Fenland sets course for new Local Plan ahead of planning reforms
Fenland District Council has withdrawn its emerging Local Plan ahead of a new national plan-making system coming into force early next year.
The decision gives the Council the opportunity to prepare a new Local Plan in line with the latest legislation that better reflects the needs of people across the district.
Members agreed to formally withdraw the current emerging Local Plan at Full Council on Monday 15 December.
Council Leader, Cllr Chris Boden, said: This was not an easy decision for the Council to take. A significant amount of work has already gone into the emerging plan, including detailed evidence gathering and listening to local views. However, national changes to how Local Plans must now be prepared mean that continuing with the current plan would not deliver the clear, up-to-date guidance Fenland needs. Rather than pressing ahead with a plan that would soon require significant changes, we have chosen to take a fresh and forward-looking approach. By starting a new Local Plan now, we can focus on what will really improve residents' lives, while giving businesses and investors the confidence to plan and invest here.
Fenland 50
The new Local Plan - to be titled Fenland 50 - will look ahead to 2050. It will focus on issues that matter most to local people, such as good-quality homes, access to jobs and skills, stronger town centres, better infrastructure, and healthier, more connected communities. It will also support major investment opportunities, including the proposed Fens Reservoir, and reflect Fenland's role as a key area of opportunity within the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority's Local Growth Plan.
Work is now underway on a project plan that will set out what happens next and how residents, businesses, landowners and developers can get involved.
The Council is keen to make progress on the new plan before Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) takes place in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, helping to ensure Fenland's priorities are clearly reflected in future decisions across the wider region.
Fenland District Council continues to have a strong supply of land for new homes and remains open for business. Development will continue to be managed carefully, with a clear focus on quality and long-term benefits for local communities.
Further updates will be shared in the coming months.
Keep up-to-date with Fenland District Council via Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), LinkedIn and our newsletter The Fenlander Newsletter.
December 2025
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