A DEVELOPMENT of 20 homes, including social housing, could be built in a village.

A planning application for the site in Station Road, Ashwell, has been submitted to North Herts district council.

The development would consist of 15 three-bedroom houses, five two-bedroom houses, two double garages, car parking, access road, landscaping and a crossover and pedestrian access.

The application is being supported and recommended for approval by Ashwell Parish Council, and also outlines plans for seven affordable houses.

But several neighbouring residents to the development have written to the district council objecting to the plans.

In a report to the district council’s planning committee, one neighbour said the volume of traffic on Station Road is “already bad, and would be made worse and dangerous”. They also note that Ashwell School may not cope with the additional pressure.

Another objector cites the environmental impact the development would have on trees and wildlife such as the area’s bat population.

Cllr Andrew Young, the ward’s district councillor, said: “Affordable housing is something that the village needs, and this will ensure that people do not leave the village. I think this would be good for the village of Ashwell subject to discussions at the meeting.”

The district council’s planning officer recommends the scheme be granted approval, and a final decision will be made when the planning committee meets today (Thursday).