A developer trying to secure the final permissions for 128 homes adjacent to the A142 at Witchford has been accused of providing “incorrect or conflicting information” that has delayed final ratification.
Bovis Homes are trying to tidy up planning for a site that was submitted initially by Gladman Developments – who describe themselves as the UK’s most successful land developers.
The application was refused in 2014 but Gladman won consent on appeal in 2016 and now Bovis are hoping to go ahead with the site that includes 38 affordable homes.
But East Cambs District Council Planning Committee has refused a reserved matters application by Bovis – which would normally see technical issues resolved- after concerns were raised about air and noise pollution. The committee said proximity to the new bypass needed to be considered.
The committee also claimed it was over development on the site, bunding is unacceptable and they raised fears over residential amenity.
The site is an open field between Field End to the south and the A142 to the north – with industrial units to the east forming parting of Greys of Ely business.,
East Cambs officers wanted the latest application approved subject to conditions but councillors rejected it.
Rebecca Saint, planning manager, has told Bovis that the council now feared overdevelopment “by placing too many dwellings near the A142, which would require mechanical ventilation and filtration due to their positioning”.
In a decision notice published after the meeting she said the company’s case “was not sufficient to overcome members concerns in regards to residential amenity”.
Earlier she had told councillors that Bovis could appeal the refusal and if it is found the council has acted unreasonably then costs could be awarded.
“Te committee needs to consider and document its reasons for going against an officer recommendation very carefully,” she said.
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