Fenland District Council plans for 10 flats and two houses

Dan Horn, Fenland's head of housing, has submitted a planning application for land west of 53 to 69 Grounds Avenue, and explains on the application form that the plans are for a back land infill residential development comprising 12 dwellings, 10 one-person flats and two wheelchair-accessible bungalows.

The plans also include a communal garden, secure cycle parking, storage, and landscaping and also improvements to the existing public cut-through on the site, which was once garages for the neighbouring homes.

A design and access statement drawn up by RCKa in support of the application explains that the "brief is to deliver a high-quality residential scheme that responds to local need whilst sitting comfortably within the surrounding neighbourhood".

Fenland Council wants to build 12 homes on derelict land off Grounds Avenue in March, including 10 flats and the plans will see the public cut-through upgraded. (Image: RCKa)

It adds that the site is empty and derelict, and therefore improvements to the public realm are key to the success of the project.

The project will also improve the existing pedestrian cut-through that goes across the site with improved lighting and higher-quality landscaping.

The statement adds that the site is in Flood Zone 1 - the lowest risk.

It also admits that the planned parking for the homes is less than the normal acceptable level, but adds: "This may be acceptable due to the sheltered accommodation, lower car ownership, and sustainable location"

Fenland Council wants to build 12 homes on derelict land off Grounds Avenue in March, including 10 flats and the plans will see the public cut-through upgraded. (Image: RCKa)

The site is within a 16-minute walk of the town centre.

The new buildings will be built using materials that are similar to those used in the surrounding area, so they are in character with their surroundings.

A planning statement also produced by RCKa adds that the "proposals exceed nationally-described space standards, target near-net-zero operational energy, improve natural surveillance and safety, and bring a disused site back into use".

It adds that there was previously permission for six homes on the site, which was granted in November 2023.

The rear of the properties in Badgeney Road, which also back on to the site. (Image: RCKa)

The entrance to block a of the proposed flats. (Image: RCKa)

The planning statement concludes: "The proposal makes effective use of under‑utilised urban land in a highly sustainable location, delivering 12 high‑quality, accessible homes with tangible public benefits (enhanced pedestrian route, landscape and passive surveillance)."