Local farming company and land owner, Cole Ambrose Ltd has secured a resolution to grant detailed planning permission for a new retail and leisure scheme in Stuntney on the outskirts of Ely, in one of East Cambridgeshire District Council’s first ever virtual planning committees.

The scheme will be the first of its kind in East Cambridgeshire District, providing high quality barn-style premises for a number of independent and artisan businesses within, including upmarket retail, deli, restaurant, craft/maker space and micro-brewery in a rural setting. It will also feature a children’s play park and large space for events.

Our Planning, Development and Regeneration team conducted the retail impact assessment on behalf of Cole Ambrose Ltd, which was the determining factor in whether the scheme should be approved.

Blathnaid Duffy, Director - Planning, Development and Regeneration at LSH, commented:

“The findings of our retail impact assessment highlighted that the proposed scheme would be a positive addition to the district’s tourism and local economy and would not adversely impact on the neighbouring local centres of Ely, Soham and LIttleport.

“It has been a very complex process leading up to Committee, involving 12 months of negotiation with the Council’s advisors but we’re delighted with the result, particularly considering it one of the district’s first fully 'virtual' planning committees, following the introduction of new legislation enabling them to continue under coronavirus lockdown restrictions.”

Cole Ambrose Ltd is a family-run business that has owned and operated the estate that scheme will be situated on for several generations.

 The scheme was designed by Lyons Sleeman Hoare Architects with Carter Jonas acting as lead Planning Consultant.

Images courtesy of Lyons Sleeman Hoare Architects.