Social Value Ideas for South Cambridgeshire District Council

Housing Revenue Account Rental Increases 4.8%

Housing rents increased by 4.8% (inflation plus 1%), which is the maximum permissible under government formula. This is necessary to fund the new build program while maintaining existing stock. All En…

“we are having to put um rents up by 4.8% which is the maximum that we are allowed to do which is inflation plus 1%”

Key worker housing policy

The application is being treated as policy-compliant because the adopted Northwest Cambridge Area Action Plan requires 50% key worker housing for the university and college workforce rather than stand…

“So, the key worker housing is specifically for university um employees or or colleges associated with the university but that includes their staff as …”

Housing hazard policy updated

Cabinet approved updates to the housing health and safety policy, consolidating existing arrangements and incorporating Awaab's Law and wider housing safety requirements. The update was driven by legi…

“This is a consolidation of existing policies taking account of AWAP's law and various other health and safety issues. So all that comes together under…”

Householder extension approved

A separate householder application for extensions to 1 Kingsmeadow, Cambridge was approved after the HMO element was removed. Members did note concerns about cycle access to rear storage and the oddit…

“The recommendation is to a prove application twenty five zero four six zero four FUL subject to the planning conditions as set out in section 20 with …”

Housing New Build Program - 113+ Homes Delivered

Council has exceeded 100 new council homes in the last 12 months, heading towards 113 by end of financial year. Forward program includes over 600 homes planned over next 2-3 years. This represents hig…

“we've passed the 100 um counter home this this year heading towards that sort of sort of in the region of 113 by the end of this financial year... ove…”

Refusal of 100-home Linton scheme

The committee refused an outline application for up to 100 dwellings at land off Horse Heath Road, Linton. The refusal was driven by its location outside the development framework, landscape harm, los…

“There are some material considerations that weigh in favor of the post development in terms of provision of housing, 40% of which would be affordable.…”

Regulation 19 Local Plan Publication

Both councils approved the Greater Cambridge Local Plan proposed submission for Regulation 19 consultation, with publication planned before submission to government for inspection by the end of the ye…

“Speaker 7: Thank you chair. Yes, we thought we would just run through a little bit how we got here and where we're going next. We gave very substantia…”

Delegation scheme retained

The committee agreed to keep the current scheme of delegation unchanged while noting that a mandatory national scheme of delegation is expected to come into force in October 2026. The report says the …

“Speaker 7: So, to add to that, those the mandated national scheme of delegation that will be coming in in October, which is another reason why to make…”

Refusal of Great Shelford scheme

The committee refused an outline application for up to 110 homes between Hinton Way and Mingle Lane, Great Shelford and Stapleford. The decision rested on Green Belt and village framework conflict, ha…

“The development would be considered inappropriate under paragraph one five three of the MPPF. However, as the application site is consistent with the …”

DBS update service reinforced

The committee supported stronger wording around the DBS update service, making clear that drivers must maintain active subscriptions and that failure to do so can lead to suspension or non-renewal. Of…

“Number two is the disclosure and barring service which is an update service which we require all the licensed drivers to have. This is in respect to c…”

Hackney and private hire policy review

The committee reviewed a revised Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy because legal advice indicated parts needed updating for compliance with Department for Transport and Institute of L…

“Members are asked to consider the Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy. There are two reasons for this review. The first being legal adv…”

Consultation on revised taxi licensing policy

The committee considered a full review of the hackney carriage and private hire licensing policy and agreed to consult on the revised draft before any final decision. The review includes safeguarding-…

“At previous committee in July this year, members had concern over removal of permanent livery and the DVLA requirements. Advice was sought on both asp…”