Cambridge combines a rich history with the vibrancy and prosperity of outstanding educational institutions and modern businesses. It is an inspiring and attractive place in which to live and work. It is at the heart of a buoyant sub-region which is an area designated for major growth in employment and housing. The Council is committed to supporting the sustainable growth of the City in housing, jobs and community infrastructure. This growth has to respect our climate change policies. The City Council believes the community as a whole and every person in it matters. We are planning for future growth that preserves the City’s best qualities, sustains its environmental, social and economic fabric and is supported by a first class transport infrastructure. Although Cambridge is a prosperous place, many people on low incomes face the challenge of high living costs, particularly for housing. The Council is committed to sharing the prosperity of economic growth in Cambridge fairly across the city and its communities. The City of Cambridge is in the east of England, 50 miles north of London. A beautiful place to live and work, Cambridge is an historic University City and market town with high quality architecture and attractive open spaces. It is also a city of national importance, being a world leader in higher education and many 21st century industries – information technology, telecommunications and commercial research, particularly the biotechnology sector. The population of Cambridge is over 125,000. This is forecast to increase to 151,800 in 2031 as a result of new developments. The Council is working in partnership with other local Councils and external organisations to manage the planning for 47,500 new homes in the county by 2016. This has major implications for the way that the City Council delivers its services in the future.