Application for 800 new homes submitted

A PLANNING application for up to 800 new homes on farmland in Ely has been submitted to the district council.

The Church Commissioners for England handed over plans for the first phase of their proposed new development, at Highflyer Farm, near the Princess of Wales Hospital, to the authority on Monday.

According to the plans, the new development will include up to 800 new homes, a new neighbourhood centre, community hall, restaurant, foodstore, sports pitch, a site for a potential primary school and an allotment site.

A road linking all the way through from Thistle Corner roundabout to Lynn Road, has also been accommodated into the plans.

Joanna Loxton, planning and development manager for the Church Commissioners, which manages church-owned lands across the country, said:

“We are delighted to have submitted our planning application for Highflyer Farm. I would like to thank all residents who have contributed to our consultation programme. “The submitted proposals truly reflect the feedback we received from the local community. I look forward to presenting these proposals to the local community at our feedback exhibition.”

The original plans, unveiled in January, included 500 homes, play areas and a network of pathways linking the development to the heart of the city but a public appeal for more community facilities forced developers to think again.

Residents will be given a final opportunity to view the development plans at a public exhibition, to be held on Saturday, December 3 from 11am-3pm at St Mary’s Junior School in High Barns.

For further information on the proposals please see the website: www.highflyerfarm-ely.co.uk which will be live following the public exhibition.