PLANS to build 23 new homes on the site of an existing bungalow and house in Lynn Road have been rejected. The scheme by Freshwater Estates involved demolishing two properties at 85 and 87 Lynn Road and building five flats and 18 houses. But, despite East

PLANS to build 23 new homes on the site of an existing bungalow and house in Lynn Road have been rejected.

The scheme by Freshwater Estates involved demolishing two properties at 85 and 87 Lynn Road and building five flats and 18 houses.

But, despite East Cambridgeshire District Council officers recommending approval of the scheme, members of the council's planning committee ignored their advice and rejected it.

Fifteen letters of objection had been received from nearby residents who feared the project would lead to loss of privacy, road safety problems and loss of security among other worries.

Ely West Cllr. Sheila Friend-Smith expressed her concerns about overdevelopment of the site and the fact that the homes would appear totally out of character with the area.

She was also worried about road safety.

"Clearly a busy main road has to be crossed to reach the Paradise recreation area and the junior and infants school," she said.

City of Ely Council had also recommended that the scheme should be rejected because there was no provision for open space, parking was inadequate and the project would lead to an overdevelopment of the site.