Plans for 95 homes on arable farmland thrown out

Plans to build 95 homes on village farmland have been refused after opposition said the land was "inappropriate for development".

Peterborough City Council planners rejected the Larkfleet Group application to build on fields on the southern edge of Glinton, Cambridgeshire.

In the past, three applications for the site have been refused by the authority.

The latest set of proposals, which were submitted in September 2024, were opposed by parish councillors who argued other brownfield sites were available within Peterborough.

The Larkfleet Group's plans said 30% of new homes would be affordable housing and there would be 4.16 hectares of open space, a play area and allotments.

Glinton Parish Council "vehemently" opposed the application, which it said was "contrary to policies" contained in the Peterborough Local Plan.

The authority said: "The permanent destruction of productive arable farmland when the country has significant concerns about food security is not in keeping with the objective of becoming the UK's environment capital or maintaining the country's food security.

"Particularly as sufficient brownfield sites are available within Peterborough, all with excellent existing transport and infrastructure."

The development was also opposed by the local highway authority at Peterborough City Council, which said further information was required.

Peterborough Civic Society also objected to the plans, said the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

"It is difficult to see that the situation has changed significantly with this latest application for a larger development of up to 95 dwellings," said a spokesperson from the group.

There were also concerns about the existing sewage system being overwhelmed.

Detailing reasons for refusal, the city council noted that the development would result in "significant harm to the character and appearance of the area including the rural setting of the village".

It added: "The fundamental conflict with policy is not outweighed by the overall need for affordable housing in the district."

Previous applications for the site were refused due to vulnerability to crime, insufficient visitor parking, lack of public open space, highway safety and the site being outside of the village envelope.

The applicant has six months to appeal against the decision.

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