The homes are to be made available to those aged over 55
Plans have been approved to build 42 affordable homes despite concerns over increased traffic on existing roads that are “already under significant pressure”. Bowsall Developments Limited and Housing 2I submitted plans to Fenland District Council to build the homes on land west of a playing field on Barton Road in Wisbech.
All of the homes are proposed to be made affordable to those aged over 55 for renting. Each of the homes will be bungalows, “making them attractive for the increasing older population in Fenland”, the applicants said.
These homes, as well as a unit functioning as a manager’s office, a communal space and kitchen facilities for residents and highways improvements have now been approved by the district council.
Despite the approval, the plans received a number of objections from residents who were concerned about the impact the development would have on traffic. One objector in Ashdale Park, Wisbech said that the existing roads are “in a state of disrepair” which they believe “will be made worse by additional traffic generated by the new development”.
They added: “The roads are narrow and there is frequent congestion, particularly on North Brink at the drop off and pick up times for Wisbech Grammar School. This will be exacerbated by the build process as well the additional traffic generated by the development.”
One person said the they moved into their home for some quiet in their retirement and have since had to put up with an “orchard being ripped up, a Care Home being built, and 46 houses being built soon”. They added: “The works associated with that site have caused damage to the base of my home, and constant noise, shaking, and dirt and dust is ridiculous!
“Now I see planning for 42 homes on the other side of our site has been put forward, so much for my quiet retirement! That now means the residents on the other side will have the same problem as we have had! The infrastructure around this area is at best inadequate now, so who knows what it will be like once work gets underway. The whole idea for both of these applications was ridiculous in the extreme.”
Another resident in Woodcote Park raised a concern that the existing road network is “already under significant pressure” and whenever traffic is redirected through the area, “congestion becomes severe, with long queues and safety concerns for both drivers and pedestrians”.
The objector added: “The current infrastructure cannot accommodate a further increase in traffic without causing considerable disruption.”
MP Stephen Barclay also raised similar concerns in a formal objection. He said that the proposed development would “significantly increase traffic on North Brink and Barton Road”, especially during school drop-off and pick-up times at Wisbech Grammar School.
MP Barclay also said that the development would “exacerbate existing hazards caused by poor road conditions” including potholes as well as introduce “heavy construction traffic” and “increase safety risks for pedestrians and cyclists”.
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