REVISED plans for the development of agricultural land in Ely are to go on show.

The Church Commissioners for England are planning build hundreds of new homes on church owned land at Highflyer Farm near the Princess of Wales Hospital in the north of the city.

The original plans, unveiled in January, included 500 homes, play areas and a network of pathways linking the development to the heart of the city but a public appeal for more community facilities forced developers to think again.

Of the 376 residents who attended the initial exhibition, held at St Mary’s Junior School in High Barns, an overwhelming 78.8 per cent called for extra community, health and education facilities to be put in place to support any new housing..

Six months on and a fresh set of plans have been drawn up and are set to go on display at the school again between July 1-2.

According to the Church Commissioners the new plans, which have increased the amount of homes planned to 800, will feature a district centre which will provide shops, community facilities and services for North Ely. A further revision will also see the early delivery of a road linking all the way through from Thistle Corner to Lynn Road.

Joanna Loxton, planning and development manager for the Church Commissioners said:

“We have listened carefully to the views of the local community and have amended our proposals to provide a district centre at the heart of the new development with much-needed community facilities and services for North Ely.

“We hope local residents will be encouraged by this and we look forward to discussing the proposals with them in more detail at our consultation event in July.”

Ms Loxton added that a formal planning application for the development would be submitted to the district council in the Autumn.

For further information on the proposals please see the website: www.highflyerfarm-ely.co.uk which will be live following the public exhibition.