A major step forward has been taken in the expansion of Burwell, with East Cambridgeshire District Council granting permission for 61 new homes to be built as part of the Millstone Park development. The new homes, all designated as affordable housing, will sit on the edge of the village off Newmarket Road.
The proposal, submitted by This Land Limited—a development company owned by Cambridgeshire County Council—is part of the larger plan for up to 350 homes in the area, for which full planning permission has now been granted. Planning officers supported the plans, describing the homes as “well designed and well proportioned”. The newly approved phase will include a mix of one to four-bedroom houses and has been designed with a lower housing density than earlier phases.
Concerns Raised Over Parking and Design
Despite overall approval, the application was not without criticism. A local councillor voiced concerns about the design and parking arrangements, noting that some parking spaces were not adjacent to their respective homes. They warned this could result in increased on-street parking and pavements being blocked.
Also questioned were the use of tandem parking spaces and described the plans as potentially leading to overdevelopment. However, planning officers pointed out that the proposed housing density is lower than in previous phases and that local policy does not oppose tandem parking.
Other councillors praised the proposal, commending the developer for committing to 100% affordable housing. Ultimately, the application passed with a strong majority—11 votes in favour and only one against—paving the way for more housing opportunities in Burwell.
As construction continues at Millstone Park, further applications may emerge, given that not all land in the original outline plan has been utilised.
