Dr Nik Johnson, Mayor of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, says: “I very much welcome the government’s announcement of a 12-week public consultation on the future of the Ox-Cambs Arc Spatial Framework. The Combined Authority Leaders and I urge residents to take this as an opportunity to tell the government what vision and priorities they have for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough so we can create a better place for all Arc residents from our market towns and cities, from the Fens, to Peterborough and Cambridge. We have an opportunity to shape a strategy focused on our vision of a green Arc, a skilled Arc and to create a world class place to live, work and learn.”
What is the Ox-Cam Arc?
The Oxford-Cambridge Arc (the Arc) is a globally significant area that is formed of five ceremonial counties: Oxfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire and Cambridgeshire. This forms an ‘Arc’, which provides a place to live for approximately 3.7 million residents and supports over 2 million jobs; adding over £110 billion in economic output every year it is home to one of the fastest growing economies in England.
It is a unique place, home to cutting-edge research, globally renowned science and technology clusters, and some of the most productive towns and cities in the country. It contains a vibrant natural environment, world-leading universities, and a rich cultural heritage.
The ambition for the Arc is to build a better economic, social and environmental future for the cities, towns and rural communities across the area. With high-quality, well-connected and sustainable communities making the Arc an even more beautiful place to live, work and visit.
How can local residents, businesses and stakeholders have their say?
In February the government committed, with the support of local partners, to conduct wide and meaningful engagement to give as many people as possible the opportunity to influence how the Spatial Framework is designed. To achieve this, on the Spatial Framework there are three planned phases of public consultation over a two-year period.
The first opportunity for public consultation to shape the Spatial Framework has just been launched, with two further public consultations planned. A newly launched digital platform will provide anyone from the Arc, or interested in the Arc, with the opportunity to respond with their views on the approach to the vision.
Alongside the platform, the government, supported by the Combined Authority and other local partners, will be hosting a series of workshops for under-represented groups and representative bodies.
What will you do with the responses to the vision consultation? Will they be properly taken into account?
All comments received to this consultation will be properly considered, and will, alongside other considerations, help to create the Spatial Framework’s vision for the Arc to 2050.
The government will publish a summary of comments received and their response as part of this consultation, so you can see how your views helped to shape the vision.