CONTROVERSIAL plans for 21 new homes in Ely s Lynn Road has been given a unanimous thumbs down by worried city councillors. They feared the project for 14 houses and seven flats on the site of a bungalow would lead to traffic problems and lacked sufficien

CONTROVERSIAL plans for 21 new homes in Ely's Lynn Road has been given a unanimous thumbs down by worried city councillors.

They feared the project for 14 houses and seven flats on the site of a bungalow would lead to traffic problems and lacked sufficient open space.

The scheme had prompted letters of objection from nearby residents who claimed the plans were pushed out to residents just a week before Christmas giving them only until January 3 to respond.

Dr Laurence Tisi, of Lynn Road, who objected to the plans on behalf of eight of his neighbours, told the Ely Standard: "It was unacceptable to ask for responses just before Christmas. It was a clever trick and I'm sure some residents missed the opportunity to put forward their views.

"We have had two horrendous concertina accidents involving cars hitting parked cars recently on this stretch of road. People cross in between the parked cars and it is extremely dangerous.

"This development would be the thin edge of the wedge. It's very easy for developers to put up homes with no regard to the infrastructure. There is no playing space for the children who will live there."

Plans for two new three bedroom bungalows with detached garages on the site were withdrawn in July 2000 and another application for a detached retirement bungalow and garage was refused outline planning permission.

Now the latest plans to demolish a bungalow and build the new homes on the site is expected to go before East Cambridgeshire District Council for a decision.

An East Cambridgeshire District Council spokesman said residents could still air their views on the development.

A minimum time period of three weeks is given but letters would be accepted up to the point where the application was discussed by councillors.