A proposal to build three homes near Manea Railway Station has once again been thwarted.

The applicant sought permission to build on land north of the railway station on Fodder Fen Road. Their initial application was rejected in July.

An appeal was submitted, but Fenland District Council inspectors said the site was not within Manea’s “development footprint”.

The report said: “The development proposed conflicts with recently adopted development plan policy in respect to the location of new residential development.

“Although there are considerations which weigh in favour of the proposals these do not outweigh or override the considerable policy conflict.”

The applicant said the development would provide new housing for the village, create jobs and the land was not suitable for farming.

The applicant said: “We feel this site will be in high demand owing to close proximity to the local railway station and also ensure view as you come into village will be good.

“This proposal will contribute to building a strong responsive and competitive economy by contributing to the employment targets in a place with good sustainable travel to Cambridge/Peterborough.”

The proposal was backed by Manea Parish Council but two letters of objection raised concerns about the lack of street lights in the area and the potential harm to wildlife.