An outline application for up to 36 new homes in Willington has prompted objections from residents who say the scheme conflicts with the village’s neighbourhood plan and sits outside the defined settlement boundary.
The application, submitted by Clarendon Land & Development Ltd, seeks permission for “up to 36 residential dwellings” on land north of Barford Road, with vehicular access from Barford Road, alongside public open space, landscaping and drainage infrastructure.
The applicant describes it as occupying “a clear edge-of-settlement position, functioning as a transition between the built form of Willington and the open countryside to the east”.
The Design and Access Statement said the proposal aims to deliver a “high-quality development” that integrates with the surrounding landscape and settlement pattern.
Objections
However, residents have objected, arguing the land lies outside Willington’s settlement policy area and is not allocated for development in the village’s ‘made’ neighbourhood plan.
One objector said: “Until the borough brings forward a new draft local plan and there is a formal call for sites, all housing applications, such as this one, should be refused.”
Concerns have also been raised about traffic and highway safety. One comment describes the five-way junction onto the A603 from Barford Road as “already overwhelmed with traffic” and says additional vehicle movements would “exacerbate this situation further”.
The applicant’s supporting documents state that the development is forecast to generate 20 two-way vehicle trips in the morning peak and 18 in the evening peak, and conclude this would have “no discernible impact” on Barford Road or the wider highway network.
Other objections cite the loss of agricultural land, impact on views, privacy concerns for neighbouring properties, potential noise from a proposed play area, and, as one resident described, a “dangerous precedent” for further expansion behind existing homes.
The proposal is submitted in outline form, with all matters reserved except for access. Layout, scale, appearance and landscaping would be determined at a later stage if the principle of development is approved.
More information can be found on the council’s planning portal reference 26/00234/MAO.
The overall consultation expiry date is Thursday, 26 March 2026.
by John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
