AMENDED plans for new housing in Fenstanton have been backed by planners who have recommended approving the scheme.

Mr B Gray, whose son Jonathan is a Tory Huntingdonshire district councillor, wants permission, in principle, for the 25-home development of the former Ivy Nursery site, off Cambridge Road.

The plot had previously been earmarked for 45 homes by Huntingdonshire District Council and an initial proposal included 41 homes, before being reduced to 25.

Residents in nearby Pitfield Close have objected, citing loss of privacy, the impact of extra traffic on the A14 and the village, and the potential increase in demand for school places among their reasons.

Fenstanton Parish Council has recommended refusal and raised concerns about drainage, parking and the type of housing proposed.

Parish councillors called for a 30mph speed limit to be extended beyond Pitfield Close, improvements to the Shell garage entrance and railings to be installed to protect pedestrians.

In a report for members of HDC’s development management panel, planner Nigel Swaby concluded the amount of housing was suitable for the site.

The Highways Agency raised no objection relating to A14 traffic levels because improvements at Spittals and on the Cambridge northern bypass would mean the road would cope.

The application will be discussed by HDC’s development management panel at Pathfinder House, Huntingdon on Monday.