discussed at Full Council meetings before they must be submitted to Government in November.
Leaders call for views on unitary council for Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire
The leaders of Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District councils are making the case for a new unitary council for Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire and have today launched a survey to ask for local views.
The survey runs until 11:59pm on Sunday 12 October and also asks for suggestions for a name for the new council if it goes ahead. Take the survey on either council’s engagement platform:
The Leader of Cambridge City Council, Cllr Cameron Holloway, said: “We know that many residents see the current two-tier local government arrangements for our area as confusing and inefficient. We now have the chance to simplify matters: all areas with two tiers of local government are being asked to reorganise into ‘unitary’ councils, which combine all local government functions in one authority. Earlier in the year, council leaders set out three options for the geographical configuration of new councils in our area: Options A, B and C. I believe that Option B is the best option for local residents.
“A unitary council combining Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire would work best for our area: it has a coherent identity; the two councils already share several services, such as planning and waste collection; ours are the only two council-house-owning authorities in the county; and a single council for our fast-growing city and its surrounding area would help to streamline governance and enable us to better manage the pressures that come with growth.
“A larger northern council would provide financial resilience and economies of scale, but could offer locally specific services to support the differing needs of communities across the area.”
The Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cllr Bridget Smith, said: “Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire are already joined together in lots of ways, particularly with the unique geography which sees Cambridge surrounded by South Cambridgeshire’s towns and villages on all sides. We share an award-winning planning service and we’re working on a shared Local Plan which will ensure desperately needed new homes are built in a planned way with the right supporting facilities also being built at the right time.
“Meanwhile, 80% of working residents would both live and work in the new unitary area. For example, many of you living in Cambridge head into South Cambridgeshire when you get a train from Cambridge North, use Trumpington Park and Ride or for weekend walks in the countryside. Many of you living in South Cambridgeshire travel into Cambridge to work, use sports and leisure services, or for a day at the shops. In many ways, a new single council covering Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire just formalises what already happens.”
During a joint survey for all the local authorities during the summer, residents and business gave councils a strong message that they will support reorganisation if it achieves tangible benefits for them.
Regardless of which option you prefer in future there will be:
One council to contact: Today, most residents must work out whether the County Council or their city or district council is responsible for potholes, bins or social care. In future, whatever option is chosen by national Government, you’ll have one council to contact for all local services, making it easier to get help and hold leaders to account.
Money saved, better frontline services: By merging seven councils into two, duplication is cut, and money can be saved. That could mean more funds available for fixing potholes, cleaner streets and better support for families and older residents.
There is no easy way to create two new councils that reflect the diverse rural and urban identities of Cambridgeshire. The leaders of Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District councils believe ‘Option B’ is better than the other options because:
It creates two councils with similar size economies and distinct strengths: a ‘southern council’, for Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire, Europe’s leading science and technology hub, and a large and diverse ‘economic powerhouse’ in the north for Peterborough, Huntingdonshire, Fenland and East Cambridgeshire.
Jobs and opportunities are closer to home: three quarters of all residents that work would live and work in the council area where they reside. And because each council has distinct but complementary economic strengths, they can each focus on attracting the investment their areas need to ensure residents can find good jobs and affordable homes locally.
Public services are better: a larger council in the north can use its scale to drive efficiencies as well as localise service provision to meet diverse community needs. The smaller southern council area already has many joint services and, uniquely, 1 in 10 homes are council-owned, enabling closer integration with health services and social care.
It’s more financially sustainable and fairer: resources are split most fairly, which is better value for money and minimises the impact on council tax payers. As a result, both new councils are in the best position to meet the different needs of their residents and residents of all parts of Cambridgeshire.
It respects historic identities: the ‘southern council’ aligns closely with the old administrative county of Cambridgeshire, whilst the ‘northern council’ would respect the historic identities of the Isle of Ely and the former county of Huntingdonshire, and would not cut Fen communities in half.
Timeline for Local Government Reorganisation
National Government outlined plans in late 2024 to disband existing district, city and county councils in order to create new ‘unitary’ councils from April 2028. That would mean an end to the seven district, city and county councils across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, and replacing them with fewer unitary councils. Each new unitary council would provide all council services in the areas they serve, in contrast to the current model where Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire residents are served by either the city or district council and the County Council.
The Government will ultimately decide what new unitary councils to create. Before Government makes that decision, the seven Cambridgeshire councils have been asked to explore possible options and submit proposals to Government before the end of November 2025.
Cambridgeshire County Council is leading on the proposal for option A; Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council are working with all other councils on Option B; and Huntingdonshire District Council is leading on the proposal for Option C.
A survey was run jointly by all seven councils during summer this year, asking residents for general feedback about local government and their future priorities. This survey is seeking to gather feedback about residents’ preferred geographical option for new unitary councils in our area.
Take the survey
You can now have your say on whether you support a unitary council for Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire. The surveys linked below are identical and people only need to respond once on their preferred platform, before the survey closes at 11:59pm on Sunday 12 October.
A public focus group will also be held to further explore Option B – further information is available via each council’s website mentioned above.
At Cambridge City Council’s Full Council meeting on Thursday 24 July, Councillors passed a motion outlining how a unitary authority based on the current boundaries of Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council, alongside viable arrangements for the rest of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, is likely to be the best option for the residents of Cambridge. The most recent report on local government reorganisation discussed by South Cambridgeshire District Councillors was debated at a Full Council meeting on Thursday 17 July 2025. At that meeting, the Leader, Cllr Bridget Smith told District Councillors that her administration would be promoting a new unitary council covering Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire. Meanwhile, this summer the two leaders wrote an open letter on this topic.
Responses to the Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire survey will be used to feed into the proposals being developed by the councils – which will be discussed at Full Council meetings before they must be submitted to Government in November. There will then be further consultation, before Government ultimately makes a final decision. New councils are expected to operate in a shadow capacity from May 2027 before full implementation in April 2028, known as ‘vesting day’.
Cambridgeshire County Council has launched an engagement survey open to residents, town and parish councils, community and voluntary sector partners, businesses and other public sector bodies across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
Land North East Of 155 Rampton Road Willingham Cambridgeshire CB24 5JF
Proposal
Submission of details required by conditionss 3 (External Material), 4 (Carbon Emissions) and 21 (Hard and Soft Landscape) of planning permission 23/03340/FUL
Mr Philip Ward Argyle Design 12 Stratfield Close Cambridge CB4 3NA
Date started
12/07/2024
Case Officer
Phoebe Carter
Type
Full Application
Site
43 Church Street Willingham Cambridgeshire CB24 5HS
Proposal
Conversion to 6 person HMO (sui generis), single storey rear extensions, addition of car parking to the rear and cycle store to the side (Retrospective).
Demolition of existing front wall and break out footings, excavate footing other side of the path, construct new low wall, Repair south wall using existing loose bricks and lime mortar, reset two existing path stone slabs and replace one slab in same material.
Demolition of existing front wall and break out footings, excavate footing other side of the path, construct new low wall, Repair south wall using existing loose bricks and lime mortar, reset two existing path stone slabs and replace one slab in same material.
Modification of planning obligations contained in a Section 106 Agreement dated 13 August 2015 and a deed of variation dated 5 March 2018 pursuant to planning permission S/0524/14/FL relating to land South of Over Road, Willingham
Land At Belsar Farm Meadow Road Willingham CB24 5JL
Proposal
Modification of planning obligations contained in an agreement dated 27 March 2018 in pursuance of Section 106 of the 1990 Act between South Cambridgeshire District Council and Cambridge County Council, as amended by a Deed of Variation between South Cambridgeshire District Council and Accent Homemade Limited dated 23 September 2021.
Mr Neil Harris 59 Balland Field Willingham Cambridge CB24 5JT
Date started
21/02/2025
Case Officer
Tom Chenery
Type
Non-Material Amendment
Site
20 Church Street Willingham Cambridgeshire CB24 5HT
Proposal
Non material amendment on application 24/04402/FUL for external walls to be black painted weatherboarding to match existing neighbouring outbuildings instead of brick and roof slates to be replaced with red tiling as adjacent outbuildings, or red bitumen tiling looking similar to the existing tiles.
Existing two-year qualifying period for protections from unfair dismissal will be removed, to ensure all workers have a right to these from day one at work.
The bill will bring forward 28 individual employment reforms, from ending zero hours contracts and fire and rehire practices to establishing day one rights for paternity, parental and bereavement leave for workers. Statutory sick pay will also be strengthened, removing the lower earnings limit for all workers and cutting out the waiting period before sick pay kicks in.
Accompanying this will be measures to help make the workplace more compatible with people’s lives, with flexible working made the default where practical.
A new Fair Work Agency will be established to enforce rights such as holiday pay and support employers looking for guidance on how to comply with the law.
Small business support Grants up to £5,000 are still available for South Cambridgeshire small businesses looking to grow within the district as part of the Small Business Grant Scheme.
There are only a few days left to apply. Applications close on 31 October.
Full details and application form available on our website.
Improving the High Street Our new £200,000 Improving the High Street grant scheme recently launched to support projects that boost the heart of communities across the district.
Grants of between £5,000- £20,000 per project are available to local businesses, community groups and Parish Councils.
The scheme aims to improve the look of local high streets, promote rejuvenation, encourage residents to shop locally and attract more local businesses to the area.
Street trading policy changes
We are updating our street trading policy to allow greater flexibility and opportunities for businesses.
The new policy introduces two key changes to support the growth of street traders such as food vans, flower stalls and cake vans.
The changes are: A three-month trial for new premises. This allows traders to assess suitability or viability of a new location before committing to an annual consent. A new ad-hoc trading consent, enabling trading for up to four times a year in one location to meet business needs or assess viability.
Businesses must obtain consent issued by the District Council before they can trade in the street. Find out more about street trading licences.
Webinar: Encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusion in small businesses
Would you like to find out how developing a more diverse workforce and an inclusive culture could benefit your small business?
Monitoring diversity is normal for many large firms, but it can also add value to small businesses.
It can lead to better business performance, increased staff happiness and motivation and better outcomes for customers.
On 23 October we are hosting a free webinar from 1pm to 2pm where Mark Freed and Alana Stuart from Men For Inclusion will: Share personal experiences related to diversity, equity, and inclusion Explain how the “lived experience gap” creates additional barriers for underrepresented groups Help recognise unintentional sexist behaviours Explore what motivates or demotivates colleagues to show inclusive behaviours Identify personal reasons for change and learn how to influence others. Register for your free place
Help end violent behaviour and attitudes towards women
South Cambridgeshire District Council has recently been accredited by national charity White Ribbon UK, the leading charity engaging men and boys to end violent behaviour and attitudes towards women.
White Ribbon Accreditation is a commitment made by workplaces to work towards transformational culture change in their staff culture, systems and communities.
As part of our White Ribbon action plan, our male Ambassadors and female Champions raise awareness of the White Ribbon promise to “never use, excuse or remain silent about men’s violence against women”.
Find out how your organisation can help prevent harassment, abuse and violence against women and girls and upskill your staff by partnering with White Ribbon UK.
White Ribbon Day is on 25 November.
Shared workspace available Are you looking for space to set-up your business and co-create with like-minded people? Need a spacious setting to network and brainstorm ideas with specific groups from the community? For free?
South Cambs Connect in Cambourne is available for use by local entrepreneurs, start-up businesses, and community groups. Designed for people, businesses and communities to expand professional and personal horizons, network, and collaborate, South Cambs Connect is free of charge until December.
Help shape future services
Local businesses are being asked to help shape South Cambridgeshire District Council’s plans for the years ahead – to help ensure the area remains one of the best places to live and work in the country.
The Council has identified five key priorities to help achieve its goals, including helping local businesses thrive.
Councillors want to hear the views of local people so they can help influence the production of a full Corporate Plan for 2025 and beyond.
When finalised, the Plan will set out the actions, initiatives and strategies the Council will work through to meet its targets.
Anyone who completes the survey will have the chance to be entered into a prize draw to win one of two £50 One4All vouchers. To complete the survey via an alternative format, such as a printed copy or in an alternative language, please contact equality.schemes@scambs.gov.uk or call 01954 713 000.
Webinar: How to do business with the council Want to know how to win work with local authorities? On 6 November our Procurement Officer will be hosting a free webinar explaining how to write successful bids – and how not to.
Sign up for this practical, interactive online session and learn: How to find open tenders How to sell to local government Using the right language What social value is and why is it important What the changes to the Public Procurement Act are and what they mean for your business
Webinar: Introduction to Procontract and where to find public sector opportunities
Join Cambridgeshire County Council on 19 November from 12:30pm to 2pm for an informative online session demonstrating how to navigate Procontract and discover public sector opportunities. This event is perfect for any Cambridgeshire based SMEs looking to expand their business horizons. Learn about the benefits of Procontract and gain insights on where to find relevant opportunities in the public sector. Register for your free place.
New Fair Payment Code announced for small businesses
The government has announced measures to support small businesses and the self-employed by tackling late payments.
The government will consult on new laws which will hold larger firms to account and new legislation will be brought in that will require all large businesses to include payment reporting in their annual reports. The consultation, which will be launched in the coming months, will also consider a range of further policy measures that could help address poor payment practices.
A new Fair Payment Code has also been announced to replace the old Prompt Payment Code, which will be open to signatories this autumn. Businesses will need to prove they have met good payment standards before being awarded official code status.
Export insurance applications made simpler for businesses with new online portal
The government has announced that UK firms applying for government-backed export insurance will be able to use a new online portal now available on GOV.UK.
The new portal shortens the application process, making it easier for businesses to apply for and get the support they need to export. UKEF’s export insurance can cover up to 95% of potential losses under an export contract.
Can you support local food hub?
Are you a business based in or near Meldreth who would like to give something back to the local community? Can you help the local food hub survive?
Due to the cost-of-living crisis they have seen an increasing number of residents relying on their vital services. But they desperately need help to carry on delivering them.
The food hub is mainly in need of funds to support their service, but if you can donate food, drinks, toiletries, sanitary items, nappies or time please contact our team with any offers of support and we will pass them on.
With thanks to Meldreth food hub for the image.
British Business Bank’s Growth Guarantee Scheme
The Growth Guarantee Scheme from the British Business Bank is now open, offering access to finance for UK-based smaller businesses looking to invest and grow.
The scheme is available through accredited lenders, offering a wide range of products including: term loans overdrafts asset finance invoice finance asset-based lending
Enjoy an exciting two-course lunch at Madingley Hall on 29 November with guest speaker Prof Helen Pankhurst CBE. Helen is a women’s rights activist, scholar and writer, and currently CARE International’s senior advisor working in the UK and Ethiopia. She is the great-granddaughter of Emmeline Pankhurst and granddaughter of Sylvia Pankhurst.
Bring an ally! Males are an important part of the conversation and showing up for your female colleagues, contacts and friends is hugely important.
Ticket prices are £65 for Members and £85 for non-members, both plus VAT. Book your place now.
CambsB2B South
There’s only one month to go! Come along to IWM Duxford on 13 November for the region’s biggest flagship event of the year! This year’s themes are Green and Digital within our local region. With some fantastic guest speakers, sponsors and various activities throughout the day it is not to be missed! Find out more and register your attendance.
Health and safety updates Managing work-related violence and aggression Violence and aggression at work can have a serious impact on your workers’ physical and mental health.
It will help you assess the risks, put the right controls in place, report and learn from incidents.
We have specific guidance on how to support your workers after a violent incident. There are also examples drawn from typical situations where employers have reduced the risk of violence.
In addition, there is separate advice for workers, which explains how they can help employers prevent violent incidents at work.
First aid at work publications Earlier this year HSE updated two of their publications on first aid at work. First aid at work: Guidance on regulations This publication sets out what employers need to do to address first aid provision in the workplace. The updates include emphasising the responsibility to take account of workers’ mental health in their first aid needs assessment.
Selecting a first aid training provider: A guide for employers This guidance helps identify and select a competent training provider to deliver your business’ first aid training needs. It was updated to simplify what employers should consider when selecting a training provider.
The updates do not change what is required to comply with the law.
We want to know what local businesses think of the Business Support and Development Team’s service. If you’ve received any kind of support from our team, please let us know how we did. Perhaps you got help to apply for grant funding or attended one of our popular webinars.
It should take around 5 minutes to fill in this short online survey and tell us what you think we are getting right and where we need to improve. We really value your feedback.
Our website has a host of useful resources for local businesses. This includes information about starting a business, doing business with the council, business rates and valuations, help with reducing carbon and energy use, and information about UK Shared Prosperity Fund schemes.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for, or would like a visit from one of our Business Engagement Officers, email the team and while we may not have all the answers we can offer as much FREE advice and support as possible.
Business Support and Development South Cambridgeshire District Council South Cambs Hall Cambourne Business Park Cambourne CB23 6EA
The next community forum for Northstowe will take place on Wednesday 11 September. Drop-in from 6.30pm, Forum at 7pm at Western Park Pavilion, Peppercorn Drive, Northstowe.
