Council inundated with objections to Haddenham house plans

VILLAGERS in Haddenham who live next to farmland where developers are hoping to build 24 new affordable homes have reacted angrily to the plans.

Sanctuary Housing put forward proposals for 19 houses, two flats and three bungalows to be built on 1.6 acres of land near Northumbria Road

Developers told the council that there was a “clear need” for new low cost and affordable housing in the village and said their scheme provided a good mix of rentable and shared-ownership properties.

Neighbours of the site disagree however, and have bombarded East Cambridgeshire District Council with letters objecting to the plans.

Ian Dickerson told the council: “We are all for affordable housing being available for the young people of the village but think 10 dwellings in that particular area would be a much more reasonable amount.”

Chris McFarlane added: “These new dwellings will add additional danger to road users and pedestrians alike as the area concerned regularly has close encounters, with vehicles screeching to a halt to avoid collisions with wildlife.”

Haddenham Parish Council also added its voice to the debate, telling planners that is objected to the “density, size and number of dwellings” on the proposed site.

In their submission to the council, developers said: “A number of sites around the village of Haddenham were considered but this site was available and, for a variety of reasons, was considered to be more suitable.

“The district council has been supportive of the scheme and is positive in its comments on the design and layout of the proposals.”

Sanctuary added that the plans were presented to the village’s parish council in February and were also well received.

A decision on the plans is expected within the next six weeks, to view the plans, and to have your say, visit www.eastcambs.gov.uk.