Dozens of homes could be built in town amid concerns for traffic levels

The applicant said there could be a ‘degree of visual harm’ with the development

Nearly 50 new homes could be built in a town where there is an “overriding need” for houses. Mr and Mrs Meneeley and Radcliffes Land have proposed to build 49 new homes on land west of Buckworth Road in Alconbury Weston.

If approved, the homes would be built on a piece of agricultural land that joins the countryside village of Alconbury Weston. The applicant added that homes on this site would produce “genuine opportunities for journeys on food, by cycle and by public transport, in addition to private car use”.

The development would also meet the “overriding need” for housing as part of planning policies. The plans added: “The proposed development would introduce a moderate amount of built development onto undeveloped, open land, which would be visible from a number of public vantage points.”

The applicant acknowledged that there would be a “degree of visual harm to the landscape”, but they added it would “continue the existing residential development to ‘round off’ this part of the settlement”.

The plans have already gained some objections from nearby residents. One resident in Wheatsheaf Road said the development would “significantly harm” the village as it is “already struggling with the current traffic levels”.

They added: “It will introduce more vehicles and further strain. Buckworth Road is already hit on a regular basis by diverted traffic from the A14 causing significant noise and disruption to the village. Major construction would exacerbate this issue.”

Another person in West Close is also concerned about traffic. They said: “Alconbury Weston Buckworth Road is already struggling with current traffic levels and is hit regularly by diverted traffic from the A14 causing major noise and disruption which will only be exacerbated by major construction.

“Buckworth Road is not suitable for heavy construction traffic as the road is in poor condition and the current speed control humps have no effect on speeding vehicles.”

The same resident had additional concerns about noise and pollution. They added: “The eastern boundary to West Close will impact our privacy, light and also concern regarding pollution and noise from the construction activities. Noise pollution will also increase with the potential 49 buildings.”