The homes will be built in a ‘limited growth village’
Plans to build nearly 20 new homes have been approved, despite concerns over potential “ traffic chaos”. In July 2023, Postland Developments proposed to build 18 new homes along Coates Road in Coates.
The homes proposed included a mix of two, three and four-bedded homes of different storey sizes, as well as three six-bedded homes. Two self-build plots also form part of the plans, as well as new access points and a new pedestrian footpath.
The applicant proposed the homes in Coates as the village is described as a “limited growth village” in the Fenland Local Plan. The applicant also said it would “extend the built-up part of the village”.
Fenland District Council has approved the plans, despite objections from some residents and Natural England. Some residents raised concerns about the impact on traffic.
A resident in Coates Road said the development could lead to “traffic chaos” during peak times. They added: “Speeding motorists currently have no deterrent through the villages – ensure safe road crossing areas and footpaths [are] in place.”
Another resident in Coates Road said the road was already “extremely busy” with traffic. They added: “It takes a long while to exit from our property, which is directly opposite this proposed development.” The highways department of Cambridgeshire County Council found the development to be acceptable.
Natural England objected as it raised concerns that there was “insufficient information to determine the impact on protected sites”. However, planning officers said regard had been to the “extant permission on site that could be built out without the submission of further information in this regard”, therefore officers found it to be acceptable.
Section 106 financial contributions were requested from the applicant due to the “demonstrated lack of viability”, meaning the proposed development is not financially or economically feasible to deliver.
However, in their reasoning for approving the plans, the planning officer’s report said: “It is considered that the proposal provides sufficient contributions to mitigate against its impacts on healthcare, education and affordable housing, in exceeding the position applied by the LPA to applications submitted prior to November 2024 in requesting a contribution of £2,000 per plot.”
The applicant now must begin to construct the development within three years of the plans being approved.
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