Plan for up to 160 homes on Leighton Buzzard green belt

Arnold White Estates Limited has submitted an outline plan for land to the south of Leighton Road, Stanbridge – which has so far been met with 26 comments against and none in favour.

Meanwhile, Central Bedfordshire Councillors Shaun Roberts and Chris Leaman have defended the green belt land in their call-in requests for the Development Management Committee.

Describing the plan in its Design and Access statement, Arnold White Estates Limited, said: "Astral Green Residential represents an opportunity to deliver a high quality, landscape led community in a sustainable location.

"The proposals will provide up to 160 new homes in a mix of sizes and tenures, including 45 per cent affordable housing, helping to meet local housing needs while creating a balanced and inclusive community.

"The development will be set within a generous green and blue infrastructure framework that retains existing hedgerows, strengthens landscape buffers, integrates sustainable drainage and supports biodiversity net gain."

The development would also include: pedestrian and cycle access, parking, open space, landscaping and community allotments, sustainable drainage systems, and associated works. All matters are reserved, except for access.

Councillors Roberts and Leaman, both representing Leighton Linslade South, have submitted call-in requests.

In the request form, Councillor Shaun Roberts claims: "This development will significantly impact on existing houses on Liddell Way and Cruickshank Mead. It will further add to traffic problems in Stanbridge Road and the town centre."

He also noted that the application had been through "multiple iterations".

Councillor Roberts added: "It is noted that it previously included plans for a health hub which have been dropped. Once again it is a sizable increase in housing with no promise of improved infrastructure."

Meanwhile, both councillors argued that the development is proposed for Green belt land – with a number of "highly valuable ecological areas" nearby.

But the ecological appraisal states: "The habitat survey has established that the site is dominated by habitats not considered to be of ecological importance, whilst the proposals have sought to retain those features identified to be of value.

"Where it has not been practicable to avoid loss of habitats, new habitat creation is proposed to offset losses."

Promoting sustainable travel, the application will include new pedestrian and cycle links, footpath and cycleway improvements along Leighton Road.

There is also a "proposed footpath connection to Astral Park", which will "encourage active travel" and help residents access nearby services, public transport and recreational facilities.

The Design and Access statement concludes: "At the heart of the proposals is a commitment to creating a healthy, safe and attractive place to live. Homes would be designed to overlook streets and open spaces; play areas and allotments would support everyday community life; and the retained ridgetop green corridor will provide a distinctive landscape setting.

"Overall, the proposals will deliver a well-connected, inclusive community that balances new homes with landscape, ecology, recreation and long-term community value."

The target date for a decision is October 20. You can view the plan here on the Central Bedfordshire Council planning portal.