Plans Submitted for 43 Affordable Homes in Warboys Village

New proposals have been put forth to construct 43 affordable homes in the village of Warboys, located in Huntingdonshire. The property developer, Amplius, submitted these plans to the Huntingdonshire District Council for a site adjacent to Station Road. The project aims to develop a 5.8-acre plot that was previously farmland until late 2022.

The development site is situated within 1 km of the village center and is bordered by an existing residential area to the southwest. The proposed layout includes a mix of housing types, primarily two-storey buildings, with the exception of two accessible bungalows. Plans also feature 84 parking spaces and a designated play area. According to the application, the site is within “acceptable walking and cycling distances” to various local amenities, including Warboys High Street.

Huntingdonshire’s affordable housing policy mandates that at least 40 percent of residential units in developments of 11 homes or more must be affordable. The current proposal not only meets but exceeds this requirement, offering a significant contribution to local housing needs.

This new proposal follows previous attempts by Amplius, under its former name Longhurst Group, to develop the site. An initial application in May 2022 sought to build 48 homes, which was later reduced to 47 homes in February 2023 before being withdrawn in May 2023 due to substantial community objections. Residents expressed concerns over increased traffic on Station Road, with one letter characterising it as “currently at or beyond breaking point.” Additional objections highlighted the pressure on local services, including Warboys Primary Academy and Moat House Surgery, which are reportedly struggling to accommodate demand.

The current proposal is expected to face scrutiny, as it falls below the threshold at which developers are required to provide financial contributions to local infrastructure. A consultation period for community input on the new development is open until August 27, 2023, with a decision from the council anticipated by October 30, 2023.

In a statement, Marcus Keys, Chief Development and Commercial Officer at Amplius, expressed optimism about the project, stating, “We’ve worked closely with colleagues at Huntingdonshire District Council to make these plans suitable for the surroundings. If we’re given the go-ahead for this development, I’ll be looking forward to seeing building work progress and eventually welcoming new customers to their homes.”

As the situation develops, community members are encouraged to participate in the consultation process to voice their opinions on the proposed affordable housing project.