The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) and Localism Act 2011 gives local communities the ability to prepare Neighbourhood Plans.
Neighbourhood Plans must meet certain basic conditions and other legal requirements before they come into force. These are tested through an independent examination before the neighbourhood plan proceeds to referendum.
Section 38A(4) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004 (as amended) requires that the local planning authority must make a neighbourhood development plan if in the referendum more than half of those voting voted in favour of the plan.
Once adopted the Neighbourhood Plan becomes part of the development plan.
There are currently 13 adopted neighbourhood plans in Greater Cambridge.
Cambridge City Council:
View the Cambridge City Council neighbourhood plans map [JPG, 2.5MB] (last updated: February 2025) which shows the neighbourhood areas within the Cambridge City Council boundary.
There is currently 1 made neighbourhood plan in Cambridge City:
South Cambridgeshire District Council
View the South Cambridgeshire Neighbourhood Plans map [PDF, 1.5MB] (last updated: October 2025) which shows all the neighbourhood areas within the South Cambridgeshire District Council boundary.
There are currently 12 made neighbourhood plans in South Cambridgeshire:
