‘We need to get building’: 11,000 new homes and 6,900 jobs to be created in East Cambridgeshire as Local Plan is given green light

The Local Plan will help build a better East Cambridgeshire. That was the message yesterday (November 16) as the district council decided to accept the second draft stage of the plan, which aims to transform the district in 20 years.

The second draft, which outlines the need for over 11,000 new homes and 6,900 new jobs, followed a preliminary draft which was written up in February.

Council leader James Palmer believes that the plan will help improve the district, and that work should begin immediately.

He said in the plan’s foreword: “There is so much potential to make East Cambridgeshire an ever better place.

“And, fundamentally, we need to get building. In 2014/15, we only built 163 homes across the whole district, and only a slightly higher figure of 181 homes in 2015/16. That simply is not sufficient.

“This council is committed to building a better East Cambridgeshire. Yes, we need to protect the very reasons why the district has such a high quality of life. But we also need to facilitate growth in much needed homes (including affordable homes) and jobs.”

The second draft, which includes a series of proposed developments, will go to public consultation between January 10 and February 20 2017, before a final version is released in the spring.

Councillor Joshua Schumann said: “I would urge all residents to look at the proposed plan and have their say. This is a really positive move for the residents of East Cambridgeshire and is an opportunity for everyone to help shape the development of the local area.”

To view, visit www.eastcambs.gov.uk/sites/default/files/agendas/fc161116_R116%20Ap2.pdf.