In one of their last acts before the upcoming election, East Cambridgeshire councillors pushed through the long-awaited local plan.

The plan was approved at a meeting of East Cambridgeshire District Council’s full council on Tuesday night and sets out a blueprint for housing growth and infrastructure development over the next 15 years.

The decision comes less than a year after the authority was plunged into turmoil when the first draft of its local plan was rejected by the inspector, who said the council had failed to allow for enough homes in the district in the short term.

The decision rocked the council and left the district exposed to planning applications for large housing developments on green belt land.

But, with the loophole now closed, the council will once again have control over housing development in the district.

Emma Grima, corporate unit manager at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “With the local plan now ratified by full council – the district is in a strong position to manage its future growth. From new homes to employment sites and new infrastructure, the local plan sets out how East Cambridgeshire will develop and provides a framework for everyone to now work to.”

Full details of the adopted Local Plan, together with the earlier consultation and examination stages prior to adoption, can be found on our website at www.eastcambs.gov.uk.