PLANS for a major development in Whittlesey providing 460 homes, shops, open space and other amenities have been rejected by Fenland District Council.

The decision is a major disappointment for Larkfleet Homes which also planned to build a 70-bed nursing home, a 50-bed extra care hub and 15 close care bungalows.

Larkfleet’s managing director Karl Hick, said: “We believe that the development at Bassenhally Farm would make a major contribution to the economic development of Whittlesey and to the wider Fenland economy - you cannot attract new jobs and employment if you do not also provide new homes. The development would also provide much-needed specialist accommodation for some of the town’s ageing population.

“Our plans would help Fenland to lead the way in sustainable development. The homes that we are proposing would be among the most energy-efficient in the country and have many other environmentally friendly features.”

Larkfleet Homes’ sustainable building practices have been recognised at a national level. Recently the company won a prestigious Green Apple Award and has also been a winner of a Carbon Positive Award. The Carbon Positive Awards are open to businesses and organisations whose low carbon projects inspire others to take action.

Mr Hick said: “ The construction work itself would provide a significant number of jobs over three or four years and thus help the local economy to recover from the recession at a time when jobs are hard to come by.

“As a local company which has undertaken a number of housing developments in Fenland we are committed to using local labour - both our own and sub-contractors - wherever possible.

“Over the next few weeks we shall be looking hard at the council’s reasons for rejecting the planning application to see if we can overcome its objections - or submit an appeal to the Secretary of State to review the council’s decision.”