Have your say on the future of food and planning!
What is the Greater Cambridge Local Plan?
The new Local Plan is the most important document you've (probably) never heard of. It will affect how we live, work and play in Greater Cambridge over the next 20 years and beyond.
Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council are working together to create a joint Local Plan for the two areas – which we are referring to as Greater Cambridge. This is the first time we will have a joint Local Plan, and it will ensure that there is a consistent approach to planning and building across both areas up to 2041.
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 period. This includes:
the amount of new homes and jobs that should be planned for
the services and infrastructure that are needed to support this change
where new development should happen, and where should be protected from development
It follows a process set out in national legislation and guidance. Once it has been through all the stages of preparation and consultation, it will be independently tested at a public examination to check it is sound, before it can be formally adopted. The examination will test whether the Plan is realistic, deliverable and based on good evidence.
Why is it relevant to sustainable and equitable food systems?
This local action plan will touch on four key themes that are central to Cambridge Sustainable Food’s goals and ambitions. See our thoughts below:
Climate
We need resilient food systems that are fit for a changing climate. We support regenerative and eco agro ecological farming and we prioritise local, seasonal food that is good for the planet. Our local plan should reflect this need.
Biodiversity
We believe biodiversity should be integrated into the whole landscape. From public parks, verges, gardens and farms, opportunities for biodiversity should be included in all new developments.
Wellbeing
All new homes should have provision for food growing and everyone should have access to growing spaces. All new community buildings should offer space for cooking, eating, sharing and learning about food.
Great Places
We believe that great places are places that are designed and built for people and food. All great places promote good food spaces that are good for people and good for the planet.
Have your say
The Local Plan is currently in its consultation phase - and you can let your opinion be heard! All the information and forms can be found here. Alternatively fill in this short questionnaire.
Deadline to have your say December 13th 2021.