When 281 new homes in Cambs village will be decided

Councillors are due to decide next week whether over 200 new homes can be built on the edge of a Cambridgeshire^[1] village. If approved the new homes will form part of the first two phases of a new wider development on the edge of Burwell. Outline plans were approved by East Cambridgeshire District Council^[2] in 2019 to build up to 350 homes on fields north of Newmarket^[3] Road.

Two reserved matters applications setting out in more detail what some of the homes could look like are due to be considered by councillors at a planning committee meeting next week (Wednesday, August 2). First application for phase one of the development sets out plans for 143 homes to be built on land directly adjacent to Newmarket Road.

The second application for phase two of the development provides plans for 138 homes, north of the first phase of homes, to the rear of existing horses off Felsham Close. The developer Vistry East Midlands and Vistry Homes Ltd has said its proposals would offer a “well-balanced community”.

Of the total 281 homes, 16 are proposed to be one-bedroom, 55 two-bedrooms, 100 three-bedrooms, 67 four-bedrooms, and 43 five-bedrooms. The developer is planning for 184 of the homes to be market housing, with the rest being proposed to be made available as affordable housing through a mix of affordable rent and shared ownership.

In planning documents submitted as part of the application the developer said there is a “higher demand” in the area for larger family homes, describing Burwell as “highly sought after” and “popular with families”. It said: “The proposed housing mix reflects the design, character and density of the development.

“For instance a greater number of larger properties are proposed along Newmarket Road and fronting Melton Fields and to provide a lower density character area whilst ensuring efficient use of land. It makes efficient use of land whilst an appropriate density. Overall, the proposed housing mix will create a well-balanced community.”

Planning officers have recommended the committee councillors delegate for the planning manager to approve the plans, once the drainage condition from the outline permission has been discharged. Plans are still expected to be submitted for the third phase of development, which will include some self-build plots.

References

1. ^{^} Cambridgeshire (www.cambridge-news.co.uk)
2. ^{^} East Cambridgeshire District Council (www.cambridge-news.co.uk)
3. ^{^} Newmarket (www.cambridge-news.co.uk)
4. ^{^} Best and worst performing GP surgeries in Cambridgeshire revealed by NHS (www.cambridge-news.co.uk)