Plans to build 12 new assisted living flats in Farcet have been given the green light to go ahead by councillors.

Huntingdonshire District Council has approved the application to build three two-storey blocks of flats on land behind 93 Peterborough Road.

The current house facing the road is proposed to be demolished in order to make way for a new access road to reach the flats.

The assisted living homes are proposed to be made available for people aged between 18 to 65 with learning, mental, and physical difficulties.

Each flat is proposed to have its own living room, kitchen area, bedroom and bathroom.

Communal areas are also proposed within the development, as well as office spaces for carers.

The application said the new assisted living homes would allow people to live independently, while also having access to support from care staff which will be available on site 24/7.

The plans said: “Government policy has recognised that the needs for adult care are evolving and facilities available for the group in society must change to meet this need.

“There is now an emphasis on encouraging individuals to live with greater independence whilst care and assistance are still provided all year round 24/7 in a safe, supportive environment.

“The proposal will provide much needed residential apartments within a sustainable location.”

Farcet Parish Council objected to the application raising highways safety concerns about the new access road off Peterborough Road.

The parish council said there was also a “lack of community facilities” in the village for the people who would be living in the flats and raised concerns about adding pressure on the GP surgery.

Planning officers highlighted that no objection had been raised by the highways authority after conditions had been agreed.

They also pointed out that plans to build six houses on the land had already been approved under a previous application.

Officers added that the assisted living flats would help to “address an identified need for specialist housing”.

Councillors considered the application at a development management committee meeting this week (September 16).

Councillor Steve Corney said he did not have any issues with the application and said he believed officers had “got this one right” by recommending approval.

Councillor Sam Wakeford said it was an “extremely hard application to disagree with”.

When a decision on the application was put to a vote the committee agreed to approve the plans.