Latest news with #HuntingdonshireDistrictCouncil
BBC News
2 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Yaxley homes plans could 'compromise buffer' with Peterborough
There are concerns a major new housing development on the edge of a village could "compromise the buffer" between it and a city - if it is allowed to be politicians said plans for 115 new homes in Yaxley in Cambridgeshire would erode its boundary with Huntingdonshire District Council said it would not fight the developer's appeal to build the homes at Livery Stable Folly Farm, after previously refusing planning Properties Cambridgeshire Ltd escalated their proposals to the Planning Inspectorate, which is considering the appeal. At a hearing on Tuesday, lawyers representing the council said there had been changes in the national calculations that determined how many homes must be built in the area to meet housing demand. 'Overdevelopment' Barrister Rowan Clapp said the council still believed that the homes would impact the visual and physical separation of Yaxley and the nearby Great Haddon development in Peterborough, but that it accepted this did not outweigh the benefits of extra planning inspector who led the hearing is yet to make a final decision on overturning the council's original Taylor KC, representing the developer, said at the meeting that there was no specific local policy stopping Yaxley and Peterborough from said 40% of the new homes would be designated as Parish Council maintained its objection to the plans, raising concerns about "overdevelopment".Chair Andrew Wood said the housing would "compromise the buffer between Yaxley and Peterborough", which he described as a "confined area"."The fact that Huntingdonshire has a requirement for a significant number of houses does not mean, in our view, that Yaxley should be compacted even more," he said at the hearing."Yaxley has taken its share already. Other areas should do so."Developers would have to submit specific design plans before any houses could be built if the Planning Inspectorate agreed to quash Huntingdonshire District Council's earlier planning refusal. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
6 days ago
- Business
- BBC News
Haddon solar farm appeal as council fails to reach decision
An appeal has been launched to try to get permission to build a new solar farm after a decision was not issued by a council in Solar Energy (WSE) wants to install 40,000 solar panels on farmland near Haddon, in District Council failed to make a decision within the allotted timeframe, and the project will now be referred to the government Planning the council has recommended officers oppose the development on grounds of the potential impact on nearby Sibson Aerodrome. A report published ahead of a council meeting on 18 August states: "The application has failed to demonstrate that it would not materially harm the safe functioning of Sibson Aerodrome or private flying strips through adverse impacts of glint and glare, and the loss of land necessary to facilitate emergency landings."WSE said the Haddon Road Solar Park would be able to export up to 25 megawatts, providing energy for up to 7,600 households a project follows similar plans for a larger solar farm of 65,000 solar panels, which was blocked by the district council last year after more than 100 objections were received.A planning inspector later upheld this decision at an appeal, concluding that the development would cause "significant harm" to the has said its latest proposals for a smaller solar farm address the concerns raised about the previous project, the Local Democracy Reporting Service company said it accepted the proposed solar farm would have some impact on the area, but measures were proposed to minimise this, including strengthening field boundaries and retaining hedges. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Irish Sun
18-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Abandoned UK lido is being transformed into £795,000 splash park with incredible aqua tent, hydro blast & water arch
A UK town is set to gain a new £795,000 splash park after an abandoned lido was earmarked for regeneration. The new play area - built on the site of the former St Neots Lido in Advertisement 5 The new waterpark will feature a number of jets alongside an aqua tent, hydro blast, and water arch Credit: St Neots Town Council 5 Work has already begun on construction of the £795,000 project Credit: St Neots Town Council 5 It is due to open to the public just before summer next year Credit: St Neots Town Council St Neots Lido closed down in 2003, after operating for 42 years, and was filled in two years later. Laying empty since, the site - next to the popular Priory Park in the town - has finally seen action, with work beginning to build the new aqua park. The new outdoor water space will feature a hydro blast - which shoots up a tall stream of water - alongside an aqua tent, where water flows in a dome, and a water arch. There are also plans to put in a mixture of other jets for visitors. Advertisement Read More on Travel News Councillor Richard Slade, mayor and chair of St Neots Town Council said: "This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when the community and council work together. "We're proud to support a project that will bring joy to generations of local families." Plans had first been submitted back in 2022 to Huntingdonshire District Council but were finally kicked into gear following a "significant" grant from the town council. The new park will be built by St Neots Aquatic and Leisure CIO. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Mick Marks, chair of the CIO said: "This isn't just a splash park, it's a promise kept to the families of St Neots. "We've worked tirelessly to bring this to life, and we're thrilled to see it finally taking shape." The beautiful lake an hour from London with overwater bungalows like the Maldives He said that construction will now begin on a "vibrant, inclusive water play space". The new park is due to open in time for summer next year. Advertisement This comes after The Sun revealed how one of the UK's largest outdoor waterparks was Located just 12 miles away from Nottingham city centre, Wheelgate Park is home to countless fun twisting slides and even a tipping bucket. In the There are towers to climb too, with water spraying from them. Advertisement UK days out cheaper than a pint THERE are a number of days out across the UK that can be found for cheaper than your average UK pint costing £5.17. Museums and Galleries: Many major museums and galleries across the UK Beaches: The UK boasts hundreds of free, incredible beaches perfect for swimming, sandcastles, or scenic walks. Gardens and Parks: Explore numerous free gardens and parks nationwide, often featuring extensive grounds and play areas. Lidos: Many lidos offer affordable swimming, with some even providing free access. Vue Cinemas: Catch the latest films for less with 'Mighty Morning' sessions and 'Big Shorts' screenings, starting from under £3. Crazy Golf: Enjoy a fun and competitive family activity at local courses, often available for as little as £2 per player. Animal Sanctuaries and Animal Activities: Visit free animal sanctuaries or participate in complimentary pet-related workshops at places like Pets at Home. Arcades: Spend some time collecting pennies and trying to win prizes at local arcades, with games costing as little as £1. School Holiday Programmes: Access free or subsidised activities for children through initiatives like the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme or local leisure centre offerings. Nature Walks: Discover beautiful National Parks and walking trails across the UK for a free and refreshing outdoor experience For parents watching on, there are sun loungers to relax on as well. For dry play, there is a huge wooden adventure playground to explore. And then inside, the attraction also has two indoor play centres which include frames, toddler zones, mirror mazes and themed adventure zones - and even a bouncy castle. For little ones under six-years-old, there is a mini play jungle to clamber through. Advertisement On the other hand, bigger kids can get active on the King-on Crater climbing wall. Families can also get up close and personal with small animals and farm animals including pigs and rabbits. 5 An artist's impression of the new waterpark at St Neots Credit: St Neots Town Council 5 The project received the green light after earning 'significant' grant from the town council Credit: St Neots Town Council Advertisement
BBC News
02-07-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Plans for 90 new homes on farmland near Bluntisham
Farmland on the edge of a village could be turned into a new housing development.A developer has said it hopes to build up to 90 homes on the site off Colne Road to the north of Bluntisham, Cambridgeshire.R2 Developments Limited has submitted an environmental impact assessment screening request to Huntingdonshire District Council, ahead of any potential planning application.A previous outline planning application for 135 homes on the site was submitted in 2017 but later withdrawn in 2019. The site was also put forward to potentially be included in the district council's new local plan as a location for new district council's assessment of the site suggested it could be suitable for up to 86 homes, in order for it to be a "very low density" outline application at this stage means full details of the plans would not be presented until a later date.A more detailed application would then need to be submitted and approved before any homes could be built. This article was written by a trusted journalist and then edited for length and style with the help of AI, before being checked again by a BBC Journalist. It's part of a pilot. Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
20-06-2025
- Politics
- BBC News
Public asked for views on Cambridgeshire councils shake-up
People are being asked for their views on "the biggest shake-up of local government since the 1970s", as seven councils options have been identified for creating new unitary councils across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough from April follows a national government requirement to replace the current district, county and city councils with simpler unitary councils.A consultation has begun, including a survey and focus groups, to find out what matters most to local people and where they have the greatest connection. The options include merging councils in a north-west and south-east grouping, a north and south grouping, or an east and west leaders said in a joint statement: "The three options each contain two new unitary councils that would cover the entire Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area and replace all existing local authorities."The statement was issued by the leaders at East Cambridgeshire District Council, Fenland District Council, Huntingdonshire District Council, Cambridge City Council, Cambridgeshire County Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council and Peterborough City Council. The councils said they wanted to hear about "the connections that people feel they have to different areas", such as where they work, socialise or receive consultation also asks what priorities people expect from the new unitary authorities, and "what is important to them when dealing with local government".It is not just targeted at individual households but also businesses, community groups and town and parish final decisions on which new local government structures are put into place in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough will ultimately be made by national government. Anna Bailey, leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, urged people to have their say."Councils in Cambridgeshire are facing the biggest change to local government in over 50 years," she said."While I very much support the idea of unitary councils, where residents can access all services from one council instead of two, I do not support the government's move to larger, more remote structures"We must make sure we do not take the 'local' out of local government."I would therefore urge all our residents, community groups, businesses, and everybody we work with, and for, to share their views and help us shape what the future looks like for our district." Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
