A housing development that would see almost 100 new homes built on a natural space in Chatteris have been recommended for approval. The plans will see 93 new homes constructed on land known locally as “Wenny Meadow”.
The application was submitted by developer Cannon Kirk as part of a larger housing project in the town. It was initially put forward in August 2021 with consultations and drawings ongoing since that time.
The plans have drawn a number of objections and concerns regarding the loss of the town’s “last green space”. Chatteris Town Council reportedly voted against the plans, describing the loss of biodiversity as “unacceptable”.
Campaigners from the Friends of Wenny Road Meadow group have also expressed their dismay to the proposals. They say that the meadow is home to eleven UK “priority species” of birds, bats and reptiles, many of which must be protected.
Kirsty Patterson, the group’s secretary, added: “After six years of campaigning, a record number of written objections, thousands of petition signatures, and the overwhelming rejection of development of this site in the parish poll it’s offensive that none of these local voices have been listened to. They don’t seem to have grasped the importance or the significance of Wenny Meadow to biodiversity or to the local community.”
The officer’s report submitted to Fenland District Council said that the public benefits of the proposed scheme outweigh the harms to biodiversity. It added: “By providing a new community with accessible open and green space, in a high quality environment, with easy access to local services, the scheme will make a valuable contribution to improving the overall health of the local community.
“The proposal will make a significant contribution to temporary and permanent employment in the town and district and the economic benefits should be welcomed. It would be attractive of a high quality design and would offer future occupiers a high standard of accommodation.
“Overall, and on planning balance, the proposal would be considered to meet the Council’s aspirations for this allocated site and the proposal would comply with adopted local and national planning policies.”
A decision on the application will be made at a special planning committee on July 5. The plans can be viewed in full on the district council website here, using the reference F/YR21/0981/F.