PLANS for Fenland District Council to build 22 new homes on a disused allotment in March have been replaced with a plan for Roddons to build 31.

Cambs Times: Planning application, Grounds Avenue March.Planning application, Grounds Avenue March. (Image: Archant)

Initially, the council wanted to get the go ahead for the new mini estate and then pass the building work to

Cambs Times: Planning application, Grounds Avenue March.Planning application, Grounds Avenue March. (Image: Archant)

a social housing landlord.

Now, however, the initial scheme has been scrapped and a larger one put in its place by Roddons which has been given the green light by planners.

Roddons bosses have pledged to hold a public meeting with a question and answer session for local residents to raise any concerns about the new estate on the overgrown allotment at the back of Grounds Avenue in March.

The development will be comprised of a mix of bungalows and two storey homes to meet what Roddons says is a growing need for rented homes in the area.

The new scheme involves demolishing two bungalows belonging to the council which will create a driveway for the estate.

The development land is owned by Fenland and has been vacant for nine years.

It was previously managed by March Town Council, on behalf of Fenland, who rented them out as allotments, but due to lack of interest the land became overgrown.

The area is part greenfield, which means it has never been built on, and part brownfield, which means it has previously been built on.

The bundle of land is large enough to allow for plenty of parking spaces and good size gardens, according to the first planning application, which went before councillors two years ago.

Roddons has been given the go ahead for two bungalows with two bedrooms, 15 two bed homes, 12 three bed homes and two four bed homes.

Karen Freya, senior housing officer at Fenland District Council, confirmed there was a significant need for affordable homes in March demonstrated by regional planning assessment paperwork and by the size of the Fenland housing register.