The National Infrastructure Commission has welcomed government’s announcement of next steps in developing a spatial framework for the Oxford-Cambridge Arc.

The Commission explored the potential of the Arc and made recommendations for how to maximise the economic opportunities for local communities and businesses in a major study published in 2017.

This week, government set out plans for a spatial framework – developed with local authorities, communities and other stakeholders – which will set a plan and policies with the status of national planning policy, and the creation of an Arc Growth Body to help coordinate activity. The Commission views both of these as key ingredients for the future success of the Arc.

Bridget Rosewell, National Infrastructure Commissioner, said:

“We welcome this further step towards helping the Oxford-Cambridge Arc reach its full potential in a sustainable way for all who live and work there. We are pleased that the Commission’s calls for an Arc-wide approach to planning and for engagement with local people to be at the heart of that process are both reflected in the policy paper.

“It will be important to ensure the Vision for the Spatial Framework is published as scheduled this summer to ensure momentum is not lost.”