3. About the Plan

3.1 What is the Greater Cambridge Local Plan?

Figure 2 Map showing the extent of Greater Cambridge

For the first time, Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council (referred to as 'the Councils' in this consultation) are working together to create a joint Local Plan for the two areas – which we are referring to as Greater Cambridge. This will ensure that there is a consistent approach to planning, and the same planning policies, where appropriate, across both areas.

A Local Plan is a legal document that the Councils are required to prepare, which sets out the future land use and planning policies for the area over a set time frame. It identifies the need for new homes and jobs, and the services and infrastructure to support them, and guides where this growth should happen. It follows a process set out in national legislation and guidance and is independently tested at a public examination to check it is 'sound' – this means that it is realistic, deliverable and based on good evidence – before it can be formally adopted.

Local Plans are key in making decisions on future planning applications in the area, alongside national planning policy and other supplementary guidance.

In legal terms, the material in this consultation is described as an Issues and Options report for public consultation, in accordance with Regulation 18 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012.