Plans to build 125 new homes on a field

The proposed homes form part of the wider ‘West March Strategic Allocation’ in the district council’s local plan

A developer has asked for permission to build 125 new homes on a field.

Fenland District Council approved outline plans for the development in March, Cambridgeshire, in 2023, but now a more detailed application has been submitted.

Neighbours raised concerns about the project on land by Princess Avenue, when the initial application was put forward.

Developers, Balfour Beatty Homes, said it would create “enhancements” to the environment in the area and develop "needed housing in March".

Out of the 125 homes, 100 were planned to be sold at market rates, with the remaining 25 made into "affordable housing".

They would range in size, from one-bedroom up to five-bedroom, and there would be play areas for children in the development.

The Local Democracy Service said residents raised concerns in the outline application about possible damage to the environment.

The impact on people travelling to and from the new homes potentially making Princess Avenue a "thoroughfare" and an "accident waiting to happen" was also cited.

No concerns were raised by the highways authority at the time and planning officers at the district council said all issues raised had been considered.

The outline application was later approved by the district council.

Developers said: "This site has the opportunity to provide a development that creates needed housing in March, with high quality open space which also provides connectivity to the West March extension and March town centre.

"The site will provide enhancements to the local environment to support the growth of biodiversity, improve pedestrian permeability, as well as provision of drainage infrastructure to prevent flooding to the site and wider area."