East Cambridgeshire District Council

As one of the fastest growing districts in the country, the District Council is presenting a range of options for growth over the next 15 years in order to deliver the right development in the right place.

Residents will be able to look at site options for housing and employment growth, town centre improvements as well as the infrastructure improvements for East Cambridgeshire as part of the Local Development Framework process.

The consultation will put forward a number of options, from the location of a new and expanded schools such as the new facility approved for Littleport, to how more people can be encouraged to walk and cycle in Ely and the extent of housing development around Burwell.

Other questions which are being asked include:

• Where would be best for a major home development in Soham?
• Where should new employment land be located in the District’s market towns?
• Are there any additional sites suitable for sites for Gypsies, Travellers and Travelling Showpeople?
• Where and how can the town centre expand in Ely?

During the consultation on Site Allocations and the Ely Area Action Plan Options Papers, people will be able to submit their thoughts and ideas either online, at local libraries or in person at the District Council offices until the closing date on 16 August.

The Options papers will then lead to the production of an Ely Area Action Plan and Site Allocations documents which will set a framework for the growth in the district until 2025.

Councillor Peter Moakes, Chairman of Strategic Development Committee at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “It is easy to be complacent about the future growth of our district and leave it to others to decide how the place we live and work should develop. However, we know to create a successful district requires the support and input from the public. This is why this consultation is so important.

“We are dealing with issues which will affect the whole of East Cambridgeshire – from Bottisham in the south to Littleport in the north and Sutton in the west to Fordham in the east. It really is that wide ranging and is covering many of the issues which matter most. For example if you live in Littleport where would you like your new secondary school or if you work in Littleport where should new employment sites be placed?

“All these questions and more will be part of our consultation on our district’s future growth. I have said this many times but if you do not give us your feedback then we cannot take into account ideas and thoughts which you many have. So don’t let growth just happen around you – get involved and have your say.”

For more information please call 01353 665555 or logon towww.eastcambs.gov.uk/local-development-framework/current-consultation.

ENDS

Notes for editors:

For further information contact Tony Taylorson in the Communications Team on 01223 699285.

Political contacts: Councillor Peter Moakes (Con) 01353 659910 and Councillor John Abbott (Lib Dem) 01638 720706.