Plans for 5,000 homes challenged

A development of 5,000 new homes is being challenged in the weeks leading up to a public inquiry in October.

Cambridge County Council and East Cambs District Council have published a newsletter to outline their objections.

The new homes are planned for Mereham a greenfield site alongside the A10 road between Stretham and Wilburton.

The councils claim no provision is made for infrastructure and the scheme will create traffic hazards but developers say they have taken this into account.

The public inquiry is due to open at the Arkenstall Centre in Haddenham on 9 October and the councils, with the support of some local businesses and organisations, are planning more editions of the newsletter.

Wetland reserve

It can be downloaded from the East Cambs District Council website.

The development will involve a number of different organisations, designers and building companies.

Their website said: "Aside from new homes, Mereham will provide schools, employment areas creating an estimated 3,000 jobs, shops, open space, leisure facilities and enhanced public transport including a Park and Ride serving Cambridge and Ely.

"Improvements to the A10 are also planned as well as a wetland reserve of regional importance.

"Mereham has been conceived as a sustainable, practical and realistic response to the housing shortage in Cambridgeshire."