SUNDAY market entrepreneur Norman Bedford was celebrating this week after a Government inspector gave him the go ahead to build seven homes despite a council having rejected the application five times. Ironically Mr Bedford received news of the inspector

SUNDAY market entrepreneur Norman Bedford was celebrating this week after a Government inspector gave him the go ahead to build seven homes despite a council having rejected the application five times.

Ironically Mr Bedford received news of the inspector's verdict just days after Fenland District Council had rejected his latest application.

But Mr Bedford, who had lodged the application with Fenland councillor Ralph Butcher, won permission after appealing against an earlier decision to refuse the homes.

"I am delighted that this site has now been given the go ahead," said Mr Bedford. "I'm just amazed it has taken so long."

Mr Bedford said Fenland Council Planning Committee had voted against the scheme, even though officers had recommended it for approval.

Sue Glover, the appeal inspector, said the site at 180 to 192 Coates Road, Coates, was formerly a coal yard and in part piggery.

"I do not consider that the appeal site is essential to the settlement's character or that its loss would be harmful to the character and appearance of the village or its setting," she said.

She was satisfied there was sufficient space to site and design homes " that would be no harm to the living conditions of nearby residents in respect of their privacy or light levels, or unacceptable noise and disturbance from the occupation of the dwellings."

And she added: "Whilst Coates Road is busy, there is clear visibility at the proposed access in both directions.