Residents are getting the chance to ensure the developments in the North of Ely are innovative, exciting and add to the unique character of the city.

A six week consultation period will be running from Monday 28 October until Friday 6 December and the public are invited to give their views on the North Ely Supplementary Planning Document (SPD).

The proposal for a northern extension to the city of some 3,000 homes, was first suggested as part of the Ely Masterplan and has subsequently been developed through joint working between the District Council and the landowners and developers. The planning document will draw on all this previous work.

It will then be used as a guide to assess and determine planning applications so it is important that that the needs, views and values of the local community and key stakeholders are incorporated.

Councillor Peter Moakes, Chairman of Development and Transport Committee at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “We all have a great responsibility to ensure what may be the last big development in Ely meets the needs of residents and the city in the future. We already have two outline planning applications submitted for part of the development. so it is a priority for us to get this work completed. We want North Ely to be developed as a 21st century community, as an example of how new urban development can dovetail with a historic and beautiful city. This is our challenge – I urge you all to take the opportunity to have your say.”

People can view the draft document and comment on the District Council website at www.eastcambs.gov.uk/masterplans/north-ely-development or at the District Council offices in Ely.

There will also be two public exhibitions to be held at Ely Beet Club, Lynn Road, Ely on Wednesday 13 November from 3pm – 8pm and Saturday 16 November from 9am – 2pm.

Write/email/telephone – East Cambridgeshire District Council, The Grange, Nutholt Lane, Ely, Cambs, CB7 4EE, email growthdelivery@eastcambs.gov.uk or telephone 01353 665555