Three plans to redevelop Harston builders’ yard all fall through

Three different plans for the future of a builders yard in Harston have all fallen through.

A developer had proposed to demolish and redevelop Centenary Works, in Button End, into either an eco-business park, Gypsy and Traveller homes, or bungalows.

Mr Willers, the applicant behind all of the plans, said each of the proposals would meet a “current and undeniable and appropriate need” without harming the “openness” of the area.

However, none of them has been given approval by South Cambridgeshire District Council.

Under the plans for an eco-business park for small and start-up businesses, the developer proposed eight commercial buildings with solar panels on the roof and electric car charging points. This was later reduced to four commercial buildings.

The homes plans originally proposed eight bungalows, which was also later reduced to four.

The third application proposed seven Gypsy and Traveller pitches alongside a site manager’s office, but was later withdrawn.

The other two applications were rejected by the district council.

Harston Parish Council had raised highway safety concerns about both of the applications, and argued the existing entrance to the site was “insufficient to accommodate any rise in traffic for any development”.

And the highways department at Cambridgeshire County Council said the information provided had not shown there was enough room for a bin lorry to enter, turn and leave the site.