October’s Full Council will see East Cambridgeshire District Council decide whether to move one step forward as it reviews the latest version of the district’s Local Plan.

The Proposed Submission Local Plan, which has previously been consulted on twice in its draft versions, will go before full council recommended by officers for approval so that it can move into its final round of consultation and be submitted to the Secretary of State for independent examination.

The plan recognises the amount of growth required in the district which includes 6,000 new jobs, 10,850 new homes and supporting infrastructure. Growth within the plan is focused on the district’s main settlements, together with an element of proportionate growth across the district to boost delivery and supply.

Measures have also been included to ensure that homes are built and designed for all in our community, including affordable homes and accessible homes (for those with mobility difficulties). Policies to protect the special features of East Cambridgeshire, including protected nature conservation sites, green wedges, local green spaces and heritage assets have also been considered.

Councillor Coralie Green, Service Delivery Champion for Strategic Planning at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “We would like to thank the residents for all of their comments at the previous draft stages. The interaction with the Local Plan from the communities across the district has proved to be very helpful for those working on the Plan. Officers have carefully considered all representations received at the last consultation stage and aimed to address as many concerns as possible. If full council approve the latest version, it will prompt the final phase of consultation.”

Should councillors approve to move ahead with the Proposed Submission Local Plan, the plan enters into its final round of consultation, which is planned to commence in November for six weeks. Unlike previous stages of consultation, all representations received in this round are not subsequently reviewed by officers or the Council, but instead are considered by an independent Inspector. The Council hopes to adopt the Local Plan in the second half of 2018.

More information about the next steps will be provided on the East Cambridgeshire District Council website prior to the consultation starting in November.