Shailesh Vara MP has welcomed the news that a controversial proposal for housing in Barnack has been unanimously refused by Peterborough City Council.

The outline planning application for an additional 80 homes on land to the west of Uffington Road, Barnack, was heard at a meeting of the Council’s Planning Committee on Tuesday of this week when councillors decided to refuse it on a number of planning grounds.

From the outset, the application met with fierce opposition from Barnack Parish Council and local residents, with numerous submissions being made to the city council as part of its consultation.

Mr Vara, along with Cllr David Over, also visited Barnack to meet local residents to discuss their concerns.

Commenting on the decision, Mr Vara said:

“I welcome this unanimous decision by the planning committee to refuse the application. Having visited the site, it is clear that the proposal was totally unacceptable given the size and nature of Barnack and the surrounding area.

“Common sense has prevailed and I pay tribute to the many local residents who made their objections clear to the planning committee.”

Photo: Mr Vara with villagers at the site of the proposed development.