- From today Oxford-Cambridge Arc residents can go online and have their say on their vision for the future of the area
- The digital consultation on the vision for the Spatial Framework will be open to all for 12 weeks
- The government is also establishing a new expert panel ,which will engage with local authorities and communities, to advise on bringing forward sustainable economic and housing growth in the Arc
People across the Oxford Cambridge Arc, and all with an interest in the area, will have the opportunity to contribute to the long-term development of the area, as part of a newly launched government consultation.
A new plan aims to enhance the infrastructure, environment and new developments in the counties of Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. It will be developed by government, informed by engagement with local communities and stakeholders, and will have sustainability at its core.
This public consultation is the first of three that will guide a new Spatial Framework over the next two years, and a digital platform has been created that will make it quick and accessible for people who live, work, and have an interest in the area to make their voices heard.
Comments received in the consultation will help create the Spatial Framework's vision for the area to 2050, and will help guide local planning and investment decisions in four areas; the environment; the economy; connectivity and infrastructure; and place-making. Visit: https://placebuilder.io/futureofthearc
The consultation is also seeking views on the work the government has done to set the scope of the Sustainability Appraisal.
The government has additionally today announced a new expert panel to advise on sustainable economic and housing growth in the Arc. The panel will be chaired by leading development and regeneration expert Emma Cariaga and will advise the government on issues ranging from design and sustainability to delivery and investment models.
The panel's primary area of focus is between Bedford and Cambridge, where the government is examining opportunities to bring forward well-designed, inclusive and sustainable places.
Other members will consist of industry leaders, local representatives and subject area experts from a range of disciplines, who will work with local government and other partners to inform the panel's advice. The full panel will be confirmed in due course. See
