MORE than 150 homes – 60-plus of them affordable – could be built on brownfield land near St Ives, if Huntingdonshire district councillors back the plans this afternoon (Wednesday). Even if they do, the Government s agreement will be needed because the

MORE than 150 homes - 60-plus of them "affordable" - could be built on brownfield land near St Ives, if Huntingdonshire district councillors back the plans this afternoon (Wednesday).

Even if they do, the Government's agreement will be needed because the LEL site, in London Road, is not earmarked in the local plan for large-scale residential development.

Liberal Democrat councillors are expected to ask the authority to demand major improvements to the restricted Galley Hill junction between the A14 and the B1040, for which they will be hoping for cross-party support.

The 13-acre former industrial site, part of which is still occupied by the engineering company and a nightclub, is well-placed for current bus services to St Ives, Huntingdon and Cambridge.

However, these are likely to have been scaled back before development is complete, as the new guided busway takes services to the north of the River Great Ouse.

Planners acknowledge that the site is liable to flooding and that some of the land is contaminated by previous industrial use, including severe creosote pollution, but say these problems can be overcome if the development is to be allowed.

If the plan goes ahead, the developers would have to provide 62 affordable homes among the 155 dwellings on the site (40 per cent of the total), and contribute towards nursery provision, primary and secondary school places, healthcare and recreational amenities.