South Cambridgeshire District Council met on 2 October 2025, and among other business, formally adopted the Stapleford and Great Shelford and the Harston Neighbourhood Plans, and appointed Nurainatta Katevu as the authority's Monitoring Officer from 7 November 2025. The council also noted a report on the use of special urgency procedures and a waiver of call-in, and received updates from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority and the Cambridge Growth Company.

Neighbourhood Plans Adopted

The council voted to adopt both the Stapleford and Great Shelford Neighbourhood Plan and the Harston Neighbourhood Plan, following successful referendums in each area on 4 September 2025. Both plans now form part of the statutory development plan for South Cambridgeshire.

The Stapleford and Great Shelford planExternal link icon sets out a vision for the area in 2041 as thriving villages distinct from Cambridge, with sustainable development addressing housing needs and protecting the landscape setting. The Basic Conditions Check confirmed the plan meets all the necessary legal requirements.

The Harston planExternal link icon aims to maintain the village's rural charm, retain its historic identity, enhance the environment, and foster a cohesive community. The Harston Neighbourhood Plan Basic Conditions Check also confirmed that this plan meets the basic conditions required.

Appointment of Monitoring Officer

The council approved the appointment of Nurainatta Katevu as the new Monitoring Officer, effective from 7 November 2025. The Monitoring Officer is a statutory role with responsibility for ensuring the council acts lawfully and maintains high standards of conduct. Nurainatta Katevu's CVExternal link icon states she is an experienced solicitor and senior manager, and is currently Head of Legal and Monitoring Officer at Uttlesford District Council.

Use of Special Urgency Procedure and Waiver of Call-in

The council noted a report on the uses of Special Urgency and Waiver of Call-in during Quarter 1 of 2025/2026. The report detailed one instance of the Special Urgency Procedure being used, relating to the acceptance of transition year funding from the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority for the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF). The UKSPF is a central pillar of the government’s levelling up agenda providing £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025. The REPF is a £110 million fund to support rural businesses and communities.

The report noted that there had been no instances of call-in being waived for any executive decisions since the previous report to Council.

Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority

The council noted the decisions taken by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) since the last council meeting. The CPCA is a combined authority and local enterprise partnership covering the areas of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

The decisions included in the Constituent Council Report were those taken at:

• Transport Committee, 8 July 2025
• Audit and Governance Committee, 15 July 2025
• Combined Authority Board, 22 July 2025

Greater Cambridge Partnership

The council noted the decisions taken by the Greater Cambridge Partnership (GCP) since the last council meeting. The GCP is a partnership between local councils, the University of Cambridge and business leaders, working to deliver sustainable economic growth and improve the quality of life for people in the Greater Cambridge area.

The GCP Executive Board Decision Summary included decisions relating to the Waterbeach new station.

Cambridge Growth Company

The council noted a short update on the work of the Cambridge Growth Company (CGC). The CGC is an organisation established to drive forward strategic growth and development across the Cambridge region.

The update included information on:

• Evidence base work being undertaken by Prior & Partners
• The Spending Review
• The adoption of Environmental Principles produced by the Oxford-Cambridge Pan Regional Partnership