King’s Ely has applied to build two new houses in the back garden of a property it owns in Ely’s protected conservation area.

The school has submitted an application to East Cambridgeshire District Council to build the new three-bedroom properties in the garden of 35 St Mary’s Street, a house which is currently used by boarding students.

The site extends to less than a quarter of an acre and has shared access with the St Mary’s doctors surgery which is located nearby.

The agents acting for King’s, Cheffins, said in a statement to planners: “The development site is located at the rear of 35 St Mary’s Street and currently comprises part of the large rear garden for that property.

“Number 35 St Mary’s Street is owned by King’s and has been used for boarding pupils. King’s no longer need the property and they expect to submit a planning application for the change of use of the property back to a single dwelling in the very near future.

“It is considered that the erection of two new three-bedroom dwellings in such a sustainable location, close to the city centre, would be desirable, subject to meeting normal planning considerations.

“The site is extremely well located for most services and facilities and is within easy walking distance of the High Street, local schools and nurseries.”

But objections have already been raised by neighbours, who say the site will block light coming into their properties.

Neighbour of the application site, Liz Sayers, said in consultation with planners: “Langdale House was built in 1883 and is a significant property within Ely conservation area. It already has dwellings on three sides.

“This application to build on an open garden with mature trees would result in an overbearing and hemmed-in effect which would ruin the environment. It would rob my house and garden of light and evening sun.”