A planning application (reference 17/01800/OUT) for nine two-storey dwellings, garages, and associated works following the demolition of the existing bungalow has today been refused by planners at East Cambridgeshire district council. The reason given for the refusal is as follows.

‘The proposal is unable to guarantee the long-term survival of the existing newt populations. The inclusion of a small undevelopable plot at the southern end of the site as a mitigation area does not appear to provide sufficient mitigation for the overall loss of habitat. The mitigation area is separated from the breeding pond by the undeveloped curtilage of 121 High Street. However, this land is not included within the application site mitigation area and therefore there is no guarantee that connectivity will be retained between the mitigation area and breeding ponds in the future. The fails [sic] to provide for the favourable conservation status of the local population of Great Crested Newts, contrary to 2015 Local Plan Policy ENV7, Proposed Submission Local Plan 2017 Policy LP30 and the NPPF.’