Have your say on the new Neighbourhood Plan for Harston

This is a joint release on behalf of South Cambridgeshire District Council and the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service.  

Members of the public are being invited to comment on a new Neighbourhood Plan for the Harston Parish of South Cambridgeshire, to help shape future development there and ensure that the local environment, homes, facilities and community assets are protected and enhanced in years to come.

You can comment on the Submission version of the Neighbourhood plan for Harston during a consultation which runs from 9am on Thursday 9 January to 5pm on Thursday 20 February 2025.  

The Neighbourhood Plan has been developed by Harston Parish Council and once finalised and adopted, it will be used when making decisions on planning applications. The Plan’s vision includes:

• Maintaining the village’s rural charm
• Enhancing the environment located in the green belt
• Improving community facilities and services
• Improving connectivity by supporting the creation of well-designed transport options, with cycleways and footpaths that serve the needs of the community.

Cllr Dr. Tumi Hawkins, Lead Cabinet Member for Planning at South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Neighbourhood plans are a chance for communities to take the lead in shaping their future, and we’re committed to ensuring these plans represent everyone’s needs and ambitions. Whether it’s better housing, enhanced transport options, more green spaces, or preserving local character, this is your opportunity to have a say. Every voice matters in making a plan that truly serves its community. Your ideas and feedback are vital to ensuring we get it right, and I encourage everyone to take part in the consultation. The choices we make today will guide our growth and development for years, so let’s work together to create a shared vision for our area.”

Neighbourhood Plans are developed by local communities with support from the District Council and Greater Cambridge Shared Planning. They have an equal status to the adopted Local Plan and, once finalised and adopted, are used when making decisions on planning applications. Neighbourhood Plans must conform in general terms to the strategic policies in the Local Plan for the area and cannot propose less development overall than the Local Plan puts forward.

The consultation is an opportunity for the public to comment before the plan is examined by an Independent Planning Examiner, who will test it against basic conditions set out in national regulations. The plan will then need to be passed by a referendum before being adopted.

Get involved

During the consultation, you can view the Neighbourhood Plan and its supporting documents online.

• Comments can be submitted to South Cambridgeshire District Council between 9am on Thursday 9 January and 5pm on Thursday 20 February 2025. Please comment using our online consultation system.
• If you are unable to comment online, please email us at: planning@greatercambridgeplanning.org
• Or write to us at: Planning Policy Team, South Cambridgeshire Hall, Cambourne Business Park, Cambourne, Cambridge, CB23 6EA.
• During the consultation you can view the Neighbourhood Plan and its supporting documents at the South Cambridgeshire District Council office by appointment only. Appointments can be made using the online booking system or by calling 01954 713000.
• It will also be possible to view the documents at the Small Committee Room in Harston Village Hall, 20 High Street, Harston, CB22 7PX when the hall or large committee room are booked for activities. These times can be found on the Harston Village Hall calendar. If you would like to arrange an appointment to view the documents outside of the village hall opening hours, please contact clerk@harstonparishcouncil.gov.uk.