Plans for a new convenience store, post office and takeaway look set to be thrown out - despite support from villagers.
A developer named in council papers as N Sundavadra applied for planning permission to build them on land off Broad Drove East at Tydd St Giles, near Wisbech.
The proposals included a one bed flat and 11 new parking spaces.
But Fenland council's planning committee has been recommended to turn down the scheme when it meets on Wednesday, July 26.
A report to councillors says: "The approach to the site along a narrow country road with far-reaching views of open countryside over a flat farmland landscape contributes to a very rural character."
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It adds the development would be "harmful to the agrarian nature of the surrounding landscape" and set "an unwelcome precedent for inappropriate development".
The report adds Tydd St Giles is a small village, which does not currently have a shop or takeaway, meaning residents have to travel to do their shopping.
Some 56 letters of support were received by the council - 26 were said to be from the same person - and 11 objections.
Those in favour said shopping, post office, and ATM facilities are needed in the village.
Grounds for objection included the development not being in keeping with the area and previous shops having closed through lack of trade.
The report concludes: "Rather than meet the shopping needs of the village the scale of the proposal is geared towards a wider catchment, which together with the remote location of the site mitigates against sustainable development."
It recommends refusal because the development "would result in the introduction of an alien form of activity in an essentially open countryside location".
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