Funding of £650,000 has been awarded to try to improve planning across the greater Cambridge area.
Greater Cambridge Shared Planning (GCSP), a partnership between South Cambridgeshire District and Cambridge City councils, has been allocated the money from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), part of a project to speed up the process.
GCSP is also contributing money to the project. One objective of the funding is to implement a virtual development team among GCSP and key partners.
The Government wants a comprehensive evaluation of all areas within the planning service to look at where processes can be faster or more efficient.
Two existing projects will come under the spotlight; Northstowe and the Wellcome Genome Campus expansion which will serve as focal points for testing and refining the accelerated process delivery model.
GCSP will work with development partners including Homes England for the Northstowe project and Urban&Civic for the Wellcome Genome Campus expansion.
The Government hopes lessons from the accelerated schemes can then be implemented elsewhere.
Cllr Dr. Tumi Hawkins, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s lead cabinet member for planning, said: “We are thrilled to receive this funding from the MHCLG. It provides a fantastic opportunity to revolutionise our planning service and deliver quicker, more efficient outcomes for our community.
“By working closely with our partners, we aim to set new benchmarks in planning service delivery that can be replicated across the country.”
Cllr Katie Thornburrow, Cambridge City Council’s executive councillor for planning, building control and infrastructure, said: “Greater Cambridge Shared Planning is an award-winning planning service, and this funding from the MHCLG is further validation of our ongoing commitment to excellence in urban development and community planning.
“This funding will enable us to continue our innovative projects, enhance the quality of life for our residents, and support sustainable growth in the region. The recognition from MHCLG underscores the effectiveness of our strategies and the positive impact we are making in creating vibrant, well-planned communities.”
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