A decision date has been set for plans to build a housing development in a Cambridgeshire town. The proposals could see 18 new homes being built on land east of Berryfield in March.
An application for the site was put forward by Fink Developments in June 2023. It would see the creation of 12 two-storey four-bed homes and six two-storey three-bed homes, all of which would be detached open market properties.
The plans also include details for the formation of two balancing ponds and a public open space. The development adjoins one that was previously approved, but some residents have expressed concerns over the proposals.
Five representations have been received in objections. The reasons included loss of agricultural land, materials proposed being unsuitable, the site being at risk of flooding, impacts on roads and infrastructure, negative impact on character of area, and lack of affordable housing proposed in the development.
One person said: “This proposal will be a further visual intrusion into the open countryside and will further destroy the open character of the area. Despite what the developers state, this area is subject to flooding, and building more houses in this area will further increase the chances of further flooding.”
A design and access statement from the applicants said: “A marketing exercise within the vicinity has been carried out and it has been found that there is a demand for properties with more than three bedrooms within the area. The results of the marketing exercise have been acknowledged and the proposal will comprise of three and four-bedroom units accordingly.
“The site plan demonstrates housing, of a scale which is commensurate with the neighbouring development, can be achieved on site. There is sufficient space within the site for all dwellings to be provided with private garden land, which equates to at least one third of the area of the curtilage, and at least two parking spaces.”
A planning officer report said that the proposals comply with the relevant criteria in terms of site layout, building design and amenity considerations. However, it highlighted that the failure to prepare an adequate Sequential Test and demonstrate that the development would not result in net loss in biodiversity value meant it was recommended that the plans were refused.
A decision on the application will be made at a Fenland District Council planning committee meeting on Wednesday (January 8). To view the plans in full, use the reference F/YR23/0550/F or click here.
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