Controversial plans to build 15 homes in Manea have been given the green light by planners.

Fenland District Council previously turned down the application for outline planning permission on the derelict land in Park Road due to ‘drainage, biodiversity and infrastructure concerns’.

They said that ‘recommendation is contrary to the view of Manea Parish Council and does not fall into the recommendations of the Fenland Local Plan’.

But plans have now been approved after an updated report was submitted with new surveys, including an ecological report.

The decision was made at a planning meeting at Fenland Hall this afternoon.

Cambridgeshire Police, Natural England and Highways are also in support of the application.

However, Anglian Water still raise concerns about the homes being situated so close to the pumping station. They fear it would place residents at risk of ‘nuisance in the form of noise, odour or the general disruption’.

An executive summary reads: “The proposal is considered to accord with existing policies and to overcome the previous reasons for refusal and accord with other relevant policies. There is not considered to be any significant and demonstrable reasons on which to refuse the application.

“It has overcome the previous three reasons for refusal and is considered to accord with relevant policies of the Fenland Local Plan and is recommended for approval.”

When the initial plans were submitted, residents also complained of traffic increase, the impact of the access onto Park Road and accessibility to the Guy Memorial playing field.

The development will see a mixture of three to five bedroom dwellings both detached and semi-detached.

A design and access statement states: “The layout of the proposed site has been carefully considered to ensure that minimal impact is made to surrounding buildings and character of the area.

“The proposed development will create a high quality development on existing parcel of land abutting the former village Development Area Boundary for Manea. The site is considered to be a logical infill and extension of the village settlement to complete residential development in the area. The site is well serviced by local amenities and offers good connectivity with the existing village.”