The Labour Government wants to massively increase housebuilding in Cambridgeshire with little consideration for our rural needs. It’s therefore more important than ever to have the right homes in the right places.
It’s brilliant, then, that East Cambs District Council will match-fund up to £5k per parish for a Neighbourhood Plan, a proposal passed by 14 votes in favour (Conservative) to 13 against (Lib Dem and Independent). We also agreed to keep Council Tax low having frozen it for 12 years.
When Government decides on our Local Government Reorganisation, we risk joining with the 150,000 houses planned near Cambridge and massive Council Tax rises. We believe in local decision-making, so we are supporting Neighbourhood Plans and a different path for LGR (known as Option B).
Neighbourhood plans are used in all planning decisions to specify the criteria and infrastructure which makes development more acceptable to the community.
In Wicken, this means smaller and greener homes for all, with investment in services. This is key when a Government Inspector approved massive 5-bed properties outside the development area, yet refused affordable terraced housing.
I am delighted that the Soham Village College 3G Sports Pitch is now open, allowing our town football clubs to train all year round and providing a service to the community.
I was also pleased to attend the opening ceremony of the new floor at Ross Peers Sports Centre. This place is special to me, as it’s where I was elected. But more importantly, the community will continue to benefit from this excellent facility. Congratulations to all involved in both projects.
The Tiger On Demand bus continues to operate, as does the bus from Soham to Cambridge. Please make good use of both these services so that they continue to be viable. I have secured a meeting with the Mayor, Paul Bristow, to discuss ongoing plans for rural public transport.
I am always available via [email protected].
