Labour council fails to respond to Greater Cambridge consultation

North Herts council submitted no response to a recent government consultation over planning powers in South Cambs, it has been revealed.

The matter came to light at a recent full council meeting (23 April), following a question by Lib Dem Cllr Matt Barnes (Royston Meridian).

The government has since confirmed that it will go ahead with the creation of a Greater Cambridge Development Corporation, which is proposed take on planning and infrastructure powers across Cambridge and South Cambridgeshire, reducing the input from local planning authorities - with potential impacts stretching into neighbouring areas such as Royston and North Herts.

Commenting after the meeting, Cllr Barnes said: “I am quite surprised and disappointed that the council did not respond to this consultation. Councillors should be making the strongest possible case for joined up infrastructure investment across our shared border, particularly in relation to health care and sports provision where Royston and its surrounding villages are under-served. Instead, the Labour leadership is asleep at the wheel. This is all the more surprising, given that we know Wilson Bowden are looking to build 1400 homes just across the A505, which will have a direct impact on the town if the right level of investment is not secured.”

Responding to Cllr Barnes’ question, the Labour cabinet member said that a response was “not considered necessary” and that “our connection with South Cambs is less vital than with other areas at the moment”.