Changes are needed after a government inspector found a local plan, which sets out how to bring 10,835 new homes and 6,000 jobs to east Cambridgeshire, to be unsound

East Cambridgeshire District Council says it welcomes the input of inspectors and is “looking forward” to making modifications after their draft local plan was found to be “not sound”.

The local plan sets the parameters and context for future development, and informs planning applications, giving them direction for the strategic development of the region as a whole.

The draft plan says: “In 2036, we will have built a better East Cambridgeshire, accommodating the development of 10,835 new homes and 6,000 jobs. However, East Cambridgeshire will have maintained a high quality of life and retained its distinct identity as a predominantly rural area of villages and market towns.”

But now inspectors have warned the current local plan cannot be approved in its current form, saying more work is needed before it can be deemed “sound”.

In a letter to East Cambridgeshire District Council, Louise Nurser, who is examining the local plan said: “Following on from my initial findings I consider that the submitted Local Plan is not sound. However, the submitted Local Plan could be made sound with main modifications.”

The letter added that a “schedule of main modifications” and any other necessary related work would be set out, and that the main modifications will be subject to full public consultation.

Emma Grima, commercial director at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “East Cambridgeshire District Council welcomes the initial response from the Inspectorate to its Local Plan submission.

“The Inspector’s response confirms the position that modifications are required – this is a common and normal position at this stage of examination and will enable the District Council to ensure the Local Plan is adopted.

“East Cambridgeshire District Council looks forward to hearing the detail of the Inspectorate’s recommendations and to working with the relevant stakeholders to implement the suggestions.”