Two family homes have been given the go ahead to be built at Christchurch despite 22 letters of objection and an action group which said the new homes would tip an already over-stretched sewage system to breaking point.

The three and four bed houses will be “an environmental catastrophe” according to Richard Guilford, chairman of the village residents association, who spoke at a planning meeting urging councillors to turn down the application for paddock land in the village.

Mr Guilford said: “The site is in open countryside and is a paddock both of which contravene planning law.

“There are serious concerns over drainage and sewage ,many of the dykes are blocked and stagnant and there is an ongoing noxious smell.

“The sewage system is under stress already and tanks have to come to take away sludge. The extra homes will put pressure on an infrastructure that is already under pressure.”

Green Lane, the application site, is a single track where larger vehicles have to reverse following deliveries of, for example fuel, and manoeuvres were difficult if cars wanted to pass, he said.

Rare species trees were the subject of tree preservation orders and any loss of them due to development would be unacceptable, he concluded.

Architect Peter Humphrey, however, said there were mixed opinions on the site and pointed out that it had also attracted seven supporters who believed it was a perfect location for new homes.

During the meeting of Fenland District Council planning committee he said: “The officers are happy and are recommending approval and I would urge councillors to approve this scheme,” he said.