A developer has submitted a planning application to build 180 homes on agricultural land in Buckden.

Cheshire-based Gladman Developments has formally applied to Huntingdonshire District Council for permission in principle to build the homes on a site stretching to more than 26 acres off Lucks Lane.

The company announced its intentions for the site in early February, distributing more than 600 leaflets around the village and meeting with councillors on Buckden Parish Council.

On a website outlining the plans, Gladman said: “Buckden supports a range of services and facilities which are used by both residents of the village and those in the surrounding area.

“The site is well located with good access to existing community facilities and the local public transport network. The proposal will provide new homes to sustain the vitality and viability of the local community.”

Along with plans for more housing, Gladman has included provision for public open space, surface water attenuation ponds, and widespread landscaping, including paths and trees.

The company has also proposed to set aside 40 per cent of the development for affordable housing, about 72 homes.

The company said it had contacted Cambridgeshire County Council about the pressure on school places created by the new housing and said that there “appears to be limited capacity at Buckden Primary School”.

To help the problem, the company said it would be making “a contribution” to ensure enough school places were available, should the development be approved.

The company added: “Whilst we fully understand why people may have concerns, they need to be balanced against the requirement to provide much needed new houses, to meet the differing needs of an increasing population and address housing affordability.

“We all know and accept that more housing is needed and a stance of ‘put it elsewhere’ will result in not enough houses being built.”

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