PLANS for 750 homes, a primary school, shops and offices in Godmanchester have been backed by Huntingdonshire District Council’s planners.

Members of HDC’s development management panel have been recommended to approve, in principle, the Bearscroft Farm scheme.

There has been widespread opposition to the Fairfield Partnership’s application. Campaign group Godmanchester Residents Against Bearscroft submitted a 2,069-signature petition to HDC objecting to the proposal. Godmanchester and Huntingdon town councils and the Campaign to Protect Rural England have recommended refusal and HDC received 99 letters and e-mails, all objecting.

Concerns included lack of school places, the impact of increased traffic on Godmanchester roads and the A14, and fears the plans would destroy the identity of Godmanchester.

But Louise Newcombe, HDC’s development management team leader, has recommended approval, concluding the development will “contribute to building a strong and competitive economy, provide a supply of housing to meet current and future generations, provide accessible services and local infrastructure”.

The plans are due to be discussed by members of the development management panel on Monday, July 15. The meeting, at Pathfinder House, Huntingdon, at 7pm, is open to members of the public.