Future of Leighton Buzzard park uncertain after inclusion in development consultation
Campaigners on a Leighton Buzzard housing estate are renewing their opposition to the potential loss of their local park.
A previous attempt to replace the open space at Roman Gate with two industrial units and parking for more than 100 vehicles was unsuccessful.
Leighton Buzzard Liberal Democrat South ward councillors are urging people to respond to the current plan consultation process, as the site could still be dropped from the final list.
AW Group, which owns the land, says there are no immediate plans for development – but added it was ‘not possible’ to say what the future holds.
Resident Tom Conroy was one of the first to buy a property on the estate, saying: “We were told that park was for us and that’s what it said in the planning permission.
“We understood that ‘this development has a play park with fields for you to use’, and that was part of securing the planning permission. Arnold White Group is one of the largest landowners in the town and involved in quite a few developments.
“The firm either owns the land or has sold it to other developers, or there are partnerships created. This company is very much involved in the local community.
“It’s a shame to see that someone investing in the area isn’t really looking after the long-term. People in this locality feel they’re not protected. You’re promised something and then it’s just taken away from you for some reason.”
The land was owned in this case by the Church Commissioners for England, which sold it to Arnold White Group, he explained.
“Even though it was sold on to them, it should still remain as green space. It’s quite disappointing. I don’t have the energy for this kind of thing.
“The last thing you expect really is to have to fight for something you were told would remain in the community. I’m hopeful that the site won’t be redesignated to employment land.
“This area has been identified as having a lack of recreational and green space for the local community. It would be crazy for the play park to be taken away, as it’s recognised already that there’s a lack of suitable open space.
“One of the things highlighted in planning documents is the lack of recreational and green space in Leighton Buzzard and that the local authority needs to identify areas which could be used for that purpose.
“So why would you remove more? I’m hopeful CBC, with the proper knowledge of what this area is being used for currently, will take it off the list. It seems Arnold White Group would use up all the land, but then allocate a space for a play park.
“A document suggested a play park would be provided, even though the firm would be removing the existing one and making it smaller. It’s a little galling really,” he added.
“What’s at stake is changing the planning use of the land to employment use. I’ve asked people who’ve supported the Roman Gate Action Group to respond to the consultation process and explain the value they get from the site.
“There are many walking their dogs or just enjoying nature, while there’s the play park with the kids, as well as the playing of ball games.
“They don’t want to lose that. I know they’re using it, so let’s get out there and make a strong call for action for it to be changed to use as green space under the land designation.”
Roman Gate residents have said before how the land by their homes played a vital role in their health and wellbeing during the pandemic.
A spokesperson for AW Group said: “The parcel of land at Roman’s Gate remains in the ownership of Arnold White Estates.
“Although the site has been included in the Central Bedfordshire Call for Sites, there are no immediate plans for development at this stage.
“It is not possible to say at this stage what the future of the land will be, but we remain committed to the local community, and always welcome feedback on all live projects.”
The consultation closes on Monday, August 17 – you can leave your comments here.