A public exhibition is being staged this weekend to showcase “masterplan proposals” for a massive housing development on land at the former RAF Wyton airfield.

There has been huge controversy surrounding the proposals, which could include up to 3,750 homes, and also criticism of separate plans to create a new road-link to cope with the expected influx of traffic that will be created by thousands of new homes.

Last December, more than 150 people attended a meeting to raise their concerns about the impact on the road network around Huntingdon when planners announced their intention to allow development of the site.

Paul Bland, services manager at Huntingdonshire District Council (HDC), told a public meeting last December that the homes “were needed to support the forecasted economic growth in Cambridgeshire”.

Andy Moffat, planning chief at HDC, told the audience at Houghton Memorial Hall, the development would provide huge opportunity for the area.

Huntingdonshire District Council’s Local Plan has earmarked the 285 hectares of land at the former airfield for potential homes and employment potential.

In terms of the new road link, there are four options on the table, one of which would cut across common land at Hemingford Abbots to meet the A14 and a second would run from Hartford to Godmanchester, but this cuts through a nature reserve. Other options are a St Ives northern bypass and a re-routed A1096 east of St Ives between the bridge and its junction with Marsh Lane.

Wildlife campaigners and parish councillors have accused planners of failing to look at the development from an environmental point of view.

Martin Baker, conservation manager for the Beds, Cambs and Northants Wildlife Trust, told The Hunts Post: “The environment is not being considered, it’s homes and transport driven.”

Developers Crest Nicholson will host the two-day exhibition at Huntingdon Library on Saturday and Sunday.

A spokesman for Crest Nicholson told The Hunts Post on Tuesday: “This exhibition is part of the first stage of Crest Nicholson and DIO’s proposed public consultations.

“The aim is to share our masterplan proposals with the wider Huntingdonshire community whilst still at an early stage of design. This will allow all interested parties to have an early say, and give time for our team to address comments and incorporate changes.

“At this stage we are also exploring the various options for off-site transport and road upgrades, particularly those directly related to the site and the role we can play in helping to see the best options delivered. Now is an ideal time for the local community to make their views known, understand the nature and depth of work being undertaken, and to help steer the proposals.”

INFO: The exhibition runs from 10am till 4pm on Saturday and midday till 4pm on Sunday. More information is available at: www.wytonairfield.com.