A decision date has been set for plans to build a housing development in a Cambridgeshire village. The proposals could see 25 to 30 new homes being built on land near Old Houghton Road and southeast of Main Street in Hartford.
Outline plans for the site were put forward in July 2022. It would involve the creation of a mixture of detached and semi-detached properties, with 40 per cent of the units being affordable housing.
The market homes would range in size, with two-bed, three-bed and four-bed properties proposed. A number of concerns have been raised by local residents.
Representations were received from 10 neighbouring properties. Objections included the location being congested, impact on local wildlife, sewage disposal, and dangerous access onto a busy road.
One person said: “The road noise is already infringing on our homes and having the extra noise from the new homes and subsequent increase in traffic and traffic noise will definitely have an additional impact on our estate.”
Another objection added: “It will impact the Ouse Valley adversely and contribute to creeping urbanisation as well as further pollution as run off into the River Ouse.”
A design, access, planning and heritage statement with the application said: “Due to its size and relationship to surrounding development, the land has not been in active agricultural use for a number of years and this has been limited to horse grazing. However, due to security and animal welfare issues the grazing use has tended to be intermittent and this has not generated sufficient finance for the active management of the site.”
It added: “The proposed residential development will comprise a mix of property types and tenures in an accessible location that is well related to the town and existing housing. The proposal will make a positive contribution to the supply of housing in the local area, complying with the development plan and add to the choice and mix of housing.”
A planning officer report said the site could “satisfactorily accommodate” the new homes and would not only increase the supply of housing, but contribute towards economic growth, including creating jobs. The report therefore recommended that the plans be approved subject to the prior completion of a Section 106 obligation relating to affordable housing and provision of open space.
A decision on the application will be made at a Huntingdonshire District Council development management committee meeting on Monday (January 20). To view the plans in full, use the reference 22/01460/OUT or click here.
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