Residents Revolt Over 'Stealth' Plans for 30,000 Homes in Cambridgeshire

Residents in Cambridgeshire are in open revolt against proposals to build over 30,000 new homes, accusing Huntingdonshire District Council of pushing the development through "by stealth" and without adequate public consultation. Critics argue the influx of residents, comparable to the population of a city, will cripple already strained public services including GP surgeries, schools, and roads, while a water company has warned of potential usage restrictions.

The proposed development, planned between 2021 and 2046, aims to construct 32,200 homes in the Huntingdon and surrounding areas. Of these, 4,400 have already been completed and 11,300 have received planning permission. Major sites include Alconbury Weald, slated for 6,500 homes, and Lodge Farm, for 4,900.

"People are very, very angry because there have been no major spends by the council in the past decade and suddenly they want to erect a whole new city worth of people," said Paul Bootham, 66, a member of the campaign group Pause the Plan. He expressed concerns that new homes will arrive years before the necessary infrastructure, such as schools, GP practices, hospitals, and shopping centers, are established.

Campaigners also highlight the potential impact on water resources. A water company has indicated that residents may need to reduce daily water usage. Mr. Bootham claimed that with the current number of planned houses, an estimated 200,000 additional car journeys per day could occur on roads already in disrepair. He also noted that Cambridgeshire is experiencing a water crisis, with fears that residents might be forced to cut consumption from 140 litres per person daily to 90 litres, potentially pushing the infrastructure to its limit.

Infrastructure Concerns Amplify Resident Anger

Residents point to existing issues with public services. Waiting times for GP appointments are reportedly long, with some facing delays of up to ten days for blood test results. A&E wait times are also a concern. Audra Green, 59, a resident of Hemingford Abbots for 30 years, cited a 14-month wait for a dermatology appointment and a 30-40 week wait for another procedure, leading her to seek private care.

"Our GP surgeries are at breaking point," Green stated. She also raised concerns about the local road network, which she described as crumbling and already struggling with congestion. Combined with a drainage system that has experienced collapses and sewage issues in the past, residents fear the current infrastructure cannot support such a significant population increase.

A survey conducted by the Pause the Plan campaign group of over 1,000 people revealed that more than 90 percent of respondents do not trust the evidence base behind the draft proposals. Approximately 80 percent cited road congestion as a major concern, while nearly 70 percent expressed worry about increased water and wastewater capacity. Pressure on schools and healthcare, and the impact on the countryside and farmland, were also significant concerns for close to 60 percent of respondents.

Council's Response and Public Consultation

Despite resident outcry, Huntingdonshire District Council approved the proposals on September 9 with a majority of 25 to 17, with eight abstentions. The council leader, Liberal Democrat Sarah Conboy, stated, "If we could guarantee all of the infrastructure first we would do that, but we can't." She emphasized the importance of the Local Plan in ensuring well-planned, sustainable development and meeting government housing targets.

"We are building a strong evidence base to support the plan and demonstrate that our proposed strategy and site allocations are both justified and deliverable," Conboy said. She encouraged residents to participate in the subsequent six-week consultation period, which began on September 16 and runs until October 28, to help shape the district's future.

However, some council members have voiced opposition. Reform councillor Peter Gammons described the housing numbers as "outrageous," arguing that the target is 33 percent higher than the national average. He stated that pursuing these numbers would be "a betrayal of the residents."

Anglian Water, in response to the concerns, said it is investing in infrastructure but stressed the need for new homes to incorporate water-efficient appliances and technologies. The water company has requested that these standards be included in the council's plans to ensure sustainable water usage.