New homes neighbouring King's Dyke Nature Reserve in Whittlesey approved despite serious concerns

The plans for Westhaven Nursery in Peterborough Road were approved by Fenland District Council’s Planning Committee last week, with 85 per cent of the properties due to be affordable homes.

Cllrs were being asked to consider the final aspects of the layout and design of the site following concerns raised by an earlier application. The planning application from developers Axiom Homes was presented by Robert Jays from the Lindum Group, who said: “Absolutely no species will be harmed as a result of this development.”

The nature reserve is a preserve for more than 3,000 species including the Great Crested Newt.

It is run by Philip Parker, who said: “While I appreciate the developers have worked to amend the application so that the boundary is now protected with anti-cat metal fencing, that boundary should be 20m at least, and not the 8m currently proposed.”