Residents are being reminded they have until the end of this week (Friday 6 December) to have their say on how the North of Ely could develop to reflect the aspirations and historic character of the city.

The draft North Ely Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) explains what is expected in the planning, design, build out and management of the last major expansion of the city. 

The documents will be used as a guide to assess and determine each future planning application. Currently the plan for North Ely includes:

• Up to 3,000 dwellings which will consist of 30 per cent affordable housing
• 30 to 40 per cent of the site will be given over to green space to be used in a variety of forms.
• Two primary schools
• Sufficient employment opportunities to create 1,300-1,500 jobs
• Two local centres providing retail and community uses
• An extension to Ely Country Park and play areas for young children and teenagers
• Allotments and community orchards

The draft document is available to see at www.eastcambs.gov.uk/masterplans/north-ely-development or at the District Council offices in Ely.

So far the Council has received over 90 completed forms and over 130 people attended the public exhibitions at Ely. These exhibitions provided an opportunity to view and comment on the proposals.

Councillor Peter Moakes, Chairman of Development and Transport Committee at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “We wanted to remind people that they still have time to have their say on how the North of Ely should look like as it expands. It is very important that we all take this chance to shape the future of the development. For it will help to instil in planning documents what we feel makes Ely special.

“We are also looking to set up a community forum to share information about the North Ely development as it progresses. If you would like to be part of the forum please contact the Sustainable Development Team on 01353 665555 and register. This will be a great opportunity to part of the last major expansion of our city and ensure the development meets the aspirations of us all.”

If you wish to submit comments on the document, these should be received by the District Council by 4.30pm on Friday 6 December 2013. All comments received will be included in the consultation feedback report that will be presented to the District Council’s Development and Transport Committee when it considers the outcome of the consultation at its meeting on 14th January 2014.