Opposition to 'zero carbon village' near Leighton Buzzard builds as plans submitted to council
Opposition is building to a mixed-use residential and renewables project in the greenbelt near Leighton Buzzard, with plans now submitted to the local authority.
Up to 3,600 energy-efficient homes would be built at Eastern Way Quarries on land to the north and south of Eastern Way in Heath and Reach, with nearly 520 acres of green space and a country park.
Arnold White Estates Limited’s hybrid application has been submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council, with full plans for two wind turbines, solar arrays and other infrastructure, and outline proposals for the residential development.
The scheme aims to deliver a net zero carbon village on 815 acres, within an area bounded by Heath and Reach, Potsgrove, Eggington, Battlesden and Leighton-Linslade.
Of 61 responses registered on the CBC website planning portal, 58 are against the project, one in favour and there are two comments.
There would be a roundabout and junction amendments between the A5 Watling Street and Eastern Way, a new access and road from Shenley Hill Road, as well as a new roundabout, revised junctions, accesses and improvements along Mile Tree Road, and a new roundabout and access to the north of Eastern Way.
The outline plans involve a mixed-use scheme for the housing, with affordable properties and specialist accommodation for older people, new employment and industrial floorspace, and community infrastructure, including a narrow gauge railway terminus and a museum.
There would be a secondary school and primary schools, healthcare facilities, local centre uses, such as retail, community and employment provision, sports hubs, and landscaping works with a country park, woodland, amenity space and ecological areas.
This hybrid planning application places renewable energy at the heart of a proposed new community, on land subject to historic and ongoing minerals extraction, according to a development statement by Arrow Planning.
The proposals are to be powered entirely by renewable energy from the wind turbines and solar arrays, while extending the life of the current Double Arches and Checkley Wood turbines, explained the planning statement.
“Eastern Way Quarries is designed to help meet local and national targets by generating its energy through on-site renewable technologies. The development is submitted as a phased and severable scheme, and each component can be delivered independently.
“It shows how the applicant Arnold White Estates Limited is leading the way in helping to address climate change, while providing much-needed, energy-efficient homes and jobs in a sustainable location.
“The company’s vision also supports CBC’s commitment to be carbon neutral by 2030, which includes the need for new developments to reduce carbon emissions.
“Eastern Way Quarries is envisaged as a distinctive new neighbourhood for Leighton Buzzard, which will be self-sufficient in providing new jobs, open spaces and amenities for its residents.
“This exemplar development introduces a rich and interconnected network of open spaces, with a country park, other parks and water bodies. Working with the topography, it’s designed to create characterful places, which will activate the landscape for all, with play, recreation, and community garden space.
“The submitted master plan is the result of a process, including public engagement and a design review panel. This covered technical topics, such as highways, drainage and landscape, as well as responses from stakeholders and residents.
“Eastern Way Quarries will deliver a significant new enterprise park powered by renewable energy, supporting both smaller and medium-sized industry, and set apart by its high quality, green and walkable environment. It seeks to capitalise on the emerging Oxford Cambridge growth corridor and build on local specialisms.”