Plans for a housing development were given the green light last night (Monday).

Members of the planning control committee at North Herts District Council approved an application to build 15 houses on agricultural land adjacent to Walkdens on Ashwell Street in Ashwell.

The development would be made up of four one-bedroom flats, eight two-bedroom houses and three three-bedroom houses, as well as a new road between 8 and 9 Walkdens.

Ashwell Parish Council had objected to the proposals, raising concerns about the loss of prime agricultural land, the lack of infrastructure and how it would ruin the view.

Ashwell parish councillor Graham Lee said: “There was a clear view from residents that the particular site was just too important as an agricultural and Green Belt site beyond the boundaries of the village.

“There is also the fact that there are a number of residents in that area that suffer drainage problems and this could make it worse.”