Further consultation launched on draft Greater Cambridge Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document

Above: Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, Cllr Bridget Smith, will be contributing to Future Cities Forum's 'Global Tech Cities' discussion event, hosted by the Cambridge Science Park this September. Image: courtesy of South Cambridgeshire District Council.

Greater Cambridge Shared Planning (GCSP), the shared planning service for Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council, has announced it is reconsulting on the draft Greater Cambridge Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

This follows updates to the draft SPD being made in response to feedback from an initial consultation held between November 2024 and January 2025.

People are now being asked for their views on the updated draft SPD and feed back by Friday 17 October 2025.

South Cambridgeshire District Council states:

'The SPD provides detailed guidance on how planning obligations, also known as Section 106 contributions, will be used to mitigate the impact of new developments across Greater Cambridge. The SPD outlines when developers might need to make these contributions and what they could involve. Examples of this may include affordable homes, better transport options like cycle paths or bus improvements, and protecting nature by improving habitats and planting more greenery. 

'The feedback gathered from during the consultation will play a crucial role in shaping the final version of the Supplementary Planning Document. Once adopted, the SPD will replace existing planning obligations guidance currently used by Cambridge City Council and will also help to guide development in South Cambridgeshire.'

Cllr Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Lead Cabinet Member for Planning for South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Planning obligations play a vital role in making sure new developments contribute positively to our communities. We’ve listened carefully to the feedback received during our previous consultation and made updates to the draft SPD in response. This new round of consultation is another important opportunity to ensure that the voices of the community and developers are heard and considered when finalising the guidance.” 

Cllr Katie Thornburrow, Cabinet Member for Planning and Transport at Cambridge City Council, added: “We’re committed to ensuring that development is not just about building homes, but about creating thriving, well-connected communities. The updated SPD provides clarity for developers and reassurance for residents that contributions will be used effectively to support local priorities, from green spaces and biodiversity to schools and public transport.”  

Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, Bridget Smith, who will be speaking at our 'Global Tech Cities' event this September on the Cambridge Science Park, along with Chief Executive of Cambridge City Council, Robert Pollock, has also been writing about the UK government's plans for unitary councils. She says:

'Our area is already one of the fastest growing places in the country, with South Cambs delivering new homes at a faster rate than anywhere else in the country and Cambridge being an international focus for investment and a home to world-leading research and innovation. By working together, Cambridge and South Cambs have been able to achieve this growth whilst striking a balance between rural and urban interests – looking out for the needs of communities from Petersfield to Papworth, Market to Melbourn.

'As our area grows, decisions about our area should be made closer to home. A Council covering Cambridge and South Cambs would mean that decisions about Cambridge and Cambourne would be made locally by local councillors, rather than being made in Alconbury by councillors from Ely, Wisbech and Chatteris.

'Regardless of their political affiliation, having councillors who are embedded in their communities is a key part of this success – and we think it’s essential that local councillors remain local in any future unitary. We want to bring decision-making on key services, that currently happens at the County Council in Alconbury, closer to residents, and to ensure that councillors remain embedded in their local communities.

'We recognise that others may have different views on this issue, and ultimately the decision regarding any boundaries will rest with the Government and not with local leaders, but we feel strongly that this is the option that will deliver the best outcomes for people in not only Cambridge and South Cambs but across the rest of the county too.'