{"id":6872,"date":"2026-11-10T09:37:12","date_gmt":"2026-11-10T09:37:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.overvillage.co.uk\/WP\/?p=6872"},"modified":"2026-11-10T09:38:32","modified_gmt":"2026-11-10T09:38:32","slug":"south-cambridgeshire-district-council-district-councillors-report","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.overvillage.co.uk\/WP\/south-cambridgeshire-district-council-district-councillors-report\/","title":{"rendered":"SOUTH CAMBRIDGESHIRE DISTRICT COUNCIL – DISTRICT COUNCILLORS’ REPORT"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Councillors James Hutchcraft and Aisha Rashid<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

**Headline Updates<\/u>**<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Changes to how planning applications are decided<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

New national regulations came into force on 31st October 2026, significantly changing how planning applications are determined. This matters particularly for parish councils. Previously, parish councils and district and county councillors could call in an application for consideration at a Planning Delegation Meeting, which then decided whether it should go to the Planning Committee. For many applications that is no longer possible. For residents, another important change is that the previous trigger based on the number of representations received, which also sent applications to that meeting, has ended too, and Planning Delegation Meetings have ceased.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Applications known as \u201cSchedule 1\u201d are now decided by planning officers. These include householder applications, minor residential schemes of up to 9 homes, most reserved matters applications, discharge of conditions, prior approvals and non-material amendments. The one exception is where the applicant is a council member, an officer or a close relative of either, in which case the application goes to the Planning Committee.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cSchedule 2\u201d applications are larger or more complex proposals that raise significant economic, social, environmental or planning issues. For these, a new Gateway Meeting will decide whether each application is referred to the Planning Committee. The meeting involves the Delivery Manager or Team Leaders as the nominated officer, and the Chair or Vice Chair of the committee as the nominated member.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Local government reorganisation: timetable confirmed<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

On 29 October the Government confirmed that a decision on local government reorganisation for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is expected by early 2027 at the latest, following the pause announced in September. We are frustrated that the Government has yet again delayed this decision. Five other areas (East Sussex and Brighton, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire) are being moved forward, while our area, which is of such national significance for growth, is left waiting.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Residents, businesses and councils need clarity. Further delay creates uncertainty and puts an already extended timetable at risk. Local elections for existing councils will still go ahead in May 2027. Elections to shadow unitary councils are targeted for May 2028, and the new authorities are due to take over on 1st April 2029, known as vesting day. The precise timetable depends on the Government\u2019s decision on the future structure for our area, and it is important that this is made promptly so that our communities, councils and council staff have the certainty they deserve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Minister for Local Government, Jim McMahon, also announced \u00a3500,000 in transition funding. Further clarification is needed on how this fits with the \u00a3900,000 per new authority previously announced. Cllr Bridget Smith, Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, has stressed that services such as bin collections, housing support, planning and benefits will continue as normal throughout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

**Last Full Council Meeting – 8th October 2026<\/u><\/em>**<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Council motion: water supply and the Development Corporation<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Members unanimously backed a motion expressing concern about the Development Corporation\u2019s approach to water supply and its proposed solutions to the district\u2019s water shortages. The Council reiterated its opposition to removing planning powers from the district council, and called for detailed, credible plans to resolve water shortages to be brought forward and scrutinised before any planning powers are given to the Development Corporation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Council motion: baby loss and bereavement care<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Council also unanimously supported a motion, brought on behalf of local campaigners for better bereavement care for families who lose a baby.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It highlighted concerns about soundproofing, the location of bereavement rooms and insufficient specialist bereavement nurse capacity on neonatal intensive care units, as well as limited follow-up and mental health support. Cllr Bridget Smith, Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, will write to Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to seek short-term improvements and longer-term plans, and to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board to urge dedicated funding for a specialist Neonatal Bereavement Nurse and better access to perinatal trauma and loss support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The debate was a very personal and emotional one for many councillors but it was important that we heard the brave stories of those who shared them, and that we helped to reduce the stigma around this issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Council question: tackling anti-social behaviour<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

It was raised that councillors regularly receive reports of anti-social behaviour from residents and are often best placed to signpost them to support. The question asked how the Council will work with partners to tackle it over the coming year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

We were told that the Council will continue to work through the Community Safety Partnership, using multi-agency interventions, case reviews, community-led initiatives and preventative work with young people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The message remains that incidents should always be reported to the police, as reports are what allow action to be taken, but there are also a number of initiatives ongoing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

**Additional Updates<\/u><\/em>**<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Community safety: proposed Public Space Protection Orders<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the recent Community Safety Partnership Board meeting, partners discussed proposed PSPOs for Longstanton and the Newmarket Road Park & Ride sites. Public consultation will run in November.<\/strong> Partners also discussed signs of displacement from existing enforcement activity and agreed that emerging issues need careful monitoring. The Neighbourhood Policing Team reported extensive activity in priority areas, including Northstowe, Longstanton and the Guided Busway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weekly food waste collections: all areas by 14 December<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weekly collections will soon be in place for all wards and parishes across Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire. So far, more than 2,300 tonnes of food waste have been collected and turned into power and biofertiliser. Most electricity goes to the National Grid, and the rest runs an Anaerobic Digestion plant that processes waste. That is enough to boil three million kettles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The final phase will start collections from the week beginning 14th December, including Over and Willingham. Because this is the last phase, the operations team is optimising all existing food waste rounds so the service runs as efficiently as possible. That needs a longer lead-in, with route optimisation and caddy distribution happening at the same time, and it means collections can begin before Christmas.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caddy distribution has already begun so some residents may receive their caddies up to 10 weeks before their first collection. Each outdoor caddy will contain a leaflet explaining when collections start and pointing to a dedicated webpage, where residents can download a reminder of their start date to their calendar. Residents in houses and flats will also receive a detailed letter and information leaflet by post in the coming weeks, as in previous waves. Please be reassured that collection days will not change while rounds are optimised. Food waste will be collected on the same day as your other bins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A new Park and Ride at Hauxton<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A decision is expected soon on a proposed new Park and Ride at Hauxton, on the outskirts of Cambridge. It is intended to relieve pressure on the Trumpington Park and Ride, which is often full and is where people pick up the bus to Addenbrooke\u2019s. Trumpington will stay open alongside the new travel hub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Hauxton site is proposed because of the challenges of getting into the city and the biomedical campus. It would provide 2,150 vehicle spaces and a new active travel bridge over the M11. The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) joint assembly has been told that Trumpington regularly reaches 90% capacity or more. The GCP\u2019s director of transport said the new site is about supporting the existing network and getting ahead of the growth that is coming, and noted that the biomedical campus is forecast to potentially double in size within the next 10 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being prepared for everyday emergencies<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Government is encouraging households to take simple steps to prepare for severe weather and other events that can disrupt power, water, phone networks and the internet. These include signing up to the Priority Services Register if you may need extra support, and keeping a small stock of essentials at home. Please share this through your local networks and community channels. More information is on the <\/a>GOV.UK Be Ready pages<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Communities, Climate and Clean Air event, Histon<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

South Cambridgeshire District Council is hosting a free community event on Tuesday 17th November, 7pm to 9pm, at Histon Methodist Church. Local experts and guest speakers will look at how air quality affects health and the environment, including emissions from domestic wood burning. You\u2019ll also hear about practical steps to improve air quality in your home and community. All residents are welcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Next meeting<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The next scheduled full Council meeting will be on Tuesday 8th December 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Cllr James Hutchcraft\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

District Councillor for Over & Willingham\u202f\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"\"<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cllr Aisha Rashid<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

District Councillor for Over & Willingham\u202f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Councillors James Hutchcraft and Aisha Rashid **Headline Updates** Changes to how planning applications are decided New national regulations came into force on 31st October 2026, significantly changing how planning applications are determined. This matters particularly for parish councils. Previously, parish councils and district and county councillors could call in an application for consideration at a Planning Delegation Meeting, which then decided whether it should go to the Planning Committee. For many applications that is no longer possible. For residents, another important change is that the previous trigger based on the number of representations received, which also sent applications to that meeting, has ended too, and Planning Delegation Meetings have ceased. Applications known as \u201cSchedule 1\u201d are now decided by planning officers. These include householder applications, minor residential schemes of up to 9 homes, most reserved matters applications, discharge of conditions, prior approvals and non-material amendments. The one exception is where the applicant is a council member, an officer or a close relative of either, in which case the application goes to the Planning Committee. \u201cSchedule 2\u201d applications are larger or more complex proposals that raise significant economic, social, environmental or planning issues. For these, a new Gateway Meeting will decide whether each application is referred to the Planning Committee. The meeting involves the Delivery Manager or Team Leaders as the nominated officer, and the Chair or Vice Chair of the committee as the nominated member. Local government reorganisation: timetable confirmed On 29 October the Government confirmed that a decision on local government reorganisation for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough is expected by early 2027 at the latest, following the pause announced in September. We are frustrated that the Government has yet again delayed this decision. Five other areas (East Sussex and Brighton, Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Warwickshire and Worcestershire) are being moved forward, while our area, which is of such national significance for growth, is left waiting. Residents, businesses and councils need clarity. Further delay creates uncertainty and puts an already extended timetable at risk. Local elections for existing councils will still go ahead in May 2027. Elections to shadow unitary councils are targeted for May 2028, and the new authorities are due to take over on 1st April 2029, known as vesting day. The precise timetable depends on the Government\u2019s decision on the future structure for our area, and it is important that this is made promptly so that our communities, councils and council staff have the certainty they deserve. The Minister for Local Government, Jim McMahon, also announced \u00a3500,000 in transition funding. Further clarification is needed on how this fits with the \u00a3900,000 per new authority previously announced. Cllr Bridget Smith, Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, has stressed that services such as bin collections, housing support, planning and benefits will continue as normal throughout. **Last Full Council Meeting – 8th October 2026** Council motion: water supply and the Development Corporation Members unanimously backed a motion expressing concern about the Development Corporation\u2019s approach to water supply and its proposed solutions to the district\u2019s water shortages. The Council reiterated its opposition to removing planning powers from the district council, and called for detailed, credible plans to resolve water shortages to be brought forward and scrutinised before any planning powers are given to the Development Corporation. Council motion: baby loss and bereavement care The Council also unanimously supported a motion, brought on behalf of local campaigners for better bereavement care for families who lose a baby. It highlighted concerns about soundproofing, the location of bereavement rooms and insufficient specialist bereavement nurse capacity on neonatal intensive care units, as well as limited follow-up and mental health support. Cllr Bridget Smith, Leader of South Cambridgeshire District Council, will write to Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust to seek short-term improvements and longer-term plans, and to the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Integrated Care Board to urge dedicated funding for a specialist Neonatal Bereavement Nurse and better access to perinatal trauma and loss support. The debate was a very personal and emotional one for many councillors but it was important that we heard the brave stories of those who shared them, and that we helped to reduce the stigma around this issue. Council question: tackling anti-social behaviour It was raised that councillors regularly receive reports of anti-social behaviour from residents and are often best placed to signpost them to support. The question asked how the Council will work with partners to tackle it over the coming year. We were told that the Council will continue to work through the Community Safety Partnership, using multi-agency interventions, case reviews, community-led initiatives and preventative work with young people. The message remains that incidents should always be reported to the police, as reports are what allow action to be taken, but there are also a number of initiatives ongoing. **Additional Updates** Community safety: proposed Public Space Protection Orders At the recent Community Safety Partnership Board meeting, partners discussed proposed PSPOs for Longstanton and the Newmarket Road Park & Ride sites. Public consultation will run in November. Partners also discussed signs of displacement from existing enforcement activity and agreed that emerging issues need careful monitoring. The Neighbourhood Policing Team reported extensive activity in priority areas, including Northstowe, Longstanton and the Guided Busway. Weekly food waste collections: all areas by 14 December Weekly collections will soon be in place for all wards and parishes across Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire. So far, more than 2,300 tonnes of food waste have been collected and turned into power and biofertiliser. Most electricity goes to the National Grid, and the rest runs an Anaerobic Digestion plant that processes waste. That is enough to boil three million kettles. The final phase will start collections from the week beginning 14th December, including Over and Willingham. Because this is the last phase, the operations team is optimising all existing food waste rounds so the service runs as efficiently as possible. That needs a longer lead-in, with route optimisation and caddy distribution happening at the same time, and it means collections can begin before Christmas. Caddy distribution has already begun so some residents may receive their caddies up to 10 weeks before their first collection. Each outdoor caddy will contain a leaflet explaining when collections start and pointing to a dedicated webpage, where residents can download a reminder of their start date to their calendar. Residents in houses and flats will also receive a detailed letter and information leaflet by post in the coming weeks, as in previous waves. Please be reassured that collection days will not change while rounds are optimised. Food waste will be collected on the same day as your other bins. A new Park and Ride at Hauxton A decision is expected soon on a proposed new Park and Ride at Hauxton, on the outskirts of Cambridge. It is intended to relieve pressure on the Trumpington Park and Ride, which is often full and is where people pick up the bus to Addenbrooke\u2019s. Trumpington will stay open alongside the new travel hub. The Hauxton site is proposed because of the challenges of getting into the city and the biomedical campus. It would provide 2,150 vehicle spaces and a new active travel bridge over the M11. The Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) joint assembly has been told that Trumpington regularly reaches 90% capacity or more. The GCP\u2019s director of transport said the new site is about supporting the existing network and getting ahead of the growth that is coming, and noted that the biomedical campus is forecast to potentially double in size within the next 10 years. Being prepared for everyday emergencies The Government is encouraging households to take simple steps to prepare for severe weather and other events that can disrupt power, water, phone networks and the internet. These include signing up to the Priority Services Register if you may need extra support, and keeping a small stock of essentials at home. Please share this through your local networks and community channels. More information is on the GOV.UK Be Ready pages. Communities, Climate and Clean Air event, Histon South Cambridgeshire District Council is hosting a free community event on Tuesday 17th November, 7pm to 9pm, at Histon Methodist Church. Local experts and guest speakers will look at how air quality affects health and the environment, including emissions from domestic wood burning. You\u2019ll also hear about practical steps to improve air quality in your home and community. All residents are welcome. Next meeting The next scheduled full Council meeting will be on Tuesday 8th December 2026. Cllr James Hutchcraft\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 District Councillor for Over & Willingham\u202f\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cllr Aisha Rashid District Councillor for Over & Willingham\u202f<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":6156,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_hide_featured_image":false,"_jetpack_featured_image_duplicate_dismissed":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6872","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-general"],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p9Tb23-1MQ","jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/www.overvillage.co.uk\/WP\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/James-Hutchcraft-Aisha-Rasheed.jpg?fit=1536%2C2048&ssl=1","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.overvillage.co.uk\/WP\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6872","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.overvillage.co.uk\/WP\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.overvillage.co.uk\/WP\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.overvillage.co.uk\/WP\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.overvillage.co.uk\/WP\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6872"}],"version-history":[{"count":6,"href":"https:\/\/www.overvillage.co.uk\/WP\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6872\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6880,"href":"https:\/\/www.overvillage.co.uk\/WP\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6872\/revisions\/6880"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.overvillage.co.uk\/WP\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6156"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.overvillage.co.uk\/WP\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6872"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.overvillage.co.uk\/WP\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6872"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.overvillage.co.uk\/WP\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6872"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}