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Cambridge neighbourhoods design code: Supplementary Planning Document

Open for comments from Monday 6 January to Monday 17 February 2025.

In 2023, as part of the National Design Code Pathfinder Programme, Greater Cambridge Shared Planning (GCSP) - the shared planning service for Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District Councils - embarked on a pilot project to develop a design code for the neighbourhoods of Arbury, King's Hedges and parts of West Chesterton.

This was a project focusing resources to work with communities and neighbourhoods with the most need, helping raise design standards, tackle inequality, inform and assess small and large-scale planning applications that may come forward in the area.

Design codes are illustrated documents that are informative, inspiring and provide guidance for the physical development of a site or area, in line with local requirements and aims to raise design quality and standards.

The draft design code was produced in 2023-24 through a combination of online and in-person community participatory events, workshops and surveys, conducted in three phases:

  • phase 1 asked the community what they valued about the neighbourhood
  • phase 2 developed principles of the design code based on the response received
  • phase 3 tested the detail of the document based on the feedback from earlier phases

These events and surveys were complemented by frequent internal meetings and workshops with a core group of strategic stakeholders across the two councils.

The design code was reviewed by the Greater Cambridge Design Review Panel, Cambridgeshire Quality Panel and Cambridge City Council’s Disability Consultative Panel in 2024.

The various stages of engagement culminated with the draft design code document published in February 2024, for which we invited comments.

These comments have further informed the final draft of the design code, which is now being put forward for formal consultation prior to adoption as a supplementary planning document (SPD).

You can view the draft version of the Supplementary Planning Document here:

Supporting documents:

A recording of the webinar held on Monday 20 January can be found below:

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The design code

The code is structured around the five principles that are memorable and have a clear focus. They capture the priorities of the community established in phase 1 and tested in phase 3.

Each principle includes a range of technical design guidance showing how it can be delivered and how the principles can successfully work together to make attractive places.

The five principles of the design code are:

  1. Make space for nature
  2. Prioritise walking and cycling
  3. Thriving public spaces
  4. Enhance character
  5. Increase sustainability

The design code follows the National Model Design Code and is informed by the 10 characteristics of place as set out in the National Design Guide. The code includes a combination of mandatory requirements (musts) and recommendations (shoulds).

Five principles diagram

Five principles diagram

We are pleased to present the draft SPD for your formal comments.

Please read the draft design code and take account of the priorities and feedback received as part of phase 1, phase 2 and phase 3 of the project collated in the statement of consultation.

The design code has been updated based on detailed responses received at the end of phase 3. 

Select the 'Take the survey' button on this page to leave your comments.

Anyone who would prefer to request the consultation information or survey in another format should email designcodepilot@greatercambridgeplanning.org or call 01223 457000.

To explain the design code document and answer any questions, the team will be holding the following events:

An exhibition panel will be displayed at Arbury Community Centre during the period of consultation from Monday 6 January to Monday 17 February 2025.

The draft SPD and supporting documents will be made available to view at the following locations:

  • online on the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning website
  • Cambridge City Council Customer Service Centre - Mandela House, 4 Regent Street, Cambridge, CB2 1BY - from 9am to 5.15pm, Wednesday to Friday
  • Cambridge Central Library, 7 Lion Yard, Cambridge, CB2 3QD
  • Arbury Community Centre, Campkin Road, Cambridge, CB4 2LD
  • Meadows Community Centre, 299 Arbury Road, Arbury, Cambridge, CB4 2JL
  • Arbury Court Library, Arbury Road, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 2JQ

Phases

Phases overview
Cambridge neighbourhoods design code: SPD

Cambridge neighbourhoods design code: SPD

6 January 2025 - 17 February 2025

Formal consultation on the Cambridge neighbourhoods design code for Arbury, King's Hedges and parts of West Chesterton, in advance of adopting the document as a Supplementary Planning Document (SPD). The design code was developed collaboratively with the community in 2023-24 as part of the National Design Code Pathfinder Programme.

Select the 'Take the survey button' to have your say, or register to attend one of our upcoming events.

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