In response to the Government’s abolition of top-down regional housing targets and their commitment to localism, East Cambridgeshire District has commenced a review of their Core Strategy. This review gives local people an opportunity to tell the Council how their area should improve and change – specifically on issues such as housing numbers, employment growth, community priorities, potential development sites and infrastructure and service needs.

The District Council will be producing a Village/Town Vision for all key settlements in East Cambridgeshire* which will set out a strategy for each and identifying potential development sites and listing infrastructure and service requirements. The District Council will work closely with Parish/Town Councils, but is also seeking the views of local residents to help shape these plans.

Jim is encouraging all residents of East Cambridgeshire to get involved saying:

“Localism is a key theme that ran through all election manifestos as well as the Coalition Agreement. When the Government came into office, it pledged to promote decentralisation and democratic engagement, and end the era of top-down government by giving new powers to local councils, communities, neighbourhoods and individuals. That is why I am delighted at this review and am urging all local residents to participate. I believe that rather than controlling them from the centre, councils and communities will be given the chance to run their own affairs; ultimately restoring civic pride, democratic accountability and economic growth, and building a stronger, fairer country.”

To give your views on your local village in East Cambridgeshire please visit the East Cambridgeshire District Council website by clicking here.

* Consultations are open for the following settlements in Jim’s constituency: Ashley, Barway, Bottisham, Brinkley, Burrough Green, Burwell, Chettisham, Chippenham, Cheveley, Dullingham, Fordham, Haddenham & Aldreth, Isleham, Kennett, Kirtling & Upend, Little Thetford, Lode, Prickwillow, Queen Adelaide, Reach, Snailwell, Swaffham Bulbeck, Swaffham Prior, Wentworth, Westley Waterless, Wicken & Upware, Wilburton, Witcham, Witchford, Woodditton & Saxon Street.

A significant amount of consultation with communities has already taken place in the Market Towns, through the production of the Ely Masterplan (2009), the Soham Vision Masterplan (2010) and the Littleport Masterplan (2011).