Monthly Report for August 2026

What happens next with the
Local Plan

Residents, businesses and organisations are being encouraged to share their views on the “soundness” of the Greater Cambridge Local Plan – during the final round of consultation which opened on 3rd August.

The consultation is the last opportunity for communities to comment on the Plan – which at this stage is called the Proposed Submission version - and its evidence base. After this stage, the Plan will be submitted to Government and examined by an independent Planning Inspector.

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. The 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.

The Greater Cambridge Local Plan will help determine how Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire grow over the next 20 years, influencing where new homes, jobs and community facilities are located, how development supports climate goals, and how infrastructure keeps pace with growth.

Current forecasts indicate that around 50,000 new homes will be needed between 2024 and 2045. Around 37,000 of these homes are already planned through existing permissions and allocations, but future growth must be carefully managed to ensure communities have the transport links, services, green spaces and utilities they need.

The updated Plan also reflects the ongoing work to address some of Greater Cambridge's most significant challenges, including housing demand, water supply constraints, transport infrastructure and future employment needs.

Unlike earlier consultations, this final stage is more narrowly focused on whether the Plan is "sound" and meets national planning requirements. Responses will therefore need to focus on whether the Plan is justified by the evidence, effective in achieving its objectives, deliverable and consistent with national planning policy.

There will be an engagement event on Wednesday 2nd September 4PM-7:30PM in Papworth Village Hall. Register to attend at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/greater-cambridge-local-plan-exhibition-papworth-village-hall-tickets-1995699446768

To view the Plan and submit comments, visit www.greatercambridgeplanning.org/local-plan

Paper copies of the Local Plan are available at the councils’ offices in Cambridge and Cambourne, and at Cambridge Central and Cambourne libraries.

The consultation closes on Friday 25 September 2026.

Development Corporation

On 23 July 2026, the government established the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation (DevCo) as a new statutory delivery body for the area covering the administrative boundaries of Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire.

Its role is to work with partners to set out and deliver an ambitious plan for long-term sustainable growth for Greater Cambridge by coordinating the delivery of infrastructure, investment and strategic developments.

The Development Corporation builds on the work started by the Cambridge Growth Company (CGC), set up by government in 2024 as an interim body to unlock and accelerate delivery of stalled developments, remove barriers to growth, and develop an evidence base for a long-term vision. The CGC has now been folded into the DevCo and no longer exists as a separate entity.

The government has appointed an interim Board, which brings together independent expertise and local democratically elected leadership, ensuring both specialist knowledge and local insight are represented. The interim Board will be responsible for setting and overseeing the strategic direction and control of the corporation, in line with the objectives the government has set. The interim Board includes Cllr Lucy Nethsingha representing Cambridgeshire County Council and Cllr Bridget Smith representing South Cambridgeshire District Council. It first met on 30th July and minutes of the meeting have not yet been published.