Plan for 425 new homes approved

The developers were praised for including green space for the public and a school expansion in its plans

Plans to build up to 425 new homes have been approved despite some concerns about sewage problems in the area.

Fenland District Council granted outline planning permission to build the homes near Wimblington Road and Barkers Lane in March, Cambridgeshire.

Councillors raised concerns about flooding on Barkers Lane, just north of the planned site, but planning officers said the new development would avoid the "existing constrained" network.

Will Hodgson, representing the developer, Barratt David Wilson Homes, said it was "committed to delivering the scheme". He added: "We see this as a fantastic opportunity to create a legacy to support the growth of March."

'Raw sewage'

The development would be made up of houses, a public open space, playing fields, a community orchard and children's play areas.

A number of concerns about drainage were raised at Wednesday's planning meeting.

Jan French, the councillor for March South, asked if the "mess" at Barkers Lane would be resolved, and said she had seen "raw sewage pouring down" the road.

Planning officers said the new development would avoid the "constrained" network on Barkers Lane, where remedial work was under way.

Ahead of the meeting, some residents raised objections to the development, including one person who had concerns about "overwhelmed" GP surgeries and schools "already struggling for places".

Another said: "Traffic is going to be even more severe than it is now, close to a school and providing more traffic congestion heading into town."

Councillor Sidney Imafidon, the councillor for Wisbech Walsoken and Waterless, said he thought the developers had been "generous" to provide green space in its plans, including land for the Neal Wade Academy to expand.

"I wish other developers would do similar," he said.

As an outline application, more detailed plans will need to be submitted and approved by the council before building can start.

A design and access statement from Barratt David Wilson Homes said the development, known as Stow Fen Meadows, would "deliver a high-quality, locally-distinguishable and sustainable addition to the town".