Developer Canon Kirk have submitted a renewed application to change 'scrub land' north of Gaul Road into a riverside walk at West End Park in March

Plans for an extension to West End Park in March have been submitted by developer Canon Kirk Ltd.

The application is for a renewal of a previous permission granted to the house builder which was originally submitted in 2004 and approved in April 2008 along with permission for 135 homes off Gaul Road.

A planning statement drawn-up by Pegasus on behalf of Canon Kirk explains the park extension is required as part of the firm’s legal obligation under Section 106 which also requires the work to be completed before 50 per cent or 68 of the new homes are occupied.

The application, submitted last week, will replace the original planning permission for a change of use for the land to become a riverside country park, which has now lapsed.

The statement explains that hopes for a country park in March date back to a previous Fenland Local Plan drawn up in 1987. However, it emphasises the proposal for a riverside country park on 5.29 hectares adjoining West End is not in fact a country park.

But will provide much needed extra open public space and will create “useable open space” in the town that will include a play area for young children.

Middle Level Commissioners have made various comments on the proposals including suggesting moving the play space slightly but adds: "It is considered the proposal does offer the opportunity to improve the quality of the river embankment."

Pegasus concludes in its statement: "The primary aim of the scheme is to deliver an extension to the existing West End Park to the east. The scheme will deliver a riverside park accessible for existing and future residents and link into existing public rights of way to maximise opportunities for walking and cycling into the town centre.

"The park will maximise the riverside setting and create a safe and attractive environment for people to use."

It concludes the park will maximise the riverside setting with key features that include: seating, play space, open views of St Peter's Church spire, tree planting, meadow grassland and a footpath.

A spokesman for Canon Kirk said they currently have no time scale for the work to be undertaken, but have been told by Fenland District Council that a decision on the application will be made in late autumn (October 31).

The spokesman said: "We are currently in the hands of Fenland District Council. This park will be very similar to the extension we did when we developed Oxbow Crescent."