Ninth Delegated Legislation Committee — hearing of 8 July 2026: transcript & video

15:23 - 15:42

Speaker 2

The Greater Cambridge Development Corporation Establishment Order 2026. And given the heatwave that we're experiencing, I'm happy to give blanket dispensation on the jacket rule, so you can all have it off if you so wish. I call the Minister to move the motion. Minister Matt Pennycook.

15:42 - 17:32

Speaker 3

Thank you, Dr. Huq. It's a pleasure to serve with you in the chair. I beg to move that the committee has considered the Greater Cambridge Development Corporation Establishment Order 2026, which was laid before the House on the 4th of June. This order will establish a centrally-led urban development corporation in Greater Cambridgeshire, pursuant to the Local Government Planning and Land Act 1980. That act provides the Secretary of State may designate an urban development area only where they are of the opinion it is expedient in the national interest and following a public consultation.

As the committee will be aware, the economic growth of Cambridge over recent years has been a phenomenal success. It is now arguably the most intensive and innovative science and technological cluster in the world, with more than 5,000 knowledge-intensive firms based in and around the city, employing tens of thousands of skilled workers and generating in excess of 18 billion pounds in annual turnover. However, the supply-side constraints that are evident across the Oxford-Cambridge corridor, from infrastructure deficiencies to housing affordability, are particularly acute in Greater Cambridge. Its continued position as a world-leading centre of innovation, its ability to make an even greater contribution to the UK economy, and the quality of life experienced by its existing residents are all dependent on removing these.

Local institutions and leaders have worked hard to support the rapid growth of Cambridgeshire over recent years. Over the past two years, this government has intervened alongside local authorities and the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning Service to address pressing constraints like water scarcity, action that has helped unlock over 9,000 homes, 500,000 square feet of commercial space, and a new cancer research hospital. However, it is widely accepted that delivering development at the scale and pace necessary to realise the full potential of Greater Cambridge is beyond the capacity and powers of existing institutions.

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