The SPD provides detailed guidance on how planning obligations, also known as Section 106 contributions, will be used to mitigate the impact of new developments across Greater Cambridge. The SPD outlines when developers might need to make these contributions and what they could involve. Examples of this may include affordable homes, better transport options like cycle paths or bus improvements, and protecting nature by improving habitats and planting more greenery.

Adoption of the Planning Obligations SPD

The Greater Cambridge Planning Obligations was subject to 2 formal consultations, the first having been held between November 2024 and January 2025 and the second between August 2025 and October 2025.

The SPD was adopted by Cambridge City Council in March 2026 and by South Cambridgeshire District Council in April 2026. 

The adopted SPD, its supporting documents are published in our document library. 

In accordance with Regulation 15 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Development) (England) Regulations 2012, Cambridge City Council formally revokes the Cambridge City Council Planning Obligations Strategy Supplementarty Planning Document 2010.

Any person aggrieved by the adoption of the SPD may apply to the High Court for permission to apply for judicial review of the decision to adopt the SPD by the Councils. Any such application must be made promptly and, in any event, not later than 3 months after the date on which the SPD was adopted (30 April 2026).