The plans also propose an open space and play areaLand off Toll Bar Way, Sawtry, Cambridgeshire. (Image: LDRS)More than 300 homes could be built to ensure the “future growth” of a Cambridgeshire village. Endurance Estates has proposed to build up to 330 homes, as well as create an open space and play area, on land west of Toll Bar Way in Sawtry.Sawtry is described as a village of “ancient origins” in the plans. However, the applicants added that development of the village and construction of the A1 has “gradually eroded Sawtry’s relationship with its wider setting”.Therefore, the applicant seeks to “reinforce and celebrate Sawtry’s connection with its landscape and help deliver Huntingdonshire District Council’s aspirations for its places, its residents and visitors alike”.The current site for where the homes could be built is a field used for grazing and it’s next to Sawtry services. Of the 330 homes proposed, 40 percent will be affordable housing.Endurance Estates added that landscape is at the “core” of the proposals, as 70 percent of the site will be made up of open space. The developer’s plans include a village green to provide a “flexible space for both new and existing communities”.There will also be other green spaces spread out across the site. This includes two “strategic” green spaces, known as the Water Meadows Linear Park to the north and the Common to the south.In terms of access to the development, this will be via two T-junctions from Toll Bar Way and Green End Road. The applicants plan to create a network of footpaths and cycleways through the open space as well.Before an application was submitted, the developers carried out public consultations with residents and shared a number of concerns before submission. Some concerns and wants were raised about infrastructure capacity; transport, access and highway safety; and community and green infrastructure.Residents were concerned about the “pressure on existing infrastructure” in Sawtry, including GPs, schools and shops.In response to this, the applicant said the site will “contribute towards local infrastructure” with support for education, healthcare and transport improvements”. Other concerns were raised about the safety of roads.A transport assessment produced as part of the plans said the local highway network could “accommodate” the development. The developers also found there was “strong support” for the community facilities and green infrastructure proposed within the development.
Plans for more than 300 new homes could ensure ‘future growth’ of village
