The West Fields site was not selected in the First Proposals for the Greater Cambridge Local Plan. A petition set up by Newnham Labour against the development gathered over 1000 signatures, sending a strong message to those involved in the planning process. Newnham Labour campaigner Cameron Holloway commented, “Thank you so much to everyone who signed the petition and participated in this campaign. We’re delighted that the strength of feeling about this site and the strong arguments that residents made appear to have been recognised.”

Of almost 900 sites considered by planners, 19 were selected in the First Proposals, including new low-carbon neighbourhoods on brownfield sites at NE Cambridge and Cambridge Airport.

Labour councillor, Katie Thornburrow, Executive Member for Planning and Transport at the City Council, said, “We want to use land carefully and wisely – building on as small an area as we can, so we can boost the amount of land managed for nature and take steps to increase our biodiversity. It is clear from the evidence that our concerns about water supply are well-grounded. This needs urgent action by government and the water industry if we are to realise the benefits that this plan could bring to our communities.”

The nineteen First Proposals will be considered by councillors at Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council. After councillors have scrutinised and commented on the proposals, planners will make any changes that are agreed.

A full public consultation on the First Proposals will then take place from 1 November to 13 December 2021. We look forward to continuing our work with residents and together taking an active role in the Local Plan process.

You can read the full committee stage version of the First Proposals here.