Up to 7 homes at Land South Of 6 Bridge Lane, Wimblington

What was proposed

Permission in principle was sought for up to seven homes, with an indicative cul-de-sac layout using the existing access.

“The application seeks permission in principle for the erection of up to 7no. dwellings on Land South of 6 Bridge Lane, Wimblington. As the application is only for permission in principle, it is only possible to assess the location, land use and amount of development proposed. 1.2.”

“The application seeks permission in principle for the erection of up to 7 x dwellings. The application is supported by an indicative site layout plan, although it should be noted that this is not a requirement of applications for Permission in Principle. This shows a cul-de-sac style development extending south, away from the public highway utilising the existing access to 6B, with this then separated off.”

Officer report

The site

The site is 0.69 hectares south of Bridge Lane, behind existing homes, with amenity land, hardstanding, a large shed and undeveloped land.

“The application site is located on the southern side of Bridge Lane, Wimblington, and comprises amenity space associated with 6 Bridge Lane, an area of hardstanding and a large shed with more open and undeveloped land to the south of this.”

“25/0084 encompasses the host dwelling, 6 Bridge Lane, and the land immediately south and east of the dwelling. Additional land was included within the blue line that comprised further amenity space land, which forms part of the red line for this Permission in Principle application. 2.3.”

Officer report

Why officers recommended refusal

Officers considered the site detached from Wimblington, harmful to landscape character and settlement pattern, and unsuitable for more development through Bridge Lane.

“Policy LP12 sets out that the developed footprint is defined as the continuous built form of the village and excluding groups of dispersed or intermittent buildings that are clearly detached from the continuous built-up area. The requirements of Policy LP12 are reinforced by Policy LP16 which stipulates that new development must make a positive contribution to the local distinctiveness and character of the area.”

“In respect of the efficient use of land, whilst the density of development that would occur on the site is considered to be acceptable and efficient, it is not considered that this outweighs the harm identified in the assessment above. CONCLUSIONS 11.1. The application seeks permission in principle for the erection of up to 7no. dwellings on Land South of 6 Bridge Lane, Wimblington.”

Officer report

Consultation responses

The parish council and highways objected, while environmental health, archaeology and water consultees raised no objection; minerals officers identified a safeguarded area.

“Wimblington Parish Council – 12.11.25 Objection on following grounds: - Other applications in vicinity of Bridge Lane do not set precedent - Bridge Lane is a narrow highway – other granted applications will impact on safety of highway - Drainage and flooding concerns - Detrimental impact on local wildlife…”

“Environmental Health – 30.10.25 No objection 5.3. Cambridgeshire County Council Archaeology – 13.11.25 No objection. However, subsequent technical details application would be required to secure archaeology mitigation 5.4. Cambridgeshire County Council Minerals and Waste – 19.11.25 The proposed development site is within a Mineral Safeguarding Area (MSA) for sand and gravel under Policy 5 of the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Minerals and Waste Local Plan (July 2021).”

Officer report

Residents’ views

Four residents objected over highway conditions, walking safety, landscape, drainage and sewerage, while eleven supported efficient use of land and nearby development.

“Drainage and sewerage issues along the lane See ‘Other Matters’ section of Assessment…”

“Supporting Comments Officer Response Efficient use of unused land See ‘Other Matters’ section of Assessment Already development happening in the area See ‘Location’ section of Assessment…”

Officer report

The agent’s case

The agent said the site was within Wimblington’s development footprint, comparable nearby development had been approved and highway improvements could be secured.

The committee’s decision

The committee approved the application against the officer recommendation because it did not consider the proposal large-scale in-depth development and noted nearby approvals and highway improvements.

“Proposed by Councillor Benney, seconded by Councillor Mrs French and agreed that the application be APPROVED against officer’s recommendation.”

“Members do not support the recommendation of refusal as they do not consider the application to be in-depth large-scale development, other applications have been approved adjacent to the site and there are proposed highway improvements which will assist with traffic flow in Bridge Lane.”

Minutes