ELY city councillors and mayor Cllr John Ison have met Church Commissioners on the site of a planned housing development on 60 acres of land in the city. They discussed the potential for the church-owned land which includes 500 homes, a country park, spor

ELY city councillors and mayor Cllr John Ison have met Church Commissioners on the site of a planned housing development on 60 acres of land in the city.

They discussed the potential for the church-owned land which includes 500 homes, a country park, sports facilities and a community centre.

Discussions about possible use of the Highflyer Farm site are in very early stages but the development would push the city out eastwards towards Queen Adelaide and swallow up ancient farmland.

It could be built behind the new Cathedral View estate and the Bishops Way Circular Path in Prickwillow Road.

Discussions are due to continue with East Cambridgeshire District Council officers and councillors and people will be asked for their views when the plan progresses.

Jennifer Orchard, for consultants Green Issues, said: "This project could provide exciting opportunities for Ely, and the Church Commissioners are committed to engaging with and listening to the views of the local community. The proposals are at a very early stage so it is a real chance to help shape them."

Cllr Ison said: "We are very encouraged that the Church Commissioners are talking to everyone at such an early stage.

"The Mayor's Olympic Initiative group feels this development offers great potential to develop some really good sports facilities which are much-needed in Ely. We hope to continue with these talks as the project progresses.