Decisions

Decisions published

04/02/2025 - Draft 2025-30 Corporate Plan and 2025-26 Corporate Action Plan ref: 12633    Recommmend Forward to Council

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Made at meeting: 04/02/2025 - Cabinet

Decision published: 04/02/2025

Effective from: 04/02/2025

Decision:

Cabinet:

a)    Noted the draft 2025-30 Corporate Plan (Appendix A to the report) and draft 2025-26 Corporate Action Plan (Appendix B to the report) prior to submission to Council for approval.

b)    Authorised the Chief Executive to make any minor wording changes required to final drafts, in consultation with the Leader.


04/02/2025 - Authority Monitoring Report for Greater Cambridge 2023-2024 ref: 12634    Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

To approve the Authority Monitoring Report for Greater Cambridge 2023-2024.

 

All Local Authorities are obliged to publish an Authority Monitoring Report (AMR) each year. They describe progress against the Local Development Scheme and monitor the impact of planning policies included in development plan documents. Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council produce a joint AMR to monitor their development plans and policies collectively.

 

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Made at meeting: 04/02/2025 - Cabinet

Decision published: 04/02/2025

Effective from: 12/02/2025

Decision:

Cabinet:

 

a)    Agreed the Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council - Authority Monitoring Report for Greater Cambridge 2023-2024 (included as Appendix A to the report) for publication on the Councils’ websites.

b)    Delegated any further minor editing changes to the Cambridge City Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council - Authority Monitoring Report for Greater Cambridge 2023-2024 to the Joint Director of Planning and Economic Development, in consultation with the Lead Cabinet Member for Planning Policy and Development Management.

 

Lead officer: Mark Deas


04/02/2025 - Capital Strategy ref: 12635    Recommmend Forward to Council

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Made at meeting: 04/02/2025 - Cabinet

Decision published: 04/02/2025

Effective from: 04/02/2025

Decision:

Cabinet considered the report and recommended to Full Council the updated Capital Strategy attached at Appendix A to the report which set the policy framework for the development, management and monitoring of capital investment, including Capital Prudential Indicators.


04/02/2025 - Treasury Management Strategy ref: 12636    Recommmend Forward to Council

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Made at meeting: 04/02/2025 - Cabinet

Decision published: 04/02/2025

Effective from: 04/02/2025

Decision:

Cabinet considered the report and recommended to Council the updated Treasury Management Strategy attached at Appendix A to the report which set the policy framework for the Council’s treasury management activity, including (i) the Treasury Management Policy Statement, (ii) Minimum Revenue Provision Policy and (ii) Treasury Indicators.

 


04/02/2025 - Housing Revenue Account Revenue and Capital Budget 2025/26 ref: 12638    Recommmend Forward to Council

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Made at meeting: 04/02/2025 - Cabinet

Decision published: 04/02/2025

Effective from: 04/02/2025

Decision:

Cabinet considered and reviewed the report and appendices as presented and recommended to Full Council the adoption of:

 

Housing Revenue Account (HRA): Revenue

 

a)    The HRA revenue budget for 2025/2026 as shown in the HRA Budget Summary as presented at Appendix A.

 

HRA: Review of Rents and Charges

 

b)    The proposed council dwelling rents for all social rented properties increase of 2.7%, recognising that inflation measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI) at September 2024, plus 1% results in an increase of 2.7%.

c)     The proposed affordable rents (inclusive of service charge) increase of 2.7% in line with the increase for social rents.

d)    The rents for affordable shared ownership properties increase of 4.0%, recognising that inflation measured by the Retail Price Index (RPI) at December 2024 plus 0.5% results in an increase of 4.0%.

e)    The garage rents increase of 2.7% in line with the increase for social rents.

f)      Council dwelling rents for properties with an EPC rating of A or B increase to 105% of target rent on re-let.

g)    The proposed service charges for HRA services and facilities provided to both tenants and leaseholders, as shown in Appendix D.

 

HRA: Capital

 

h)    The required level of funding for new build investment between 2025/2026 and 2029/2030 to ensure that commitments can be met in respect of the investment of all right to buy receipts currently retained or anticipated to be received by the authority for this period. This expenditure will take the form of HRA new build, with the 60% top up met by other HRA resources.

i)      The HRA Medium Term Financial Strategy forecasts as shown in Appendix B.

j)      The Housing Capital Programme as shown in Appendix C.

 


04/02/2025 - General Fund Revenue and Capital Budget 2025/26 ref: 12637    Recommmend Forward to Council

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Made at meeting: 04/02/2025 - Cabinet

Decision published: 04/02/2025

Effective from: 04/02/2025

Decision:

Cabinet considered and reviewed the report and appendices as presented and recommended to Full Council the adoption of:

 

General Fund (GF): Revenue

 

a)    The updated Medium Term Financial Strategy forecasts as shown in Appendix A.

b)    The General Fund revenue budget for 2025/26, as shown in the GF detailed budget at Appendix C and summarised at Appendix B, considering the statement by the Chief Finance Officer on the risks and robustness of the estimates as required under Section 25 of the Local Government Act 2003, reproduced at Appendix G.

c)     Acknowledge the key factors which have led to the proposed 2025/26 General Fund Revenue Budget, with service budget proposals and savings summarised at Appendix D and efficiency savings and income generation (outcome of budget star chamber meetings) summarised at Appendix E.

d)    The Council Tax Requirement for 2025/26 at £12,255,340 and approve an increase in the district element of the Council Tax of £5.09 per annum, giving an average Band D Council Tax of £175.40, plus the relevant amounts required by the precepts of the Parish Councils, Cambridgeshire County Council, Cambridgeshire Police & Crime Commissioner, and the Cambridgeshire Fire Authority.

e)    The estimates of the amounts required to be made under the Non-domestic Rating (Rates Retention) Regulations 2013 as set out in paragraphs 47 - 58.

f)      The use of the additional income from the Business Rate Pool, estimated at £1,700,000 in 2025/26, for transfer to the established Renewables Reserve for priority projects.

 

GF: Review of Reserves

 

g)    Note the movement in Reserves in 2024/25 as set out in Appendix H, and the estimated balance of Reserves of £31.390 million.

 

GF: Capital

 

h)    The General Fund Capital Programme as shown in Appendix I.


04/02/2025 - Localised Council Tax Support Scheme 2025-26 ref: 12639    Recommmend Forward to Council

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Made at meeting: 04/02/2025 - Cabinet

Decision published: 04/02/2025

Effective from: 04/02/2025

Decision:

Cabinet recommended the continuation of the 2024/25 LCTS scheme originally implemented, in its current form, in 2023/24, proposing a reasonable uprating of 1.7% for the upcoming financial year 2025-26.


04/02/2025 - Stapleford & Great Shelford Neighbourhood Plan – reponse to consultation on the submission plan ref: 12642    Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

Purpose 

 

  1. The purpose of this report is to agree the Council’s response to the public consultation on the submission version of the Stapleford and Great Shelford Neighbourhood Plan. The consultation closes at 5pm on 12 February 2025. 

 

Background  

 

  1. The Stapleford and Great Shelford Neighbourhood Area was designated on 8 November 2016. The neighbourhood area is for whole of Stapleford and Great Shelford parishes. 

 

  1. Officers have met with the Parish Councils ahead of the submission consultation process and recognise the hard work that has been put into preparing the plan. The Parish Councils have worked hard to engage with the local community and have ensured that they have had an opportunity to input into the final plan. 

 

  1. A Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) and Habitats Regulations Assessment (HRA) screening was undertaken on a draft version of the Neighbourhood Plan, and a screening determination was published in March 2024.  

 

  1. Pre-submission public consultation on the draft Neighbourhood Plan was undertaken by the Parish Councils from 11 March until 30 April 2024. Officers provided a formal response to the consultation, providing constructive comments about the plan to assist the Parish Councils with finalising the Neighbourhood Plan. Officers have met with the Parish Councils to discuss these comments and are aware that the submission version of the plan has taken on board many of the suggested changes.  

 

  1. On 21 November 2024, Stapleford and Great Shelford Parish Councils submitted their Neighbourhood Plan to South Cambridgeshire District Council. Officers have confirmed, as set out in the Legal Compliance Check for the Neighbourhood Plan, that the submitted version of the Neighbourhood Plan and its accompanying supporting documents comply with all the relevant statutory requirements at this stage of plan making. The Neighbourhood Plan and its accompanying supporting documents are published on our website.  

 

  1. We therefore were able to carry out a consultation on the Stapleford and Great Shelford Neighbourhood Plan from 18 December 2024 until 12 February 2025. 

 

  1. Officers, in conjunction with Stapleford and Great Shelford Parish Councils, are in the process of appointing an independent examiner to consider this Neighbourhood Plan. All comments submitted during the public consultation on the submission version of the Neighbourhood Plan will be provided to the examiner for their consideration.  

 

Considerations 

 

  1. The Stapleford and Great Shelford Neighbourhood Plan has been prepared by Stapleford and Great Shelford Parish Councils to provide planning policies for development in the area, with the aim of providing greater clarity when determining planning applications in the area. The Neighbourhood Plan includes 21 planning policies that cover a range of issues including: 
  1. Residential development 
  1. Village character 
  1. Climate change and biodiversity 
  1. Landscape character 
  1. Active travel and traffic 
  1. Countryside access 

 

  1. To successfully proceed through its examination to a referendum, a Neighbourhood Plan must meet a number of tests known as the ‘Basic Conditions’. These tests are different to the tests of soundness that a Local Plan must meet. The Basic Conditions are set out in national planning guidance and are summarised as follows: 
  1. having regard to national policies and advice contained in guidance issued by the Secretary of State it is appropriate to make the Neighbourhood Plan. 
  1. the making of the Neighbourhood Plan contributes to the achievement of sustainable development. 
  1. the Neighbourhood Plan is in general conformity with the strategic policies contained in the development plan for the area. 
  1. the making of the Neighbourhood Plan does not breach, and is otherwise compatible with, EU obligations. 
  1. prescribed conditions are met in relation to the Neighbourhood Plan, including that the making of the neighbourhood plan is not likely to have a significant effect on a European wildlife site or a European offshore marine site either alone or in combination with other plans or projects. 
  1. the making of the neighbourhood development plan does not breach the requirements of Chapter 8 of Part 6 of the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2017. 
  1. Our Neighbourhood Planning Toolkit includes further details on each of the Basic Conditions. When a Neighbourhood Plan is submitted to the local planning authority it must be accompanied by a Basic Conditions Statement that sets out how the Parish Councils considers that their Neighbourhood Plan meets the Basic Conditions. 

 

  1. When considering a Neighbourhood Plan, the examiner will assess whether or not the Neighbourhood Plan meets the Basic Conditions. When an examiner recommends that the Neighbourhood Plan should proceed to referendum (if it meets the Basic Conditions, with or without modifications), the examiner’s report must also set out whether the referendum area should be extended beyond the neighbourhood area. Comments made during the current consultation on the submission version of the Neighbourhood Plan, which will be provided to the examiner for their consideration, should therefore address whether the submitted Neighbourhood Plan meets the Basic Conditions and can also address whether the referendum area should be extended beyond the neighbourhood area.  

 

  1. South Cambridgeshire District Council is fully supportive of parish councils bringing forward neighbourhood plans for their areas, including Stapleford and Great Shelford Parish Councils’ decision to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan, and officers have been supporting the Parish Councils in the plan’s preparation. The Council’s proposed response to this public consultation on the submission version of the Neighbourhood Plan is set out in Appendix A. 

 

  1. South Cambridgeshire District Council is supportive of the aims of the Stapleford and Great Shelford Neighbourhood Plan and our comments are intended to help the plan to be successful at examination as well as delivering policies that are clear in their meaning and are unambiguous in their interpretation. South Cambridgeshire District Council recognise the achievement of Stapleford and Great Shelford Parish Councils in reaching this stage of submitting their plan to us for examination.  

 

  1. If the examiner is minded to recommend that the Neighbourhood Plan should proceed to referendum, the Council does not feel that the referendum area needs to be extended beyond the designated Neighbourhood Area as the planning policies included in the plan would not have a substantial, direct or demonstrable impact beyond the Neighbourhood Area. 

 

Decision Maker: Lead Cabinet member for Planning

Decision published: 04/02/2025

Effective from: 12/02/2025

Decision:

That the Lead Cabinet Member for Planning agrees the response to the submission consultation on the Stapleford and Great Shelford Neighbourhood Plan as set out in Appendix A. 

Wards affected: Shelford;

Lead officer: Callum Codrington


04/02/2025 - Community Chest Grants ref: 12643    Recommendations Approved (subject to call-in)

On 30 January 2025 the Grants Advisory Committee reviewed all Community Chest applications received between 7 November 2024 and 7 January 2025.

 

Eight applications were brought forward in ‘Appendix A’ of the meeting reports pack.

 

After consideration of the application, the Committee recommended to the Lead Cabinet Member for Resources that:

 

1.     Mix Music DJ (SOUTH Cambs) (LKBGRGVN) be approved and funded at the full amount requested of £2,000

 

2.     Great & Little Eversden Parish Council (XBRWBSXS) be approved and funded at the full amount requested of £825

 

3.     Cottenham United Colts FC (THMLTQRR) be approved and funded at the full amount requested of £2,000

 

4.     Graveley Parish Council (PDMTLDSX) be approved and funded at the full amount requested of £2,000

 

5.     Over Sports FC (FBPKBDQT) be approved and funded at the full amount requested of £2,000

 

6.     Sew Positive (WJPTBBQH) be approved and funded at the full amount requested of £2,000

 

7.     Longstowe Parish Council (PRFFBPBJ) be approved and funded at the full amount requested of £1,493.50

 

8.     Carlton cum Willingham Churchyard conservation group (HRCCSFQP) be approved and funded at the full amount requested of £164.

 

Decision Maker: Lead Cabinet member for Resources

Decision published: 04/02/2025

Effective from: 12/02/2025

Decision:

To accept the recommendations of the Grants Advisory Committee (see above). In relation to the applications from Great & Little Eversden Parish Council and Longstowe Parish Council, funding is granted provided a sticker/plaque is displayed with the signs and notice boards.

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Emma Dyer


03/02/2025 - Improving The High Street Grants- Level 2 Business ref: 12631    Recommendations Approved

SCDC has an allocation of £200,000 to deliver the Improving the High Street Grant Scheme in South Cambridgeshire.

 

The project aims to improve the aesthetics of our local high streets and small neighbourhood shopping areas, to promote rejuvenation, and encourage residents to shop locally, and to attract more local businesses to the area. This scheme will allow Local Businesses, Community Groups and Parish Councils in South Cambridgeshire to apply for grants between £5,000- £20,000 per project.

 

The CPCA is the lead authority for delivering the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

 

The scheme was open for application from the 12th of November 2024  to the 15th of December 2024, and 4 applications were received. Applications have undergone due diligence checks and were assessed by an Officer scoring panel as agreed by Cabinet on the 3rd December 2024. 

 

The Officer’s scoring panel have recommended the following applications to the Chief Operating Officer (as the delegated Officer) for sign off;

  1. Cambourne Town Council  (BBVZWZZP) to be approved and funded £20,000,  High Street, Cambourne
  2. Horningsea Community Interest Company (KXDKBVRL) to be approved and funded £20,000,  High Street, Horningsea
  3. Light Up Cambourne (XQGMHWXD)  to be approved and funded £20,000,  High Street, Cambourne
  4. Teabellies Ltd (VFXXNBJQ) to be approved and funded £20,000,  High Street, Over

Decision Maker: Chief Operating Officer

Decision published: 03/02/2025

Effective from: 03/02/2025

Decision:

To accept the recommendations of the Officer Panel.

Wards affected: Cambourne; Fen Ditton & Fulbourn; Over & Willingham;

Lead officer: Katherine Southwood


29/01/2025 - Community Growing Small Grant ref: 12629    Recommendations Approved

The aim of this decision is to provide funding for a community group in Cottenham to revitalise an allotment plot, cultivating potatoes and onions to be shared with the community and the local food bank. They will also collaborate with the local Scout group, offering volunteering sessions and projects for the Scouts. The funding will cover the cost of seed potatoes, seeds, compost, heritage apple trees, fruit bushes, and essential tools such as fruit cages, compost bins, and water harvesting equipment. Wherever possible, all wood and materials will be recycled and sustainably sourced.

 

Application Ref. XXFKNWGP

Grant award £500.

Decision Maker: Communities Manager

Decision published: 29/01/2025

Effective from: 29/01/2025

Decision:

To award £500 to fund the community group in Cottenham to grow their vegetables and herbs.

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Ana-Maria Pitis


29/01/2025 - Community Growing Small Grant ref: 12628    Recommendations Approved

The purpose of this decision is to provide funding to support the establishment and maintenance of a community growing project at Rampton Allotments, led by Sustainable Rampton. The project will create a shared growing space within the village, initially constructing two raised beds to cultivate a variety of vegetables and salad items, including beetroot, carrots, French beans, garlic, lettuce, onions, parsnips, radishes, spring onions, and tomatoes. As the project develops, additional sections of the allotment will be cultivated to grow potatoes, cabbage, sprouts, and soft fruits such as raspberries, blackcurrants, and gooseberries. The project will be managed by a member of Sustainable Rampton, with oversight from a participating parish councillor. The produce will be made freely available to villagers and passers-by through a "help yourself" box at the allotment entrance on High Street, with additional surplus notified via the village WhatsApp group.

 

Application Ref. LLGPWPDV

Grant award £500. 

Decision Maker: Communities Manager

Decision published: 29/01/2025

Effective from: 29/01/2025

Decision:

To award £500 to fund Sustainable Rampton to grow their vegetables and share with their community.

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Ana-Maria Pitis


29/01/2025 - Homes for Ukraine - Landlord Incentive Scheme ref: 12627    Recommendations Approved

South Cambridgeshire District Council (SCDC) currently runs a Homes for Ukraine (HFU) Landlord Incentive Scheme, which offers landlords a financial incentive (in the form of rent in advance, and top up payments) to rent their properties to HFU guests at the reduced Local Housing Allowance rate.

 

This decision notice agrees an amendment to the scheme that ensures only guests who are still living with their hosts at the point of moving on can access rental properties secured through the Landlord Incentive scheme. Former HFU guests who have already moved on from living with a host, and are living elsewhere, are now excluded from accessing a rental property under the incentive scheme. HFU guests currently living in a Landlord Incentive Scheme property remain unaffected by this change.

 

The change will ensure that the scheme benefits those it was designed to – HFU guests taking their first steps to independent accommodation following a period of being hosted.

 

A second amendment has also been made so a disclaimer is now included in the policy document that enables SCDC to reserve the right to refuse individuals access to the scheme based on factors including, but not limited to, eligibility criteria, previous conduct, or any other considerations deemed relevant by SCDC.

 

The attached document shows the revised policy for the scheme.

Decision Maker: Lead Cabinet member for Housing

Decision published: 29/01/2025

Effective from: 06/02/2025

Decision:

To approve and implement the amendment to the Homes for Ukraine Landlord Incentive Scheme. This tightens parameters for joining the scheme and enables SCDC to refuse access to the scheme as they see fit.

Wards affected: (All Wards);

Lead officer: Gareth Bell


28/01/2025 - Report on 'Strengthening the Standards and Conduct Framework for Local Authorities in England' Consultation ref: 12625    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Civic Affairs Committee

Made at meeting: 28/01/2025 - Civic Affairs Committee

Decision published: 28/01/2025

Effective from: 28/01/2025

Decision:

Civic Affairs Committee noted the ‘Strengthening the Standards and Conduct Framework for Local Authorities in England’ consultation and provided responses to the questions set out in Appendix 1 to the report.


28/01/2025 - Appointment of Temporary Councillors to Croxton Parish Council ref: 12624    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Civic Affairs Committee

Made at meeting: 28/01/2025 - Civic Affairs Committee

Decision published: 28/01/2025

Effective from: 28/01/2025

Decision:

Civic Affairs Committee approved the creation of an order appointing Cllr Mandy Smith, Cllr Peter Sandford and Cllr Mark Howell as temporary parish councillors on Croxton Parish Council.


28/01/2025 - Update on Code of Conduct Complaints ref: 12626    Recommendations Approved

Decision Maker: Civic Affairs Committee

Made at meeting: 28/01/2025 - Civic Affairs Committee

Decision published: 28/01/2025

Effective from: 28/01/2025

Decision:

Civic Affairs Committee resolved to note the progress of any outstanding complaints and the conclusion of cases resolved since the last meeting.

 


28/01/2025 - Constitutional Changes to South Cambridgeshire District Council in Regards of Planning ref: 12623    For Determination

Decision Maker: Civic Affairs Committee

Made at meeting: 28/01/2025 - Civic Affairs Committee

Decision published: 28/01/2025

Effective from: 28/01/2025

Decision:

Civic Affairs Committee:

 

a)    Recommended to Council approval of the changes to the Council Constitution as set out in Appendices A and B to the report.

b)    Approved the amended Public Speaking Rights at Planning Committee Appendix C to the report.

c)     Approved the Members Planning Good Practice Guide Appendix D to the report - with minor amendments to paras 3.10-3.12 as agreed at SCDC Planning Committee.

Wards affected: (All Wards);