St Neots residents could benefit by as much as £30million from a development of up to 1,250 homes east of the railway. That is believed to be the total value of planning gain contributions Huntingdonsire District Council agreed with the developers, Gall

St Neots residents could benefit by as much as £30million from a development of up to 1,250 homes east of the railway.

That is believed to be the total value of "planning gain" contributions Huntingdonsire District Council agreed with the developers, Gallagher Estates.

The largest contribution comes from the provision of land, including mains services, for a new primary school, which Gallaghers will also build, and about 350 affordable homes.

In addition, the developers will contribute around £4.5million to roads and public transport improvements, and a further £1million for community facilities, public open space and a contribution to improving the library.

The school, combined with improvements to nearby Longsands Community College, will cost the developers a further £5million.

Another part of the package is a £2million contribution to improvements at St Neots railway station, where it is impossible for wheelchair users to reach the platforms because access is via stairs.

The station improvements will include a new footbridge, lifts to the station platforms, better ticket facilities, improved facilities for the disabled, particularly in providing access to the platforms, and extra cycle parking.

The bridge will also be extended to provide access to the station from both sides of the track.

This will be linked to the improved public transport provision and bus interchange provided by Gallagher as part of its development at Loves Farm, and should encourage existing users from outlying areas to leave their cars at home.

This will reduce car journeys and help to relieve existing parking problems, the developers say.

Development will commence on the site later this year and it is anticipated the first homes will be ready for occupation by the end of 2007, when the station improvement work will start.