Fears new homes in ‘dead end village’ would put ‘unsustainable pressure’ on services

If approved, the development would create over 200 jobs

A Cambridgeshire village could get 80 new homes if plans go ahead, but locals have raised concerns. Martin Grant Land Limited proposes to build up to 80 homes on land at Pendrick Close in Coton, approximately two miles west of Cambridge.

The plans, submitted by Stantec, on behalf of Martin Grant Land Limited, also propose a new public open space as well as a play area. They want to build the homes to help “meet the needs of the residents which would also be of benefit to existing local residents”.

If approved, the development would create over 200 jobs, including apprenticeship opportunities. Local businesses are also expected to benefit from the development.

The application said: “Future residents would also contribute towards local spending to the benefit of business in Cambridge. The site would therefore contribute to expansion of the local economy.”

The proposals have been slammed by locals who said it would add “unsustainable pressure” to services. A number of objections have been lodged so far.

One local said the proposals would be an “absolute nightmare” for property owners and tenants in the area. They added: “Not only will we have to suffer the noise and dust that is inevitable but as a result of the building plans we will be denied the peace and tranquillity and also benefits for future generations.”

Other concerns were raised about the “strains” on the infrastructure of the village, “much of which is designed for a community smaller than the current one”, an objector stated.

The local added: “With the addition of yet more houses, this will be under greater strain.”

Meanwhile, another stated that the local primary school is “already operating close to full capacity” and an additional 80 homes would place “unsustainable pressure on the school and exceed its ability to accommodate further pupils”, the local said.

The objection added: “The GP surgeries serving Comberton and Eversden are already operating at or near capacity. This development would place further strain on essential healthcare services that are currently unable to meet existing demand.”

A resident described Coton as a “dead end village” with “narrow roads of which the narrowest is the roadway leading to the plot for which planning has been asked to build up to 80 houses”.