Developer launches bid for more than 100 new homes on edge of town

A proposal to build more than 100 new homes in St Ives has already been met with objection, just weeks after being submitted to Huntingdonshire District Council.

The project, proposed by Abbey Properties Ltd, could see 131 residential dwellings in Old Ramsey Road – an agricultural site covering 10.81 hectares – built in three stages, complete with new access roads and parking.

It also hopes to relocate an overhead electricity line underground, and create a footpath linking the site to Hill Rise.

Since its submission on September 9 though, neighbours at adjoining business St Ives Caravan Storage have written to the council outlining concerns around noise, traffic and wildlife.

“Old Ramsey Road is a no through road; most homes now have two cars per household, which would be up to 262 cars,” the business noted.

“The emissions, noise and potential increase in traffic on this single track road would certainly cause congestion, and affect the wildlife around and about. Not to mention large farm machines using this road.”

In an effort to reduce these problems, the developer hopes to implement a residential scheme where people are encouraged to travel more sustainably, taking up car sharing and using public transport.

St Ives Caravan Storage added, however, that wildlife would be affected by the development, and that hedge cutting and ditches being cleaned out is likely to have influenced a lizard survey done by developers, in which none of the reptiles were found.

The business noted: “We have a meadow at the back of our caravan storage, and we have seen a number of toads around.”

In its statement to planners, the developer noted that the relationship with the business is a main consideration, as well as flood risks, drainage, and landscaping.

If plans go ahead, homes are due to be built in three stages, with 39 dwellings put up first, before another 49 then 43.

To view the proposal, or to have a say, log on to www.huntingdonshire.gov.uk.