Fears housing development could reshape village life

An illustrative plan outlines where the proposed 120 homes off Houghton Road could be built

A controversial housing development has been narrowly approved despite fears it could reshape a Cambridgeshire village.

Plans for 120 homes off Houghton Road, near Houghton and Wyton, were granted outline permission by Huntingdonshire District Council, which voted with seven councillors in favour and six against.

The proposal by Homes England sparked opposition, with concerns it would blur the boundary with neighbouring St Ives and urbanise the village.

Homes England said there was a "pressing local need" for new homes in the area and it would "sensitively" respond to the site's character.

The development forms part of the authority's broader St Ives West allocation, which earmarked the area for up to 400 new homes.

Monday's vote followed a previous decision in July, when councillors initially backed the scheme, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

However, a legal issue later emerged around the wording of that resolution, forcing the council to revisit the application.

Homes England's proposal was again approved.

Local residents voiced frustration, warning the plans set a precedent for further expansion.

Paul Boothman said the development "will be seen as part of St Ives" and risked merging the communities.

Lisa Foster, speaking for Houghton and Wyton Parish Council, said the proposals conflicted with the neighbourhood plan and criticised Homes England for failing to engage properly.

She warned of "urbanisation harm to a beautiful landscape" and argued the adverse impacts "significantly outweigh the benefits".

Councillor Shariqa Mokbul added: "Just because you can do something, does not mean you should. You can build 120 homes, that does not mean you should.

"We have to recognise this is a village, not a town."

However, councillor Sam Wakeford pointed out the land was allocated for housing in the local plan.

He said due to the council's lack of a five-year housing supply, national planning rules meant there was a presumption in favour of sustainable development.

Jim Strike, representing Homes England, said the scheme would deliver up to 120 homes, including 48 affordable units, and also provide "substantial" public open space.

He said: "The proposals strike a balance between making efficient use of land to deliver high quality new homes, whilst sensitively responding to the character of the site."

Councillor Patricia Jordan said she understood why objectors "feel let down" but added the council had to follow planning policy.

As an outline application, detailed plans of the homes must still be submitted and approved before construction can begin.