Government consults on the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation

The government is consulting on a new body that it says would drive ‘ambitious’ economic growth in the Greater Cambridge area. The proposed Greater Cambridge Development Corporation will operate for at least 25 years and has as its objective to deliver housing, infrastructure and other development in Greater Cambridge area.

According to the consultation, the Development Corporation’s work will be a joint national-local endeavour, where input from leaders with local knowledge will be combined with Corporation’s statutory powers to ‘enable the delivery of large strategic infrastructure and sites’.

District council’s objections

However, in a meeting held on 17 March 2026, South Cambridgeshire District councillors voiced their objections to the Development Corporation. According to Cllr Bridget Smith, leader of the South Cambridgeshire District Council, ‘The transfer of planning powers away from councils and communities to an unelected body is unacceptable and unnecessary.’ Councillors say that instead, they want government support for utilities such as water and power, as well as funding and coordination for health provision and education.

In 2025, the South Cambridgeshire District Council was names named national Planning Authority of the Year.

The boundary of the Development Corporation aligns with the combined administrative areas of Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council.

Two phases

According to the consultation, the Development Corporation’s work will take place in two phases:

Phase 1 (2026 to 2029)

In phase 1, the Development Corporation will accelerate the delivery of Greater Cambridge’s draft local plan. It would also consider additional development outside of the local plan, based on national priorities.

Phase 2 (2029 and onward)

In phase 2, the Development Corporation will create a long-term spatial plan to develop the area further, including determining new locations for development and planning infrastructure. A consultation for the spatial plan will be held and will adhere to the same rules as a local plan consultation.

Powers

The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has conferred statutory powers to the Development Corporation. With these powers, the Development Corporation can:

  • Determine planning applications
    The Development Corporation will be able determine planning applications for sites of strategic importance. It will have to consult with local residents, businesses and statutory consultees on all planning applications.

  • Create a long-term spatial plan

    Local communities, stakeholders and partners will be consulted on the spatial plan.

  • Acquire land
    Land can be acquired by agreement or through compulsory purchase orders.

  • Coordinate infrastructure
    Coordination of infrastructure could involve utilities such as water, electricity and gas. The Development Corporation could also help provide schools and green spaces.

  • Coordinate or deliver transport schemes
    The Development Corporation would work with local authorities to coordinate ‘ambitious transport solutions’.

Board

The Secretary of State will appoint an initial board consisting of a chair, deputy chair and five other members. To ensure there is local accountability, the Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will be invited to join. In addition, local leaders from the following authorities will be invited to join the board:

  • Cambridge City Council

  • South Cambridgeshire District Council

  • Cambridgeshire County Council

It is expected that the planning board will appoint members with expertise in design and planning, environment, finance, and infrastructure delivery.

The board will regularly hold meetings open to the public, according to the consultation. Planning committee meetings will be open to the public during the ‘delivery phase’.

Consultation

The consultation closes on 1 April 2026.

Jean Prince