New Ely affordable homes plan unveiled

A HOUSING association has applied to build 19 new affordable homes in Ely.

Sanctuary Herward wants to put the new properties, comprising eight flats, nine two-bedroom houses and two three-bedroom houses, in The Gardens, just off Lynn Road, on land that was formerly used as an orchard.

According to Sanctuary, however, the land is overgrown and no longer maintained though the group were required to carry out an extensive bat survey before submitting the application.

In its application, Sanctuary said: “The traditional housing style that the scheme adopts is appropriate to the local vernacular.

“The choice of brick and smooth render as the predominant building material is consistent with surrounding properties in the area which helps to integrate the new development into the context of Lynn Road.”

The association added that all 19 homes would be social housing and would be a mixture of socially rented units and shared ownership. Access to the cul-de-sac will be via Lynn Road, with a new access road being built.

According to Oliver Cook, housing officer at East Cambs District Council, there are 307 Ely residents on the housing registers, including 100 residents required two-bedroom houses.

Mr Cook welcomed the plans, saying that the site could make a “significant contribution” to meeting local need.

In consultation with council planners, Ely resident Christine Jones, said: “I hope this will give the district council god reason to provide a safe way to cross the King’s Avenue junction. These homes will most likely increase the number of children who have to cross the road to get to school every day.”

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