Building Land Wanted in Witchford

As Community Land Trusts (CLTs) in East Cambridgeshire continuing to move forward, the recently established Witchford CLT is now looking for land to develop.

The CLT, which was set up by residents to help house local people and deliver facilities for the benefit of the community has recently undertaken a review of the land they are know is available.

However the CLT is aware there may be other sites which could be suitable but don’t know about its availability.

The group are therefore making a ‘call for land’ in an attempt to increase the potential options in the community.

For anyone who believes they could assist the land can be located inside or outside the current development envelope of Witchford, but to be of interest, it needs to be:

• Well related by footpath / cycleway to key village services and facilities.
• Suitable in terms of physical, technical, and planning constraints (e.g. access / flood risk etc).
• Capable of development without significant harm to the character or setting of Witchford or the surrounding countryside.
• Available to purchase freehold and of at least 1 acre (0.4 hectares) in size.

Cllr Charles Roberts, Deputy Leader at East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “Across East Cambridgeshire, Community Land Trusts are at various stages in their development but they are united by the goal of making a real contribution to the future of their communities. They will bring new housing, facilities and infrastructure to villages and towns in the district. Our challenge is to know how we can assist to help them succeed.

“In Witchford, the CLT is putting out a ‘call for land’ to identify spaces in the village which would be suitable for development and meet the criteria which they have set out. This is very important because CLTs want to benefit communities not harm or bring about inappropriate development. So if you feel you can help please get in touch.”

To put forward land or for more information on Community Land Trusts please call 01353 665555.