PLANS for new homes in a Crow country village have moved a step nearer to reality.

South Cambridgeshire District Council’s planning policy portfolio holders meeting recommended to Cabinet a growth plan for the next 20 years.

It contains proposed developments in the district, including plans for 65 homes in Melbourn, on land between Victoria Way and Whitton Close.

In the district, thousands of homes will be built if plans are approved.

Cllr Pippa Corney, South Cambridgeshire District Council’s Cabinet member for planning policy and localism, said: “We’ve listened to residents, businesses and parish councils over the last year to bring these plans together to support thousands of new jobs and provide much‑needed and well-connected high quality homes.

“We’ve aimed to strike a balance between growth and protecting and enhancing our villages and rural environment. Our high employment rates, good education and rural lifestyle see South Cambridgeshire consistently voted as one of the top places to live and work in the country, a status which this plan will enhance and protect.”

A consultation on all plans will be held between Friday, July 19 and Monday, September 30.

Fifteen public exhibitions are planned during the course of that period, and people will also be able to have their say online and in writing.

Following the consultation, comments will again be considered before a final draft Local Plan is presented to full council in spring 2014.