Home > TOWN COUNCIL OBJECT TO CHURCH ROAD DEVELOPMENT PLANNING APPLICATION

TOWN COUNCIL OBJECT TO CHURCH ROAD DEVELOPMENT PLANNING APPLICATION

June 21, 2022

COUNCIL AGREE OBJECTION TO CHURCH ROAD DEVELOPMENT PLANNING APPLICATION

At tonight’s Town Council meeting, members unanimously agreed to object to the planning application for the proposed Church Road development, recognising the negative impact it would have on the town’s infrastructure, services, wildlife habitats, and heritage.

The Town Council is objecting to the Church Road development on multiple grounds, many of which are contrary to policies in the Local Plan.   In summary:

  • The development in situated in green belt and the developer has not demonstrated any exceptional circumstances that justifies development on the green belt.
  • No satisfactory assessment has been undertaken on the impact on the Flitwick Manor County Wildlife Site.
  • No plans identified for how the scheme will make a contribution to the Greensand Ridge Nature Improvement Area. In addition, it is likely to have a significant visual impact on this area.
  • No assessment undertaken of the impact of development of local healthcare facilities.
  • Significant concerns on the impact of the development of flooding of the River Flit and associated wetland habitats in Manor Park.

There are also a number of concerns the Town Council has highlighted in the report around traffic impacts and road safety; the heritage of Manor Park; sewage flow; loss of agricultural land, and the impact this unplanned growth will have on key services and infrastructure in the town.

You can read the full report presented at the Town Council meeting here.

In May, the Town Council formed a new Planning Improvement Group who are responsible for making recommendations to the Town Council on major planning applications.  The new group focus on engaging with Central Bedfordshire Council, residents and developers to try to influence plans before they reach an advanced stage.  By getting involved in the planning process at an early stage the group aim to reduce any impact and to ensure that the community gets the maximum benefit from planned developments.

If you would like to help influence the future development of the town and are interested in joining the Planning Improvement Group to work together with us please email info@flitwick.gov.uk or call 01525 631900.

 

Scroll to Top