New reports highlight how communities could get increased benefits from planning process as progress on new homes revealed

New data published by Greater Cambridge Shared Planning confirms Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District councils remain on track to bring forward the new homes and space for jobs set out in their adopted 2018 Local Plans.

At the same time, reports to forthcoming Cabinet meetings at the two councils recommend the introduction of new charges on developers to help pay for larger transport improvements and infrastructure.

There is also a proposal for an improved and more transparent process for the negotiation and completion of developer Section 106 planning agreements. A Section 106 agreement ensures new development contributes to essential local priorities - such as affordable housing, greenspaces, infrastructure, and community facilities - so that its impact is properly managed and the wider area benefits.

Housing and employment space growth across Greater Cambridge 

The councils’ annual look at how well its 2018 Local Plans are being delivered – through an Authority Monitoring Report for Greater Cambridge Shared Planning - confirms that despite challenges around water and infrastructure, in the period from April 2024 to March 2025, permission for over 10,000 new homes was granted. 2,265 new homes - of which 700 were affordable homes - and over 60,000 square metres of new employment space - were constructed across Greater Cambridge.

Community Infrastructure Levy Plans 

The proposal to be heard by South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Cabinet next Tuesday (3 February) and Cambridge City Council’s Cabinet meeting one week later is to consult on the introduction of a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL). 

This would be focused on securing contributions from developers, on a range of development types, for planned and future larger transport improvements and infrastructure needed to accommodate growth. 

A CIL would also see a proportion of the funds collected - up to 25% where a Neighbourhood Plan is in place - being made available to local communities. 

Updated proposals for developer contributions 

Alongside the proposals for a CIL, the councils’ Cabinets are also being asked to adopt updated guidance on Section 106 Planning Obligations that accompany major planning application decisions. 

Following two rounds of consultation, and over 140 responses, councillors are being asked to approve improved, more transparent guidance which would replace publications previously used by the councils.  

Cllr Dr Tumi Hawkins, Lead Cabinet Member for Planning at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “I am pleased that the latest monitoring report shows we continue to deliver on the promise of our 2018 Local Plans to secure the new homes – including affordable homes – and jobs that the area needs. We are committed to ensuring the right growth happens in the right places across South Cambridgeshire, while maximising the benefits for our communities. Continuing to improve advice and guidance on how Section 106 agreements address community needs, and ensuring development contributes to the cost of transport infrastructure required to support growth, is an important part of this. Having listened to the feedback received, we are determined that alongside supporting our vital economy, new development helps meet the needs of our communities now and in the future.”  

Cllr Katie Thornburrow, Cabinet member for Planning and Transport at Cambridge City Council, commented: “These reports reinforce the importance of continued investment in high-quality, well-planned development that supports sustainable growth, delivers much needed homes, and helps Cambridge remain a thriving, inclusive and globally competitive city. Having demonstrated how the councils are supporting national priorities around economic growth, we are also doing everything we can to build more high quality, sustainable council homes, and are happy that our housebuilding partnership is playing a vital role in supporting people in the greatest need to access low-rent council homes locally.” 

All three reports have been prepared by the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning service which is shared by the two councils. Late last year, Greater Cambridge Shared Planning was named the Royal Town Planning Institute’s national Planning Authority of the Year. Elsewhere, the councils are nearing the end of a public consultation into their joint Greater Cambridge Local Plan – which will help shape how the area grows over the next 20 years.