When adopted, the plan will help shape future development in the parish. It is designed to ensure the local environment, homes, facilities and community assets are protected and enhanced in years to come. 

You can comment on what is described as “the submission” version of the Heydon Neighbourhood Plan during a consultation that runs from 9am today (Monday 15 December 2025) to 5pm on Monday 9 February 2026. The Neighbourhood Plan has been developed by Heydon Parish Council and once finalised and adopted it will be used when making decisions on planning applications. 

The vision underpinning the Heydon Neighbourhood Plan is: “In 2041 Heydon will be a distinctive and tranquil rural settlement recognised as a special place within an exceptional protected landscape setting, accommodating appropriate sustainable development whilst retaining its tranquillity, unique qualities and scale. It will enjoy facilities and services which support the needs of the village community, embrace new technology and respect the historic importance of the village and its natural environment.” 

The consultation is an opportunity for the public to provide comments before the Plan is examined by an Independent Planning Examiner. The Examiner’s role is to test the Neighbourhood Plan against the basic conditions that are set out in national regulations. The Plan would then need to be passed by a referendum before being adopted. 

South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Lead Cabinet Member for Planning, Cllr Dr. Tumi Hawkins, said: “Neighbourhood Plans give communities a real voice in shaping the places where they live. Responding to consultations like this is vital because it ensures local priorities - from housing and green spaces to transport and community facilities - are reflected in future development. Every response matters, and the more people take part, the stronger and more representative the plan becomes.” 

District Councillor for Heydon, Cllr Dr James Hobro, commented: “This is a milestone for Heydon. After five years of hard work by the Parish Council in consultation and planning, first to produce their Community-Led Plan, now comes a full Neighbourhood Plan. I'm looking forward to seeing the feedback from our local community.” 

Neighbourhood Plans are developed by local communities with support from the District Council and Greater Cambridge Shared Planning. There are already 13 of them in place across Greater Cambridge. They have an equal status to the adopted Local Plan as part of the development plan for the area and once adopted are used when making decisions on planning applications. Neighbourhood Plans must conform in general terms to the strategic policies in the Local Plan for the area and cannot propose less development overall than the Local Plan puts forward. 

During the consultation, you can view the Neighbourhood Plan and its supporting documents online.  

Comments can be submitted to South Cambridgeshire District Council between 9am on Monday 15 December 2025 and 5pm on Monday 09 February 2026. The easiest way to comment is online but if you are unable to comment online, email neighbourhood.planning@greatercambridgeplanning.org so the District Council can support you with responding. Alternatively, you can write to the Planning Policy Team, South Cambridgeshire Hall, Cambourne Business Park, Cambourne, Cambridge, CB23 6EA. 

During the consultation, you can view the Neighbourhood Plan and its supporting documents at South Cambridgeshire Hall, Cambourne by appointment only. Appointments can be made by calling 01954 713000. It will also be possible to view the documents at Holy Trinity, Chishill Road, Heydon, SG8 8PW – the village church – during opening hours.