A former mill could be demolished to make way for 29 homes if Fenland planners agree.

Cambs Times: Lavender Mill, Manea. Picture: Steve Williams.Lavender Mill, Manea. Picture: Steve Williams. (Image: Archant)

Lavenders Mill on Fallow Corner Drove, Manea, is a disused grain store that the owners want to replace with housing.

Officers are recommending the council planning committee accept the proposals next Wednesday although the parish council has expressed some reservations.

They are concerned the village infra-structure including the school and doctor’s surgery is insufficient to support the scale of development.

It is also worried the access to the site is inadequate.

Officers say that whilst Manea has “exceeded its threshold for new housing within the Local Plan” further housing can be accepted “where there is a clear local support”.

They say a public consultation in December 2014 provides support – although evidence to the committee shows only six people expressed that support at the exhibition. Two others opposed it.

The report states: “The level of the pre-application community consultation exercise is considered to be thorough and proportionate” - the population of Manea according to the 2011 census is over 2,088.

But the report adds: “On balance, and given the relatively limited objection to the scheme from nearby residents, it is considered that the proposal has successfully demonstrated community support.”

Approval will be subject to conditions including the developer paying cash (Section 106 money) to village services including £196,156 to education (pre-school and primary) and £283.97 to libraries and lifelong learning.

At least seven per cent (two) of the homes, which will be a mix of bungalows and houses, must be for affordable housing.