New scheme submitted for redundant Great Gidding farmyard

A planning statement by Henry H Bletsoe & Son, on behalf of landowners Messrs AP and TB Trolove, has been submitted with an outline application to replace an existing consent first granted in May 2023 (ref 21/02188/OUT).

The 0.33‑hectare site, on the western side of the village’s main street, is currently occupied by partially demolished modern farm buildings and one traditional structure, and has historically been used for livestock, crop storage and machinery.

The latest scheme again seeks permission for up to eight dwellings following clearance of the modern sheds, with the remaining traditional building potentially converted as part of a detailed “reserved matters” design.

Up to eight homes are proposed on a redundant farmyard at the northern end of Great Gidding, in a renewed bid to redevelop Manor Site Farm off the B660. (Image: Henry H Bletsoe & Son)

Indicative plans show a short run of cottages fronting the road with a courtyard‑style range behind, using materials described as sensitive to the village and reflecting the site’s former farmyard role.

The statement argues that, although Manor Site Farm sits outside the conservation area, its redevelopment would remove “large utilitarian” agricultural buildings and create a more sympathetic entrance to the village from the north.

It cites Local Plan policies LP9 and LP33, which support small‑scale infill in “small settlements” and the reuse or replacement of redundant rural buildings where there is a clear enhancement of the setting.

The applicant also points to Huntingdonshire District Council’s current lack of a five‑year housing land supply, saying this triggers the “tilted balance” in favour of sustainable housing schemes under the National Planning Policy Framework.

Updated ecology work recommends further surveys for bats and great crested newts, with biodiversity net gain to be delivered on adjoining derelict land behind the site.