On Friday 17th May 2024, the CDF brought together the key players in the development of the Cambridgeshire region to determine a shared vision for growth. In the context of recent government focus on Cambridge and the ambitious goals of the ‘Case for Cambridge’ budget document, the CDF felt that it was critical to provide clarity, facilitate collaboration between government and local actors, and establish a common vision for future plans.

At this the Cambridge Delivery Group's first public-facing engagement with the local development community, speakers and attendees came together to establish how plan-making, transport connection and utilities provision can be aligned to deliver the infrastructure necessary to support sustainable growth.

In case you missed it, check out this highlights video to hear from our speakers and attendees!

All you need to know about a career in planning and the built environment!

This Fair will showcase the fantastic career opportunities within planning and the built environment that studying Geography can lead to. Leading young planners and developers will be joining from across the region to inform students, parents, teachers, and careers advisors about this innovative sector and the exciting opportunities available.

The Fair will include drop-in/drop out talks by young professionals and leading innovators, accompanied by an exhibition of stalls by leading local businesses and local authorities, where attendees will have the opportunity to ask questions and network.

Highlights include:

Talks on cutting-edge planning projects;

A panel of graduate planners;

An expo featuring leading built environment professionals and local authorities;

The opportunity to talk to recently qualified Planners about their academic and professional journey, and get personalised advice on how to enter the sector;

The opportunity to network and gain work experience.

See full programme and sign up on the Eventbrite page:

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/build-the-future-built-environment-careers-fair-tickets-721277479357?aff=oddtdtcreator

Attendance is ticket only - so grab yours now!

This seminar, organised in collaboration with Endurance Estates, shed light on the key aspects of the shortage of industrial property in Cambridge and what can be done to address it.

The increasing demand for industrial properties, limited availability, rising costs, and the impact on economic growth have become significant concerns for businesses and organisations in Cambridge seeking suitable spaces for their operations in recent years. The rise of higher value uses such as life sciences and residential means that there is a pressing need for adequate space to support both traditional and advanced manufacturing sectors.

Watch the full seminar on the CDF Youtube to find out what needs to be done to address this urgent issue.

Agenda:

1. Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill

Following Committee Stage, Lord Lansley will set out the principal areas of debate in the sections on housing and planning. He will in particular set out the current situation on the ‘ Hillside’ issue, on the Infrastructure Levy and on the approach to the Government’s Housing targets. The timing of the Lords Report Stage has not yet been announced. This will lead into a discussion in which further views from CDF members, particularly on the Housing target, up-to-date -plans, the Standard Method and the NDMP will be welcome.

2. Biodiversity Net Gain

A discussion will be led by contributions from Oliver Lewis, founder of ‘Joe’s Blooms’ who support small property developers in meeting their biodiversity net gain plans; and from Angus Walker, CDF member and from BDP Pitmans.

3. Promoting planning and development as a career for young people

Sally Lansley will update members on initiatives to promote careers in our sector.

Today we offer a warm welcome to Rachel Maclean Minister of State for Housing and Planning.

Agenda

1. Welcome and introduction to the CDF

2. Summary presentation on the development context in the Cambridge region. Andy Moffat Planning Director, Savills.

3. Securing alignment of plans including the wider travel-to-work area , transport plans and utilities. 

4. The current issues of water resources and water neutrality.

5. Housing supply, plan-making and the NPPF consultation.

6. Environmental Factors in plan-making, including adaptations to Net Zero and the challenges of the existing housing stock.

7. Employment sites in plan-making and the opportunities and challenges in the Cambridgeshire region.

8. Resourcing the planning system , including young planners and planning performance agreements.

9. East Cambs Single Issue Review and the anomaly of a limited 5-year review but no new Plan process.

10. Government plans for large new settlements in the region and the creation of Development Corporations.

We have a very busy, informative agenda for this meeting. We look forward to welcoming Peter Freeman of Homes England, Richard Bacon MP and Will Gallaher from East West Rail.

Agenda

09.00 Introduction and update on the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill

09.10 - 09.40 – Will Gallagher, East West Rail

09.40 - 10.10 Richard Bacon MP

10.10 -10.50 Peter Freeman, Homes England

10.50 - Close

We look forward to a presentation from Adam Broadway, Managing Director of Instinctively Green Ltd about affordable housing.

Join us on 23rd June at the Cambridgeshire County Day where the CDF will be hosting an exhibition stand displaying our latest activities and those of our members who will be chatting careers, their latest projects, and community building in our region.

Stop by at stand 48 for to enjoy a drink, a bite to eat, and take part in our Lego competition!

Register for your FREE ticket here.

Cambridgeshire County Day will be taking place from 9.30am to 4pm, Thursday 23 June 2022, Newmarket July Course, Newmarket, Cambridgeshire CB8 0XE.