On the 2 October 2025 South Cambridgeshire District Council decided to make (adopt) the Harston Neighbourhood Plan under Section 38A(4) of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004.
The Harston Neighbourhood Plan as made now forms part of the development plan for South Cambridgeshire. All planning decisions in the neighbourhood area will need to be made in accordance with the development plan that now includes this Neighbourhood Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise.
Reason for Decision:
South Cambridgeshire District Council has confirmed that the Neighbourhood Plan meets all the Basic Conditions within Paragraph 8(2) of Schedule 4B of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and is compliant with legal requirements, including that the making of the Harston Neighbourhood Plan does not breach, and is otherwise compatible with, EU obligations and the Convention rights (within the meaning of the Human Rights Act 1998).
The Harston Neighbourhood Plan was successful at its referendum on 4 September 2025 as more than half (95.86%) of those that voted were in favour of SCDC using the Neighbourhood Plan to help it decide planning applications in the neighbourhood area.
South Cambridgeshire District Council’s full Council at its meeting on 2 October 2025 noted the results of the referendum and made (adopted) the Harston Neighbourhood Plan.
Viewing the Documents
If you wish to see hard copies of this Decision Statement and the Harston Neighbourhood Plan, please contact the Planning Policy Team (see contact details below) to find out how to make an appointment to view the documents at the South Cambridgeshire District Council offices in Cambourne.
The documents are available to view on South Cambridgeshire District Council’s website: https://www.scambs.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/local-plan-and-neighbourhood-planning/harston-neighbourhood-plan
The Neighbourhood Plan Journey –
The journey began back in 2014, when the Parish Council first discussed creating a Village Design Statement. As time went on, it became clear that a Neighbourhood Plan would be a more effective tool for shaping Harston’s future—but at the time, resources were limited, so the idea was paused.
That did not stop local residents, however. A group of committed volunteers came together as the Harston Residents Group (HRG) and began engaging with community issues. This included a parish-wide consultation day in October 2017, which laid some of the groundwork for what was to come.
Then, in October 2021, the Parish Council gave its formal support to move forward with a Neighbourhood Plan. A working group was quickly formed—made up of residents, Parish Councillors, and members of HRG. We began holding regular meetings, open to all, in the Pavilion on the Recreation Ground. Over time, a Steering Group formed to lead the work, supported by a wider group of dedicated volunteers who gave their time and skills depending on the task at hand.
Throughout this process, we put a strong emphasis on community engagement. Calls went out in local newsletters and magazines inviting people with specific skills—like mapping, ecology, or communications—to get involved. And many did. I became a Parish Councillor in 2022, as it became clear that combining my role as Chair of the Neighbourhood Plan group and editor of the village newsletter could help bring people together and maintain momentum and apply for funding to support. A key source of support and momentum throughout the process was the Vice-Chair of the Planning Group, Hilary Roadley, whose deep knowledge of Harston’s history added real insight and context to the plan. Her contributions helped ensure that the village’s heritage was fully reflected in our plan..
We made sure that at every key stage, the wider community had a chance to be heard. Consultations were held in the Village Hall, churches, and the school. The Parish Council held extra meetings to consider feedback from residents, statutory bodies, and other stakeholders. With support from our planning consultant, Rachel Hogger of Modicum Planning, we were able to document all comments and responses in a clear, transparent way. We made much use of AECOM technical support on a Village Design Guide, housing needs assessment and housing sites assessment.
The final plan reflects the priorities of the village whilst we still have some core aims to achieve like a community centre and a core to the village. We may not have a bypass; however, we have practical ideas to address some key issues. The plan adds local detail to the South Cambs Local Plan to help retain Harston’s rural identity while still enabling thoughtful development. It supports rural exception housing and includes a new community project to create a nature reserve (which we hope will appeal to our younger residents).
We are incredibly grateful to South Cambridgeshire District Council for supporting the plan through to referendum—and we are delighted that it was approved by local residents with a strong percentage in favour.
Looking ahead, we are excited to start implementing the policies and to continue working with others to ensure we shape Harston’s future.
Thank you again for your support.
