Controversial housing scheme near Linslade Wood approved despite hundreds of objections
A controversial housing scheme close to Linslade Wood has been approved, despite “hundreds of local residents objecting”, a meeting heard.
But applicant Peabody Trust’s full plans for 54 homes on a greenfield site between Linslade Reservoir and 138 Soulbury Road have a further hurdle to clear.
The finalised planning conditions will have to be brought back to the next Bedfordshire Council development management committee meeting to be agreed by councillors.
The project on an undeveloped site allocated in the Central Bedfordshire Local Plan includes 36 homes and 18 flats with amenity space, access from Leighton Road, parking and landscaping.
As that releases the land from the greenbelt, the proposal is acceptable in principle, according to a report to Central Bedfordshire Council’s development management committee.
Six representations were received in support of the application or were neutral, said the report. There were 264 representations opposing it, and a petition against with 225 signatures.
Objector Clive Palmer, representing the Leighton Buzzard Society, warned: “Such development would be highly damaging to the setting, environment and ecology of the biodiverse Linslade Wood.
“I’ve seen no ecological study with convincing evidence that the development wouldn’t adversely impact nationally and internationally protected species found in the wood.
“This parcel of land being considered serves as a foraging ground. The noise from the development, including a children’s play area, and light intrusion from security and house lighting, as well as vehicle headlights, add weight to the unsuitability of site.
“It would result in the massive destruction of native roadside hedging. The wider area and this site has long been considered as of significant landscape value.
“A 2012 application for fewer properties was rejected by CBC, with the reasons including the detrimental impact on the landscape. There’s been no material change in that regard since then.
“The site lacks sustainability given its location and distance from services, with the intervening topography. Literally hundreds of local residents have objected to this site being developed, while Leighton-Linslade Town Council and the Leighton Buzzard Society are also opposed to the scheme.”
Independent Leighton Linslade West councillor Victoria Harvey suggested a couple of fields next to Linslade Wood, if well managed, could have ponds created there or some more woodland.
“We could possibly end up with better biodiversity for the whole woodland than at present,” she explained. “That might not make me popular, but it could be amazing if that’s explored.
“The Friends of Linslade Wood with the Greensand Trust and CBC have gradually created Rory’s pond near the site, and the glade around it has orchids and other wild flowers. This area has become incredibly enriched.
“There are two (potential) reasons for refusal. Linslade Wood is supposed to be an alternative to Ashridge, the Chiltern Beechwoods, where too many people have been walking because of housing growth. That was a decision behind creating Linslade Wood.
“You’ve got pasture land needed by bats beside a woodland. If one of the adjacent fields was used for biodiversity net gain, then you totally change the environment.”
Planning agent and director at Union4 Tanya Jordan referred to the site being allocated for 55 homes in the CBC Local Plan, saying: “These proposals are within those limits.
“The massing reflects the context providing pairs of semi-detached houses and two-storey flats. The layout of the scheme has evolved to respond to the site setting next to Linslade Wood, with landscape buffers on two sides.
“A contribution towards the management of Linslade Wood and to mitigate any increased impact from the development has been agreed. We’ve done specialist ecological surveys.
“Parking meets standards, while a new safety crossing has been subject to a stage one safety audit and agreed with highways officers.”