Cambridgeshire locals object to care home plans branded 'grim towers' in St Ives
More than a dozen Cambridgeshire locals have objected to plans for new retirement flats in St Ives. A planning application was submitted to Huntingdonshire District Council in December by Gladman Retirement Living Ltd to build 86 retirement flats next to Meadow Lake.
The design and access statement submitted as part of the application said: “The proposed development aims to provide a safe, comfortable and supportive environment for its elderly residents, ensuring their independence and well-being. This features a mixture of 86 one, two and three bedroom apartments, communal facilities, landscaped gardens and on-site care facilities.”
If approved, the development would include two buildings, car parking, and associated facilities with access from Meadow Lane. The proposed site has been described by the applicant as ‘currently vacant’.
More than a dozen individuals have objected to the plans, as has Hunts Sailing Club. A formal objection from the sailing club said: “The proposed location for such mammoth buildings is completely out of character for the area and would adversely impact the character of this County Wildlife Site.”
Other concerns raised by the sailing club include the ‘wind shadow’ that the buildings would create, the impact on flooding and drainage in the area, and the use of greenfield land. The sailing club’s objection claimed that a number of trees were cleared from the site in May 2024, prior to the planning application being submitted – with the letter including photographs of the site before and after the trees were cleared.
Other objections echoed concerns about the impact of the ‘wind shadow’ on the sailing club, as well as noting the use of greenfield land rather than brownfield. One objector wrote: “Whilst the location would provide residents with a nice view, it comes at the cost of everyone else who has to look upon these grim towers – instead of the little remaining woodland this country has to offer.”
Another added: “I don’t understand why a greenfield site is being developed when there are brownfield sites in the area that are not yet underdevelopment. For example the old Vauxhall garage in London Road has remained derelict for years and is an eyesore and attracts vandalism. Surely it would be better to develop this in preference to building on a greenfield site.”
You can view the full planning application, as well as comments submitted to Huntingdonshire District Council, on the planning portal here.