A FORMER orchard will be turned into a new mini estate of 13 homes after the final hurdle was cleared to build on land off Gaul Road, March.

The scheme at 33 Gaul Road already had planning permission but has now been given the go ahead on reserved matters dealing with issues of access, parking, layout and flood risk.

The two storey homes will be accessed from a new offshoot road to be built on Oxbow Crescent.

The road will be a private drive but will be up to council standards with a private drive at each end serving five houses to the north and five dwellings to the south.

The final go ahead was given to Gaul Developments LLP during a meeting of Fenland’s planning committee who approved the scheme for eight three bedroom and five four bedroom family homes.

Parking spaces for two cars will be provided for the three bed homes while parking for three cars will be built for the four bedroom properties.

Concerns by Middle Level Commissioners relating to the position and future maintenance of an existing water sewer look set to be solved by writing responsibility into either individual house deeds or by reaching an agreement with a maintenance company responsible for the road.

A report to planners said there would not be any significant overlooking to neighbouring properties despite objections from two people concerned about invasion of privacy at The Chase.