An appeal has been won to redevelop a former transport depot in Stretham with nine homes and highways improvements.

The site in Newmarket Road will see the demolition of the existing workshop and the erection of the detached and semi-detached homes with new access.

It comes after plans were refused by bosses at East Cambs District Council in June last year due to concerns whether the scheme would fit in with the character and appearance of the area.

However, following another inspection, the appeal was approved earlier this month.

The planning inspectorate report states: “The appeal scheme is intended to have the appearance of a converted farm complex, including a farmhouse, workers cottages, converted barns and stables. In my view it is broadly successful in that regard.

“In summary, therefore, the current site is visually out of keeping and a rather unsightly presence at a reasonably sensitive edge of village location on one of the main routes into and out of Stretham.

“The proposed development would represent a visual enhancement and sit comfortably with both the residential development to the west and the open countryside to the east. Accordingly, the appeal scheme would have a significantly positive effect on the character and appearance of the area.

“Consequently, in that regard it would not conflict with policies.”

The existing site consists of a transport yard with a concrete framed workshop building.

The idea behind the design of the development is a historic Fenland farmyard of barns which have been converted to form these nine dwellings.

A design and access statement submitted with the original proposals in December 2016, states: “This would remove the unattractive entrance to the village which currently ‘blots’ the landscape and particularly the emerging Community Land Trust development behind.

“The proposal is to recreate a courtyard development of agricultural style buildings used as dwellings using quality traditional materials.

“This proposal will develop a brown field site on the end of Stretham and enhance the approach to the attractive Fenland village.

“The development will provide nine additional dwellings to the housing stock and assist the five year housing land supply.”