“I am acutely aware of the anxieties that many residents will have due to the quantity of sites put forward given it is enough for 220,000 houses though it is important to remember that the actual amount required will be significantly lower. I think it is important that residents realize this is a long process as an opportunity to officially comment will not be until the summer/autumn of 2021. I very much hope and will push for the council to open for comments as soon as possible, residents’ voices need to be heard and listened to through this process.” says Cllr Heather Williams, Leader of the Conservative Group at South Cambs.

“This is a major change in process for South Cambs residents. In the past this announcement has come when the preferred option sites have been released. This process will cause anxiety and planning blight in our villages, because all sites are included without the usual sifting.” says Cllr Graham Cone, Deputy Leader of Conservative Group at South Cambs.

Previously when the site submissions have been released there has been commentary as to the likelihood of sites being included. The decision the administration has taken to omit any analysis is, in our view irresponsible, it has created panic and anxiety for many residents. This is completely understandable given sites some sites are in the thousands situated in small villages.  Combine this with residents being unable to officially comment until summer/autumn of 2021 has left many feeling anxious for the future. At a recent council meeting a member of the public referred to planning at South Cambs as cruel, its hard not to agree given these changes the administration have chosen to make.

To see a full list of the sites and other information about the local plan visit: https://www.greatercambridgeplanning.org/emerging-plans-and-guidance/greater-cambridge-local-plan/