Eighty homes planned for Wimblington and which have been opposed by more than 100 villagers – and criticised by the Middle Level Commissioners- are being recommended for approval by Fenland planners.

George Scarborough Ltd wants to build the homes on nine acres of grassland – until 2010 used for farming- east of 38 March Road.

Their application is being recommended for approval later this month to Fenland District Council Planning Committee.

Middle Level Commissioners are angry that no pre application discussions were held and claim infrastructure downstream “may have insufficient capacity”.

The MLC also argue the site is within or adjacent to the 9m wide maintenance access strip, and claim the developers have failed to meet the board’s requirements and design standards.

“The MLC strongly disapprove of the disposal of surface water in to the foul/combined systems as this increases flows in the system”,” they say in a report to Fenland Council.

They argue the disposal proposals are not sustainable and contrary to Government advice.

“Insufficient consideration may have been given to the detrimental effects of surface water run-off from the site, adversely affecting neighbouring properties,” they said.

But Fenland planners insist the MLC “have their own byelaws to ensure that the drainage systems are effective and this will also be addressed as part of the building control process”.

The parish council argue the density is too high but planners say that although the site is not allocated in the Local Plan, the council accepts small extensions in “growth villages” such as Wimblington.

Among objections has been the impact on the village school, loss of trees, inadequate village amenities, access, increased traffic and “a negative impact on community spirit”.