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Faith Facilities

Cambridgeshire Horizons published a study identifying best practice in making provision for facilities for faith groups in the major new communities, as part of the wider community facility provision in Cambridgeshire. The drive for the study was the important role that faith groups can play in building new communities and the difficulties they may face in securing premises or other facilities.

The study was produced in consultation with Cambridgeshire Horizons and representatives from the Cambridgeshire local authorities, East of England Faiths Council and other interested groups. It offers planning guidance for making provision for faith in new developments and recommendations for local authorities, faith groups, developers and landowners.

It is hoped that the lessons from this study will also be valuable to other growth areas in the UK that face similar issues concerning the role of faith groups within new communities.

Standards for faith facility provision

The study advocates standard provision of land and/or buildings for faith groups in the same way as there is provision for a range of other community facilities. It recommends that for every 3,000 houses built, developers should provide 0.5 hectares of free land for faith facilities (or the equivalent in buildings and/or financial contribution). Additional discounted land should also be designated within the new developments to make it easier for faith groups to purchase land.

The study recommends that free or discounted land should be available to faith groups on the basis that they provide a wide range of community activities open to all. Eligible faith groups should also have charitable status and the resources and practical skills to bring forward the new facility within a reasonable time.