A new Neighbourhood Plan that aims to protect and enhance Heydon’s unique character, landscape and heritage for future generations has been adopted by South Cambridgeshire District Council.
It includes policies to protect locally important views, historic village character, dark skies and the natural environment in the village, while supporting improvements to community facilities and safer access to Heydon Chalk Pit.
The plan also designates four Local Green Spaces to be protected from future development and includes policies which support development that meets the needs of the local community.
Together, the policies reflect the community's determination to preserve the qualities that make Heydon a unique place to live while ensuring the village remains vibrant and sustainable.
The Heydon Neighbourhood Plan, prepared by Heydon Parish Council with extensive input from residents and support from Greater Cambridge Shared Planning, now forms part of the development plan for South Cambridgeshire after it was adopted – or ‘made’ – at today’s Full Council meeting. It will be used in deciding future planning applications within the parish. It is the thirteenth Neighbourhood Plan to be adopted in South Cambridgeshire.
The adoption follows a Neighbourhood Plan referendum on 2 July 2026, when more than 92% of those voting supported the Plan.
Chair of Heydon Parish Council, Cllr Steve Bucksey, said: “This is a proud moment for Heydon and the culmination of years of hard work by our community. Building on our Community Led Plan, residents have helped shape a Neighbourhood Plan that reflects our shared vision for the future of our parish while protecting the special character of this rural village. We are delighted that the Plan received such strong support at referendum. 40 per cent of those eligible to vote did so – and 92 per cent of those voters were in favour of the Plan. I would like to thank the dedicated volunteers who helped drive the project forward, as well as South Cambridgeshire District Council and ACRE for their invaluable support throughout the process. We now look forward to putting the Plan into action and working with residents to deliver the 17 community actions it has inspired.”
District Councillor for Heydon, Cllr Dr. James Hobro, commented: "Heydon sits at one of the highest spots in Cambridgeshire, where we can all enjoy some of the finest views across the county. This Neighbourhood Plan will help to preserve the unique character and setting of the village for future generations. Congratulations to the Parish Council, the planning team at the District Council, and everyone in Heydon who prepared and supported the plan."
Councillor Henry Batchelor, Lead Cabinet Member for Planning at South Cambridgeshire District Council, added: "Neighbourhood Plans give local communities a powerful voice in shaping the future of the places where they live. The Heydon Neighbourhood Plan reflects a huge amount of work by local volunteers, residents and the Parish Council, and I would like to thank everyone involved for their commitment and dedication. The Plan captures what makes Heydon special and provides a clear framework to help protect its landscape, heritage, biodiversity and community assets while guiding future development in a way that reflects local priorities."
The Council has worked closely with Heydon Parish Council throughout the preparation of the Plan, from designation of the neighbourhood area in 2024 through consultation, examination and referendum stages.
View all news