Fenland planners are currently reviewing proposals for an estate of up to 425 homes close to Neale Wade Academy, in March.  

The plans say playing fields, playgrounds for children and other community projects will also be incorporated into the development.  

Cambs Times: The proposals say playing fields, playgrounds for children and other community projects will be incorporated into the development. The proposals say playing fields, playgrounds for children and other community projects will be incorporated into the development. (Image: Pegasus Design on behalf of Barratt and David Wilson Homes Cambridgeshire)

If the plans are given the go-ahead as presented, access to the 55.5-acre site will be created at two points along Wimblington Road. 

A home would need to be demolished to accommodate the northern access.  

The application is for land south of Barker’s Lane and has been submitted by Barratt and David Wilson Homes Cambridgeshire, which is part of Barratt Developments PLC. 

Cambs Times: Planning documents say the homes will also feature architectural elements of other residential areas of March.Planning documents say the homes will also feature architectural elements of other residential areas of March. (Image: Pegasus Design on behalf of Barratt and David Wilson Homes Cambridgeshire)

At this stage, outline planning permission is being sought and the developer has presented Fenland planners with its top-level vision for the site.  

In documents submitted with the application, the estate is referred to as “Stow Fen Meadows” and includes an artist’s impression of what life may be like for future residents living there.  

The design and access statement also features architectural research of homes across the town, and how elements of different eras could be incorporated into the properties.  

It says: “The design aims to provide a balance between open greenspace and built-up area, to create a safe, walkable neighbourhood with a strong sense of place that responds to the existing character of March.  

“In this context, the development will create a townscape that is varied and sympathetic to its environment, whilst moving the community towards a more sustainable future, through an increase in housing choice.” 

Cambs Times: A current view of the site that developer Barratt and David Wilson Homes Cambridgeshire wants to build the estate.A current view of the site that developer Barratt and David Wilson Homes Cambridgeshire wants to build the estate. (Image: Pegasus Design on behalf of Barratt and David Wilson Homes Cambridgeshire)

The estate would be built on land Fenland District Council has already allocated for around 600 homes. 

Barrat and David Wilson Homes Cambridgeshire currently controls 65 per cent of the allocation. 

With the remaining land included, it believes the entire site could actually accommodate 650 homes.  

Cambs Times: Developer Barratt and David Wilson Homes Cambridgeshire has submitted outline plans for the development.Developer Barratt and David Wilson Homes Cambridgeshire has submitted outline plans for the development. (Image: Pegasus Design on behalf of Barratt and David Wilson Homes Cambridgeshire)

The developer’s current application was validated by Fenland District Council’s planning department on August 15.     

At the start of this year, a public consultation was held about the proposals before being submitted. 

A public exhibition was held at the Oliver Cromwell Hotel in March and a total of 144 people attended.  

Over 700 unique visitors also looked at the consultation website.