Plans to build 93 new homes on Wenny Meadow in Chatteris have finally received formal approval from Fenland District Council, despite 551 objections lodged by concerned residents.
Councillors originally voted to approve the application nearly two years ago, but final consent was delayed while developers and officials worked through conditions and negotiated financial contributions to the local community. That agreement has now been reached, allowing the controversial project to move forward.
The development includes a mix of properties, ranging from one-bedroom flats to five-bedroom houses. It forms part of a broader vision to build around 350 new homes to the east of the town. Developers claim the scheme will create new habitats, introduce green public spaces with play areas, and boost the local economy by increasing spending and supporting jobs.
The proposal sparked widespread opposition, with 551 residents formally objecting. Many cited the loss of a valued green space, the impact on local services, and concerns about overdevelopment in the area.
Despite this, planning officers supported the application, stating it would “make a valuable contribution to improving the overall health of the local community” through accessible open spaces and proximity to town amenities.
An update from the Local Democracy Reporting Service noted that the final approval followed several amendments and confirmed financial contributions from the developer towards local services, including schools and healthcare.
The formal decision clears the way for construction to begin, but the development continues to divide opinion in Chatteris. While some welcome the new housing and investment, others fear it marks the end of a cherished green space and signals further expansion to come.
