Cllr Geo Sebastian, Cambridge

22/09/2026

*New online tool helps residents judge whether they need planning permission**
https://www.greatercambridgeplanning.org/check-if-i-need-planning-permission

Residents across Greater Cambridge can now access an online tool to help them decide if they are likely to need planning permission before carrying out building works or making changes to a property.

“Do I Need Planning Permission?” will help householders and those considering small-scale developments understand whether planning permission may be needed for their building works or change of use. It can also identify planning restrictions that may affect a property, such as whether it is a listed building or located within a conservation area
**Cllr. Geo Sebastian **
District Councillor
South Cambridgeshire District Council

16/09/2026

14/09/2026

Councillor Geo Sebastian's Landmark Consular Camp in Cambridge Draws 500; Diaspora Travels from Across UK

Cambridge: Around 500 people, including many Malayalis and other Indians, thronged the Arbury Community Centre in Cambridge for the city’s first major diversity event featuring a full-fledged Consular Camp organised by the High Commission of India, London.

The initiative was the brainchild of South Cambridgeshire District Councillor Geo Sebastian, a Keralite who represents Cambridge People travelled from as far as Liverpool and Manchester to renew passports, process visas and complete other consular formalities that would otherwise have required a trip to London. Several British citizens also used the camp to apply for Indian tourist visas.

“To see 500 people come through the doors today, some travelling from Liverpool and Manchester, shows just how much this kind of camp was needed,” Councillor Sebastian said. “The Cambridge Indian community has been incredibly supportive, and I’m proud of what we’ve been able to bring to the city.”

The event underlined the growing strength and organisational capacity of the Indian diaspora in East Anglia. It also served as a platform for community bonding, bringing neighbours together under one roof while celebrating shared cultural identity.

A team of dedicated volunteers worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the smooth conduct of the camp throughout the day. Cambridgeshire County Councillor Adam Bostanci (Bassingbourn, Whaddon, Meldreth and Melbourn) also visited the venue to extend support.

Given the overwhelming response, organisers are already discussing making the Consular Camp a regular feature on Cambridge’s community calendar.

The successful conduct of the camp has been widely appreciated by the Indian diaspora in the UK, particularly the Malayali community, as a practical and welcome service closer to home.

03/09/2026

Cambridge Hosts First-Ever Indian High Commission Camp

Around 500 people attended Cambridge’s first-ever Indian Consular Camp at Arbury Community Centre, making it a landmark event for the city’s Indian community. Organised by Cllr Geo Sebastian in partnership with the High Commission of India, the camp provided passport, visa, and consular services, attracting visitors from across the UK, including Liverpool and Manchester. British residents also attended to obtain Indian tourist visas. Supported by dedicated volunteers and community leaders, the day celebrated diversity, inclusion, and community spirit while helping people access essential services closer to home. Organisers hope to make the event a regular feature in Cambridge.

23/08/2026

🇮🇳 INDIAN HIGH COMMISSION – CAMBRIDGE CONSULAR CAMP 🇮🇳

A Cambridgeshire Indian Community initiative, supported by Cllr Geo Sebastian

📅 Saturday, 29 August 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
📍 Arbury Community Centre, Campkin Road, Cambridge, CB4 2LD
(Parking will be limited on site during peak times)

Great news for the Indian community in Cambridge and beyond! The Indian High Commission is holding a consular camp right here in Cambridge, offering:
✅ Passport services
✅ OCI (Overseas Citizen of India)
✅ Visa services
✅ Other services – Birth Registration, Attestation, POA & more

*👉 For the full list of consular services and required documents, please check the Indian High Commission website before attending.**

You must check website for documents list and bring 2 sets of photocopies to process the application.

⚠️ First come, first served – arrive early to avoid disappointment!

📞 For queries, contact:
Biju – 07701 095364
Jose – 07810 331136
Tom – 07708 327017
Wilson – 07860 630595
Cllr Geo Sebastian (South Cambridgeshire District Council) – 07984 374880
Please share widely with family and friends who may need this! 🙏

11/08/2026

Dear Residents
If you or someone you care about is going through a difficult time and needs support, please know that you are not alone. There are free, confidential helplines available to listen and help:

If you’re in crisis and need to talk, the organisations below provide free helplines. You can also call these helplines for advice if you’re worried about someone else.

Samaritans
Samaritans provide emotional support to anyone in emotional distress, struggling to cope or at risk of su***de.

Telephone: 116 123
Opening times: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Website: https://www.samaritans.org/

SANEline
SANEline is a national out-of-hours helpline offering emotional support, guidance, and information to anyone affected by mental illness.

Telephone: 0300 304 7000
Opening times: 4.30pm – 10pm, 7 days a week
Website: https://www.sane.org.uk/

Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
CALM runs a free, confidential, and anonymous helpline as well as a web chat service, offering help, advice, and information to anyone who is struggling or in crisis.

Telephone: 0800 58 58 58
Opening times: 5pm – midnight, 7 days a week
Website: https://www.thecalmzone.net/

National Su***de Prevention Helpline UK
The National Su***de Prevention Helpline UK is a compassionate and understanding lifeline for those grappling with their mental wellbeing or thoughts of su***de.

Telephone: 0800 587 0800
Opening times: 6pm – midnight, 7 days a week
Website: https://www.spuk.org.uk/

Helplines for young people
ChildLine
Childline is a counselling service for children and young people aged up to 18 provided by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Child (NSPCC).

Telephone: 0800 11 11
Opening times: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Website: https://www.childline.org.uk/

Papyrus UK
Papyrus UK is a confidential support and advice service for anyone aged under 35 who is experiencing thoughts of su***de.

Telephone: 0800 068 41 41
Opening hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Website: https://www.papyrus-uk.org/

Helplines for LGBTQIA+ people
Switchboard
Switchboard is the national LGBTQIA+ support line and can discuss anything related to sexuality and gender identity. Phone operators all identify as LGBTIA+.

Telephone: 0800 0119 100
Opening times: 10am – 10pm, 7 days a week
Website: https://switchboard.lgbt/

Please save these contacts or share them with anyone in our community who might need them.

Best wishes,

Cllr. Geo Sebastian
South Cambridgeshire District Council

[email protected]

05/08/2026

Hot temperatures are forecast again this week. ☀️

An amber heat-health alert for the East of England is in place from today until Wednesday 05 August at 9.00am.

If you're vising our hospitals please take extra care in the heat. Don't forget to bring bottled water with you, and allow plenty of time for your appointment.

High temperatures are likely to have significant impacts on the health of vulnerable people, so do check in on older relatives, friends or neighbours if you can.

Here's some tips for keeping yourself cool in your home, work, or out and about 😎:

-Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
-Cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses
-Seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly
-Keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day (between 11am and 3pm)
-Limit physical activity to times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening

More tips: https://orlo.uk/ehmL0

13/07/2026

Removed by District council today. Broken and abandoned in Orchard Park.

22/06/2026

The Small Hall will be open as a "Cool hub" this Weds and Thurs 3-6pm. All children must be accompanied by a parent/guardian.

Please see the NHS website for more information about staying safe during hot weather: https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/seasonal-health/heatwave-how-to-cope-in-hot-weather/

22/06/2026

New Bin.