Fresh blow for homes proposals

AXIOM Housing has lost its latest bid to build 36 homes, including 31 flats, on a former motor dealer's site in Wisbech - despite strong support from planning officers.

Following its refusal to allow 50 homes on the site earlier this year, Axiom thought it had won the day with its latest application.

"Commendably amended" was planning officer Andrew Brand's assessment as the application, with a recommendation for approval, went before Fenland District Council's planning committee.

However, strong local feelings has resulted in a second refusal, with Nigel Brown, the development manager, being forced to tell Axiom its scheme was "out of character with the surrounding area by virtue of the density of the development proposed".

He also was instructed to tell the housing association that its proposals "afford insufficient provision for parking facilities in light of the over-development of the site which is proposed".

Plans to re-develop the former West Walton Motor Company site, in Elm Road, have been immersed in controversy since permission for housing was granted nearly three years ago.

But the argument now centres around how many homes the site can accommodate, and officers thought the latest application had taken on board members' views following refusal of 50 homes in July.

"The reduction in height from the previous scheme results in the scheme creating lesser concerns with regard to overlooking," councillors were assured.

And the use of landscaping was also thought to have met issues of privacy and overlooking into neighbouring sites.

"Officers are of the view that no significant loss of privacy or loss of light will result from the scheme," said Mr Brand in his report.

But councillors disagreed, and felt 42 parking spaces for the 36 homes proposed were not enough.