By WILKO MARTÍNEZ-CACHERO, US REPORTER

Published: 06:35 BST, 30 August 2026 | Updated: 06:45 BST, 30 August 2026

Shocking video captured the frightening moment two jets appeared to almost collide with the top of a packed sports stadium during a spectacular pre-game flyover.

The footage from Cape Town, South Africa, showed just how extremely low the pair of Airlink Embraer E-Jets flew over the 55,000-seat DHL Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

In multiple clips, the narrow regional jets zipped through colorful pyrotechnics blasting off the stadium’s roof as the crowd loudly cheered.

Different angles displayed the back of the planes seemingly coming very close to grazing the stadium.

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The jets were about 41 to 46 feet above the top of DHL Stadium, which stands roughly 164 feet tall near sea level, per FlightRadar.

The flyover happened ahead of the rugby game between the South African Springboks and the New Zealand All Blacks, which is part of a series that has been labeled ‘Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry.’

Airlink is an official partner of the series and praised the ‘spectacular scenes’ it put on at the match.

Video captured on Saturday at the DHL Stadium in Cape Town, South Africa, appeared to show an extremely low pre-game flyover

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The Airlink Embraer E-Jets jets breezed through colorful pyrotechnics let off at the top of the stadium

Despite the apparent proximity, there was never any indication that a dangerous incident could have happened because of the low-altitude flyover

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However, viewers reacted in shock, with one online commenter calling the flyovers ‘absolutely unnecessary and dangerous.’

‘That was close,’ a second user added, sharing a video where a jet’s wing looked to nearly strike the stadium.

The two jets used in Saturday’s flyover were registered as ZS-YAE and ZS-YDE, according to CPT Aviation.

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Both were painted in special green and black colors, respectively, for the occasion.

Another user opined that the flyover ‘could’ve been a MAJOR disaster.’

Another added: ‘I mean, cool but how is that safe?’

Other commenters insisted that the stunt was ‘too dangerous’ and that ‘too many people’s lives were put at risk’ as a result.

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‘Some of these people travelled internationally to enjoy the games,’ one user wrote.

But despite the shocked reactions, there was never any indication that anyone was in danger during the awe-inspiring stunt.

In another angle, it looked like the back of one of the jets was close to clipping the 55,00-seat stadium

Two planes were involved in a very close call doing a flyover before South Africa faced New Zealand in Cape Town ✈️ pic.twitter.com/Ylggc9LyR6

— Sky Sports Rugby Union (@SkySportsRugby) August 29, 2026

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A photo of the flyover before the game between South Africa and New Zealand. Flyovers have been common for important rugby games in South Africa going back to the 1990s

The jets used during Saturday’s flyover, seen pictured here, were painted in green and black colors especially for the match

Airlink touted the flyover on Saturday after it happened, writing on X: ‘Planning. Precision. Performance.’

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Low-altitude flyovers are relatively common for big rugby games in South Africa going back to the 1995 Rugby World Cup Final.

While many viewers were stunned, others defended the flyover calling it ‘beautiful’ or ‘spectacular.’

‘Only the weak of heart and mind will criticize this, but then again, those dudes need a license to go crap in the woods whilst camping,’ another said.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Airlink and DHL Stadium for comment. 

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The creators of the BBC medical drama Casualty have finally admitted that the show was designed as an attack on Margaret Thatcher‘s health policies.

Paul Unwin and Jeremy Brock, who launched the show in 1986, say they were inspired to write the drama because of what they saw as the Conservative government’s dire neglect of the NHS.

The two men have come clean at last about the show’s political origins in an interview to mark its 40th birthday next Sunday.

On today’s edition of Radio 4’s The Reunion, presenter Kirsty Wark asks Unwin directly if the show was designed to be critical of Mrs Thatcher’s Government.

He replies: ‘Yes. In fact, our original pitch began with the line, “In 1948, a dream was born. In 1985, the dream was in tatters”. Pretentious? A little bit. 

‘But we did really mean it, and we really did feel the BBC was behind us in trying to say this great national institution was under real pressure.’

Even the programme’s title had political undertones. TV bosses initially planned to call the programme Front Line or City Hospital, before realising the name Casualty was more in keeping with its political agenda.

Brock said: ‘I think Casualty came up as a consequence of us realising there was a lovely double meaning in the title. 

Pictured: Cast members from Casualty appearing in the show’s 40th anniversary special

Paul Unwin and Jeremy Brock said the show was inspired by the neglect of the NHS during Margaret Thatcher’s time in government

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‘You had the casualties who came in and then you had the staff who were the casualties of a system that was under-funding them and putting them under incredible pressure.’

Catherine Shipton, who played Nurse Duffy, one of the show’s most popular characters, recalled producer Geraint Morris telling staff about the show’s mission statement. 

She said: ‘Geraint gave us this speech. It just felt like a huddle. This was a maverick group of people, and he said this is anti-cuts, pro-NHS, that is what we are doing here.

‘It just chimed with everything I personally believed, and I just thought I can’t believe that every word that’s going to come out of my mouth, I’ll believe it.’

Although Casualty was an instant hit, many viewers agreed with Edwina Currie, the then junior health minister, that it was too negative about the state of the NHS. 

At the time, the BBC refuted suggestions of political bias, claiming the show was just honest.

The political heat which surrounded the show in its early days had serious consequences for Peter Salt, a real-life nurse who was also its medical consultant.

He was warned that his NHS career might be affected if he continued with the television role.

He told The Reunion: ‘My career nearly ended or abruptly came to a stop very early on.

‘When the show started the hospital authorities were saying, “This is great. Shining a light on the hospital is very, very good”.

‘As soon as the Government started getting their tuppence worth in, I was approached and told, “Are you sure you want to keep doing this? You might want to be running this department one day”.’ Salt said he interpreted that as a threat.

Casualty, which aired its 41st series earlier this year, is one of the world’s longest-running dramas. Over the years, it has helped launch the careers of some of the world’s biggest stars.

Titanic star Kate Winslet, Lord Of The Rings actor Orlando Bloom and Star Wars actress Daisy Ridley all appeared in the show when they were complete unknowns.

Ms Winslet was only 17 when she appeared as an anxious babysitter in a 1993 episode.

Catherine Shipton recalled a young actress who had little time for the on-set banter which occurred between takes.

She said: ‘She [Kate] was about 17. She was very concentrated… She would just take herself to one side and stay in the zone and not enter into the banter. 

‘But I did sense somebody who loved her profession and who worked really hard at her profession.’

The Reunion is on BBC Radio 4 today at 10am and is available via the BBC Sounds app.

The broadcaster is also promising a ‘gripping’ 40th anniversary Casualty double-bill special that ‘centres on a high-stakes major incident that throws Holby into chaos’. It will be aired on BBC iPlayer on Saturday.

A major police operation is under way in Aarau in northern Switzerland after shots were fired at a rave party, with reports indicating that there are multiple people injured.

The shooting happened shortly after 2.30am on Sunday at a horse racing track in Schachen, on the edge of the town, where a rave was being held.

“Aarau: Nighttime shots at event in Schachen. Several victims. Major police operation underway. Stay away from the area. More info to follow,” police said in a post on X.

The police have urged the public to avoid the area. The Aarau Cantonal Disaster Response Unit (KKE) and an army Super Puma helicopter were also deployed at the site, according to Blick.

“It is not yet clear what exactly happened,” media spokesperson for the Aargau Cantonal Police, Vanessa Rumpold, told the newspaper. The police can currently only confirm “several shots being fired at a large group of people.”

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The prime minister said that will be achieved in-part through ending Imprisonment for Public Protection sentences, or IPPs.

These were available between 2005 and 2012, and were given to offenders who pose a significant risk of causing serious harm to the public.

Once a minimum term has been served, the prisoner can be released only once the Parole Board is satisfied they no longer need to be confined for public safety, meaning many are being held indefinitely.

Burnham said he had applied “common sense” on the treatment of IPPs, which he had “long-standing concerns” about.

“I was faced with a situation where people on those sentences who have more than served their time, not being released when others who’ve committed very serious crimes being released early,” he told the BBC.

“The judgement I’ve made is the public, in my view, would prefer a situation where people who have served their time to be considered for release before those who haven’t.”

According to Ministry of Justice data, 2,271 people are serving IPP sentences as of June. Of those, 856 have never been released because the Parole Board thought it was not safe to do so.

Burnham conceded that of those offenders, there will be “individuals who will pose a risk to communities”, and said a cross-party oversight group would be established.

The government will table legislation to terminate the sentences by the “end of this Parliament”, he added.

Pressed on how many foreign prisoners could be returned, Burnham said it was “hundreds”.

The government has said powers will be implemented early next year to deport some foreign criminals immediately after sentencing.

Those powers would block foreign prisoners from ever returning to the country while “keeping those in prison for the most serious crimes locked up for a substantial period before they are removed”.

The government is not thought to have signed any additional prisoner returns agreements with other countries.

It is understood that work has also begun to create more cells in existing prisons by adapting space used for other purposes, but that is also expected to take months.

None of the measures announced by Burnham are likely to create much additional prison capacity by the time the first batch of prisoners are released early in October.

The prime minister is said to have taken a “political decision” to use some of the remaining capacity in the prison system to ensure the changes announced today could be implemented immediately.

In addition to those in jail for manslaughter, the prime minister said prisoners convicted of indecent assault offences and death by dangerous driving will also remain in prison.

Historic child sex offences and causing or allowing the death of a child will also be exempted from the early release scheme, while new “restriction zones” to better protect domestic violence survivors from perpetrators released early will be introduced.

Burnham said the additional changes announced on Sunday would result in “hundreds” more prisoners staying behind bars.

The justice secretary is expected to give a more precise figure for how many people will be affected when he gives a statement in Parliament on Tuesday.

Earlier this month, Burnham announced prisoners guilty of rape, serious child sex offences and grooming will be excluded from early release eligibility.

He told the BBC: “We’ve come up with a proposal which will allow not just those guilty of manslaughter, the people involved in the killing of PC Harper, but those who have been convicted for indecent assault, those convicted for death by dangerous driving, all of these offenders now will remain in prison. Hundreds of them.

The facility, supplied by Portakabin, will support specialist training in railway preservation and heritage skills.

Located in Grosmont, the project faced significant logistical challenges due to its remote setting in the North York Moors.

Modules had to be transported along narrow, windswept roads and through overgrown hedgerows, with final delivery requiring travel along a closed railway track.

Laura Strangeway, CEO at NYMR, said: “As someone who is passionate about both preserving our heritage and securing our future, the opening of the MIC was a particularly special day.

“It represents the very best of our industry’s culture, and I am incredibly proud that we are continuing that legacy for future generations.”

The new classroom replaces an outdated building that served the railway for more than 30 years but lacked essential facilities such as toilets, washrooms and community space.

The modern MIC can accommodate up to 70 people and will be used for training sessions, rotating classes and social events.

It will support the development of skills needed to maintain historic locomotives, carriages and railway infrastructure.

The MIC also marks the first step in a planned heritage skills village, which will offer hands-on learning and pathways to recognised qualifications.

Ian Matthews, managing director of GB sales at Portakabin, said: “This project really demonstrates what modular construction can achieve when the site presents a challenge.

“Transporting the modules through the North York Moors and into position required careful planning, precision and close collaboration with the NYMR team.

“But the installation is only one part of a very large, historical story.

“What makes this project particularly special is what the building will enable.

“It will give people a dedicated place to learn, share knowledge and develop the specialist skills needed to protect railway heritage for years to come.”

Many avid television-watchers feel they know almost everything about their favourite stars: their sense of humour, their love lives – and even their favourite clothing brands.

But there’s one thing that our celebrities tend to keep firmly to themselves: how much they earn.

But today, a Daily Mail investigation can shed some light on the matter. For we have learned the salaries of some of TV’s biggest names, and the figures are not only likely to shock their fans, but perhaps their co-stars, who earn considerably less.

Take Wayne Rooney, for example. His role as a pundit on Match of the Day has transformed him from veteran footballer and failed manager to one of the small screen’s most compelling sports commentators.

And it’s certainly lucrative. We can reveal that Rooney rakes in a hefty £8,000 for each episode of Match of the Day he appears on.

Though the runtime of the show can vary depending on fixtures, based on a standard 75-minute highlight episode, that salary roughly works out at just over £107 for every minute he spends on air in the show’s Salford studio. 

While Rooney’s Beeb salary isn’t quite as generous as his heady days playing as striker for Manchester United, where he earned more than £200,000 per week, it has left some colleagues gobsmacked.

Gabby Logan, Mark Chapman and Kelly Cates make up the trio of Match of the Day’s main presenters. Logan and Chapman earn roughly a third of what Wayne Rooney makes from a single show

The former England captain, 40, made his transition from management to punditry last year when he signed a lucrative deal with the BBC, a welcome financial boost for the father of four, who left third-tier team Plymouth Argyle by mutual consent on New Year’s Eve in 2024.

He appeared regularly during the BBC’s coverage of the World Cup this summer, amusing viewers with his dry wit.

My insider said: ‘Wayne is on a lot of money, it’s quite eye-watering really, but people want to hear what he has to say about football. Everyone loves Wayne, but once this comes out there might be some who feel very hard done by.

‘When it comes to football, the BBC believe that the viewers want to hear his expertise. Some people think that he is grossly overpaid but the audience love him.’

One of those who may be feeling hard done is Rooney’s co-host, Gabby Logan – who anchors MOTD.

She is paid £3,000 for each show, which equates to £40 per minute when the microphones are live.

The mother of two was given the esteemed position by Corporation bosses to make up their three-person presenting team, which also includes Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman after Gary Lineker left the show, following a torrid impartiality row.

Chapman, known as ‘Chappers’ to fans, 52, is paid the same as Logan.

His most recent instalment of Match of the Day, last Saturday evening, saw him pocket £37 per minute for their coverage of the Premier League’s 2026-27 opening weekend – a third of Rooney’s rate.

‘You have to wonder if they will be absolutely fuming to know what Wayne earns,’ says my television insider. ‘But actually, even they have to realise that he has a specialism and he’s running all the way to the bank with it.’

Another of the BBC’s big earners is nepo baby Roman Kemp, 33, who earns a tidy fee for anchoring long-running favourite The One Show – which regularly pulls in an audience of about 3million viewers.

Another of the BBC’s big earners is nepo baby Roman Kemp (pictured with co-presenter Alex Jones), who earns £2,000 each time he anchors The One Show, which regularly pulls in an audience of about 3million viewers

This Morning’s stand-in presenter, Craig Doyle, is paid £3,000 each time he fronts the show

The presenter and DJ, who is the son of actor Martin Kemp, 64, has negotiated a £2,000 appearance fee for each episode he anchors on the green sofa. For a 30-minute programme, that means his rate per minute is £66.

He joined the show in 2022 with a host of other well-known faces, including popular host Alex Jones, following the departure of former Blue Peter star Matt Baker.

The show has been branded ‘nuts’ by some licence-fee payers for its eclectic segments. But, perhaps unsurprisingly given his remuneration, Kemp has leapt to its defence.

He said in 2023: ‘When Alex and I [present the show] it feels like anything can happen. It gets a bit wild with the guests, and it just descends into carnage. He added swiftly: ‘Controlled carnage’.

‘Roman hosts three shows per week sometimes, so that can amount to £24,000 per month,’ says a source familiar with The One Show. ‘It’s a pretty good salary for him really, he must be thrilled. But it will be interesting to know what the licence-fee payers make of that.’

The BBC is not alone in shelling out the big bucks to its talent. The Daily Mail has discovered that ITV This Morning’s stand-in presenter, Craig Doyle, is paid £3,000 each time he fronts the show.

For each of the 150 minutes it is on air, the Irish heart-throb makes £20 – making him a much cheaper hire than others.

He first joined the show in 2021, when it was still considered to be in its heyday, fronted by Philip Schofield and Holly Willoughby.

After impressing bosses and becoming ‘eye candy’ with viewers, then producer Martin Frizell made him a regular relief presenter.

He quickly became a safe pair of hands in the aftermath of the scandal which engulfed the show and threatened its future when Schofield admitted to an ‘unwise but not illegal’ affair with a much-younger colleague.

Craig’s television career began in the mid-90s when he broke into children’s programming for the channel, hosting Disney Club.

The father of four, who lives in County Wicklow in Ireland with his wife Doon, made his name in the early noughties when he began presenting major sporting events for BBC Sport.

‘Craig loves doing This Morning,’ says my source. ‘ITV know that the women love him, so he’s worth every penny of his £3,000 pay cheque.’

Meanwhile, Doyle’s co-star Rylan Clark is thought to be paid £5,000 per show – £33 per minute he is on air.

Doyle’s co-star Rylan Clark is thought to be paid £5,000 per show – £33 per minute he is on air

Elsewhere in the ITV studios, leading Loose Women hosts are paid approximately £1,000 

Clark, 37, who got his ‘big break’ from The X Factor as its novelty act in 2012, was originally welcomed into the fold as a guest entertainment reporter, reporting on behind-the-scenes gossip on the tenth series of the now defunct singing competition.

Thanks to his work at the time on other shows such as Big Brother, he was handed more responsibility, later becoming a relief presenter and once hosted with Schofield, filling in at the last minute for Ms Willoughby when she was unwell.

A source said: ‘He is so in demand and he knows the viewers love him.’

Elsewhere in the ITV studios, leading Loose Women hosts are paid approximately £1,000 for each of their contributions to its 60-minute episodes.

That includes Kaye Adams, Coleen Nolan, Jane Moore, Janet Street-Porter and former stars Denise Welch and Sherrie Hewson.

It works out at just over £16 for each minute they’re sat on their stools, though the anchor – usually the likes of experienced presenters Christine Lampard or Ruth Langsford – is paid more. As indeed was Stacey Solomon, whose popularity meant she commanded a bigger salary.

‘It seems a lot but is it really?’ asks my source. ‘The problem is that there are four of them and that adds up for ITV, who have had to make huge cuts to their programmes.

‘The fact that some earn more than others has made for a sometimes-unpleasant atmosphere behind the scenes, because it’s a real case of survival of the fittest.’

Each of the roughly 20 panellists on Loose Women’s current rotating roster has experienced a notable drop in their earnings recently, following ITV’s decision to cut the programme to just 30 out of the 52 weeks in the year.

They also lost their live audience – and have been forced to share the same set as This Morning, leaving the crew with just a three-minute ad break between the shows to reset the sets.

In total, over 200 staff working in ITV daytime lost their jobs because of the cuts, and those who remained were moved out of its headquarters at Television Centre to Covent Garden in central London.

What would they make of their more famous colleagues’ turbo-charged salaries?

Man United host Ipswich Town at Old Trafford this afternoon hoping to bounce back from the opening day defeat to Hull City

Manchester United are back in Premier League action this afternoon as they host Ipswich Town. United are aiming to bounce back from the sobering 2-0 defeat to Hull City last weekend, and the pressure is already on Michael Carrick to get a good result.

United have been buoyed by the news that Mason Mount is once again available. He has been out since the pre-season friendly against Paris Saint-Germain with a knock. Carrick confirmed on Friday he trained with the group this week.

Amad is out having picked up an issue before the Hull game. Matthijs de Ligt will also be missing as he recovers from a long-term back injury.

MEN Sport has asked our United writers to pick their teams for the opening home match of the campaign.

Tyrone Marshall

Changes are a must after last week. Lisandro Martinez should be fit enough to start now and his partnership with Harry Maguire was strong under Carrick last season. I’d also bring Diogo Dalot in for Noussair Mazraoui at right-back.

The partnership between Andrey Santos and Youri Tielemans hasn’t clicked yet and with Mount back fit, I’d go back to Santos and Mount. They had an excellent understanding in pre-season and deserve a chance to continue that.

I’m not sure Benjamin Sesko is yet fit enough to start, so Mbeumo has to play as the No.9 ahead of Matheus Cunha. The Brazilian can return to the left and I’d start Rashford on the right to offer a little more goal threat.

Jack Flintham

Ayden Heaven was caught out for the opener last weekend and should be replaced. Martinez was so far off the pace the last time we saw him, so I would be tempted to start Leny Yoro with Maguire.

I would also recall Mount to play alongside Santos. That is the only midfield partnership that has clicked so far and it makes sense to reunite them against Ipswich.

In attack, I would risk Sesko. He is the only focal point United have and even if he can only play 45 minutes, that could be the difference this week. That would allow Mbeumo to play on the right and Rashford to start on the left in place of Patrick Dorgu.

Just a few miles west of Darlington, the village of Piercebridge offers a mix of countryside, history and local food that makes it an ideal spot for a leisurely day out.

Sitting on the banks of the River Tees, the village combines scenic riverside views with a rich Roman past and one of the area’s most talked-about farm shops and cafes.

At the heart of the village is Piercebridge Farm Shop and Café, which has earned a loyal following among visitors.

A look at the picturesque scenery in and around Piercebridge. (Image: Tripadvisor)

Tripadvisor reviewers have described it as a “hidden gem”, praising its atmosphere, friendly staff and location.

One visitor called it an “absolute must to visit”, highlighting homemade sausage roll, chicken stew and cakes among the menu favourites.

Another reviewer said the farm shop’s lemon iced ginger cake was “truly amazing”, while praising the range of produce and welcoming service.

The café provides a handy stopping point before or after a walk through the village.

Visitors can pick up coffee and cake, browse locally sourced produce and enjoy views of one of South Durham’s prettiest corners.

What makes Piercebridge particularly appealing is that there is more to discover than simply a place to eat.

The village is steeped in history, having grown around the site of a Roman crossing of the River Tees.

Today, traces of that past remain, giving visitors the chance to combine a relaxing walk with a glimpse into the area’s heritage.

(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

A stroll through the village quickly reveals why it remains a favourite among those who know it.

Stone cottages line quiet streets, the river winds gently past the settlement and there are plenty of spots to pause and take in the view.

For families looking to make a day of it, there is ample opportunity for a gentle riverside wander before returning for lunch or a sweet treat.

In an age when many weekend outings involve crowded retail parks or expensive attractions, Piercebridge offers something refreshingly simple: a chance to slow down.

The applicant has sought permission for a site near the A14

Plans for a huge new “employment park” next to a major Cambridgeshire park have faced backlash, with one person claiming it would be an “unacceptable burden”. Lolworth Developments Limited (LDL) is seeking permission to deliver a huge employment floorspace accommodating a mix of logistics, mid-technology, and research uses for new and existing companies to invest, expand, and occupy.

The employment park would deliver around 240,000 square metres of floor space on land next to Junction 25 of the A14 between Bar Hill and Northstowe. The development, called ‘Cambridge 25’, would provide around 2,900 new jobs and training opportunities near existing and planned future homes.

If approved, a nature park would be created for future employees and visitors. It would deliver more structural landscaping and tree planting, community facilities, better walking and cycling connections, and large HGV areas with parking bays.

Additionally, it would deliver “high-quality” and “sustainable” employment premises for new and existing companies to invest, expand and occupy. The applicant said: “There is a current deficit in the supply of land for future employment uses and a specific shortfall in industrial and logistics floorspace.”

Once in operation, the development activity is predicted to generate around £117.1m in Gross Value Added (GVA) annually, equal to 0.7 per cent of Greater Cambridge’s total GVA in 2031. GVA is the value that producers have added to the goods and services they have bought.

A planning document said: “There is an urgent need for the provision of land which can accommodate high quality I&L premises (industrial and logistics), including those towards the larger size ranges. There is a critical undersupply of land and premises to meet the needs of the I&L sector and this is particularly severe in relation to large units.”

Since its submission in July, the plans have received some backlash. One person objected to the Cambridge 25 development due to its “unacceptable scale and impact on Oakington and the surrounding countryside”.

The objector wrote: “My main concerns are the loss of 103 hectares of greenfield habitat, visual and landscape harm, 24/7 noise and light pollution, and significant flood-risk concerns. I am deeply concerned that up to 350,000 litres of treated effluent per day could be discharged into Oakington Brook, a watercourse that can become very low or dry in summer, creating serious risks to local ecology and residents.

“I’m also concerned about the additional HGV traffic on the ‘local’ A14 bypass road and other small roads, which are unsuitable for such volumes of heavy vehicles. The ‘jug handle’ for travel towards Bar Hill roundabout will cause massive problems, especially as this area will also face increasing pressure from the ongoing development of Northstowe, making the cumulative impact on congestion, road safety and local communities even more concerning.”

They fear the development would “fundamentally urbanise this rural setting and place an unacceptable burden on local infrastructure”.

Bar Hill Parish Council also lodged an objection to the plans. A spokesperson for the council said the development would lead to “significant increases in traffic on the A1307 and B1050 as well as the A14”.

The objection said: “The pathway is used by pedestrians, cyclists and horse riders whose safety will be impacted by the large numbers of HGVs crossing the path into the site. The number of junctions could cause confusion for drivers.

“The increase in vehicles at junction 25 of the A14 may lead to drivers going along the A1307 to use junction 24 of the A14 at Swavesey or go through Dry Drayton to avoid the congestion. The increase in traffic increases the likelihood of any incident on any of the roads near the junction 25 roundabout blocking access to Bar Hill due to the village only having one road in and out.”

The parish council also urged the development to accommodate all HGVs when they arrive and provide suitable welfare facilities for the drivers, including overnight. The spokesperson said: “On road parking of HGVs in local villages including Bar Hill is a regular problem as Swavesey services are unable to cope with the current number of HGVs on the road system.”

The Environment Agency objected to the proposed development as submitted because it “involves the use of a non-mains foul drainage system in circumstances where it may be feasible for the development to be connected to a public sewer but inadequate justification has been provided for the use of a non-mains system”. The public body recommended that the application, as it stands, be refused on this basis.

Another person said the facility could potentially serve thousands of workers. As a result, they raised an objection because it could “create a huge amount of sewage, with possible dire consequences for the local environment, wildlife and residents”.