Public Invited To Find Out About Planning Process At Council Open Days

MEMBERS of the public are being given the opportunity to find out more about how the planning process works, when two local councils hold open days next Monday (20 March).

Cambridge City Council’s and South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Planning services are both holding open days, in Cambridge and Cambourne. People will be able to meet planning officers who oversee building and development work in the area, hear talks on a number of subjects, ask questions, and take part in drop-in seminars and workshops.

Planning officers will be on hand to provide advice for householders and small businesses about submitting a successful planning application, explain how plans for development are carried out, and demystify some of the processes involved.

There will be information on display about the Local Plans for Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire, the documents being developed to set out the planning framework for the Cambridge area until 2031. The Highways Authority will also be attending the Cambourne session with details of the ongoing A14 upgrade project.

The aim of the events is to help anyone thinking about starting a project, whether that is building a new home or extension, or renovating an existing property or workplace, to do so successfully, and to get it right first time.

The Cambridge event takes place at The Guildhall, Market Hill from 9am-12 noon on Monday 20 March, while the South Cambridgeshire event is at South Cambridgeshire Hall in Cambourne from 1pm-5pm on the same day.

Cllr Kevin Blencowe, Executive Councillor for Planning Policy and Transport at Cambridge City Council, said: “Planning and building regulations can be confusing for people considering carrying out a project. Major developers are able to call on expert advice to ensure their projects run smoothly and comply with all the regulations, so we feel it is important to offer similar expertise to residents and small businesses to help them save time and money. These open days are an opportunity for us to do that.”

Cllr Robert Turner, planning portfolio holder for South Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “In general, people put in very few planning applications in a lifetime, and we want to help demystify the planning process at our open day. So, whether you’re considering a small home extension, or have grand designs to build your own home, our experts will be on hand to set you on the right path.”

People wishing to attend the events are invited to arrive at either venue on the day. No advance booking is necessary.