30 worker cabins at Cambridgeshire mushroom farm planned on ‘high risk’ flood land

The applicants propose 30 worker cabins

Plans have been submitted for 30 cabins for workers at a mushroom farm. G’s Fresh Mushroom Farm in White House Road, Littleport, has proposed to build 30 three-bedroom self-contained cabins for workers.

The plans also proposed parking, bin stores, landscaping and a sports area. If approved, the new accommodation will aim to reduce transport needs for workers, according to planning documents.

The applicant said the accommodation will have “many positive impacts” for workers. They added: “A need has been identified for this type of seasonal worker accommodation on the site.”

The site has been developed over a number of years to create the mushroom growing facility. Workers on site include full-time staff and short-term staff who work for up to six months at a time.

The proposed site area is on grass land that isn’t used in connection with the mushroom growing facilities. Each accommodation unit is proposed to include three bedrooms, a bathroom, living space, and a kitchen area.

They would be arranged in three rows from south to north in a rectangle, approximately 80m wide by 100m deep. A total of 30 parking spaces are also proposed. A sports and recreation area is proposed to be constructed with a five-a-side football pitch, barbecue area, and space for other activities.

The site where the accommodation is proposed is on flood zone 3 land, which has the highest probability of flooding. An objection has already been raised to the land’s flood risk.

The objector, who lives in White House Road, described the land as “highly vulnerable” and there was an “unacceptable flood risk”.

To prevent flooding on the land, the applicant said the accommodation allows for “floor levels to be raised above ground level”. The applicant also said an “evacuation plan would be in place in the event of an emergency”.

As well as potential flooding, the objector also raised concerns about traffic along White House Road. They said: “White House Road is an unlit, single-track rural lane with only three passing places. The applicant argues this development removes minibus trips, but replacing a scheduled, employer-managed bus with 30 new onsite car parking spaces introduces continuous, unmanaged traffic.

“The influx of private vehicles, taxis, and delivery drivers at all hours poses an unacceptable safety and conflict risk to existing residents.”