PLANS for a new ambulance station have been approved despite opposition from local residents. The East of England Ambulance Service will build the facility, which will house a base for vehicles and offices for administration staff, on a vacant industrial

PLANS for a new ambulance station have been approved despite opposition from local residents.

The East of England Ambulance Service will build the facility, which will house a base for vehicles and offices for administration staff, on a vacant industrial unit in Whiting Way, Melbourn.

Planning permission was granted by South Cambridgeshire district council's planning committee at their meeting on Thursday, despite seven local residents voicing their opposition to the plans.

The resident's objections ranged from fears that speed limits would be broken, to concerns about noise and light pollution.

A report to the planning committee also suggested that pedestrians would be at "high risk" from the increased traffic because Back Lane, the road through which the site is accessed, has no footpaths.

Melbourn parish council also opposed the scheme following complaints from villagers, but the committee voted 11-1 in favour of it going ahead.

Steven Moore, Hazard Area Response Team manager for the East of England Ambulance Service, welcomed the decision, and reassured Melbourn residents that the station would be an "asset" for the village.

He said: "It is envisaged that the station will become an asset to the local community rather than being seen as a burden"

"It will mean quicker, potentially life-saving, responses to 999 calls for Melbourn villagers and nearby residents.

"In addition, disturbance will be kept at a minimum as, unless a vehicle leaving the site is responding to a life-threatening emergency, we will not activate blue lights and sirens until it is on the main road outside the village," he said.