Development of 118 homes in March brings in £1.65m for town amenities

Outline plans for 118 homes on the outskirts of March have finally been given the formal go-ahead nearly two years after the application was submitted by haulier Tony Knowles.

Permission was granted for Mr Knowles’ application to build the houses on land north of The Green and north of 145 to 159 Wisbech Road last Monday (20).

The consent form published this week on Fenland District Council’s website said: “The local planning authority has worked positively and proactively with the applicant to seek solutions to problems arising from the application and as such planning permission/consent is granted on the basis of amendments to the originally submitted application.”

The approval, which will see the demolition of 147a Wisbech Road to allow for an access,came despite large public objection to the proposal and follows agreement on Section 106 contributions towards public services and amenities totalling more than £1.65million.

An officer’s report to last February’s Fenland planning committee meeting when members agreed the application said: “The proposal would make the required contributions toward education, transport, healthcare, open space and would provide a policy compliant level of affordable housing.”

It goes on to list these and says they will include nearly £1.5million to Westwood School providing 52 early years places and 90 primary places.

Riverside GP practice will receive £42,435 to help reconfigure its surgery to accommodate the projected 269 extra patients generated by the development.

A further £15,000 will go towards improvements to the Peashill roundabout and other cash will go to outdoor sport (£38,880), libraries (£12,440) and green space (24,300).