Construction project approved: 115 new residences to be built in Yaxley, developer triumphs in court appeal

In a recent decision, Abbey Properties Cambridgeshire Ltd has been given the green light to develop 115 new homes at Livery Stable Folly Farm in Yaxley. The planning inspector of Huntingdonshire District Council has ruled that the benefits of the development outweigh the objections, despite concerns raised by locals and councillors.

The appellant's scheme has been subject to a thorough assessment of its potential effects on highway safety and congestion. After a rigorous appeal process, it was found that the scheme has no significant negative effects on these areas that cannot be mitigated. No evidence was presented to suggest otherwise.

Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council, acting as local highways authorities, have scrutinized the development and its proposed mitigation. Neither of these bodies has any outstanding objections to the appeal scheme, subject to mitigation.

The transport assessment was conducted on behalf of the appellant, taking into account the concerns of locals living near the proposed development who voiced worries about unnecessary traffic.

However, councillors have expressed concerns about the harm the development may cause to the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside. The development site, comprised mostly of greenfield and farm buildings, has also raised concerns from the Folly Farm Equestrian Centre, which may need to relocate due to the proposed construction.

A positive aspect of the development is that 40% of the new homes will be designated as affordable.

The initial planning application was refused by Huntingdonshire District Council due to concerns about harm to the countryside. The planning inspector, however, has ruled that the concerns were not substantiated with concrete evidence, making it possible for the development to proceed.

Construction project approved: 115 new residences to be built in Yaxley, developer triumphs in court appeal