VILLAGERS will get their first chance on Sunday to react to plans for an 80 bedroom hotel and up to 100 homes that could be built off the A141 near March.

Developer Steven Allen has approached Wimblington Parish Council with an outline of the proposals which would utilise the site now occupied by the Priory Golf Centre.

Parish council chairman Maureen Davis said Mr Allen came to a recent meeting and was advised that this Sunday’s village ‘fun day’ at the playing field would be an ideal opportunity to engage with villagers.

She said: “He came to our meeting but didn’t give us much indication before hand what it was about and then dropped this bombshell. Obviously there is nothing we can do or say until firm plans have been drawn – I think it’s what you would call a fishing expedition.”

She said she welcomed their attendance at the fun day since its “better they consult beforehand to find what’s acceptable and to see what people think.”

The current Wimblington Journal parish newsletter emphasises that development plans for Priory Golf Club “are purely tentative. The plans are for an 80 bed ‘Travel Lodge’ type accommodation, leisure facilities and 100 houses to include starter home.”

The newsletter’s report of the council meeting says concerns were voiced about the need for a hotel of this size and where the entrance would be.

Councillors also questioned if the village could cope with so many extra homes but agreed more information was needed.

This Sunday’s fun day is from 12 noon to 4pm at the War Memorial Playing Field. The event includes sports, competitions and craft stalls. It will be opened by Cambs Times editor John Elworthy.