Cambridgeshire County Council revises Cottenham development plan

Plan is revised to 125 homes off Rampton Road

Fewer homes are being proposed as part of plans for a housing development in Cottenham.

Following discussions with key parties, Cambridgeshire County Council said it has amended its latest planning application for housing off Rampton Road.

After the original application for 154 homes was refused planning permission, a second application reduced this number to 137. Now, the amended application is for 125 homes, including 40 per cent affordable.

A council spokesperson told the Cambridge Independent: “We have taken on board a lot of the comments which were received from the local community and the parish council and are confident that we have put forward a proposal which responds to those concerns raised and provides a positive scheme which will bring benefit to the community, both through the open space improvements and through providing affordable housing and opening up the potential for a Community Land Trust in the future.”

Reducing the number of homes has meant that land, leased to the parish council and known as ‘third field’, was removed from the application.

A proposed new open space has been relocated adjacent to the Les King Wood, with the aim of creating a softer transition between the woodland and the housing estate.

Furthermore, the development proposals will provide access to the recreation ground and the possibility of Community Land Trust homes being developed.

The county council claims the site offers the most sustainable housing development within Cottenham, with Shire Hall saying consent has already been given to two neighbouring applications in less sustainable locations within the village.

And because there are two other developments planned for the village, extra primary school places will be needed.

A statement added: “As a long-standing landowner and part of the Cottenham community, the county council has an ongoing interest in serving community.

“The development of the site itself is crucial to provide the funding for local investments and other key services, generating essential revenue to support the provision of core services such as looking after vulnerable children.”