Plans to sell off green spaces in north Bedford could create a concrete nightmare for residents, according to a borough councillor.

Coun Charles Royden made the claims after being notified by the Town Hall that it was investigating the possibility of building on land on Freemans Common, and on two areas close to Tyne Crescent.

But Coun Royden believes Brickhill would be ruined by overdevelopment if any more green spaces were built on.

He said: "We are already at breaking point in Brickhill, with many new homes being built without the infrastructure to support them. We can't even get a get a pedestrian crossing outside sheltered accommodation in Avon Drive.

"I am absolutely horrified. Brickhill has previously been subjected to some extremely poor planning decisions, which is why we have had so many problems with roads having to be widened so that buses can get through to new homes.

"How many more people will have to have their lives disrupted and even ruined because of this overdevelopment?"

Coun Royden was told of the council's review in a letter to councillors from a property development officer at Bedford Borough Council.

As part of the Bedford Development Framework landowners across the borough are being invited to submit sites they believe could be developed by 2021.

And the council is also deciding which of its land could be built upon in the next 13 years.

Coun Royden said: "The council will say that this building might not take place for another ten to 12 years. But if we don't act now to defend our green spaces then there is no doubt that we will one day pay the price for our inaction.

"This is the point when the community has to come together to stop Brickhill being over-developed, otherwise it will become a nightmare for residents. Once a community loses its green spaces, it becomes a bad place to live."

A borough council spokesman said: "All landowners, including the council, are able to submit proposals for consideration. This does not mean that sites put forward will automatically be included. Some may be highly speculative and others considered unacceptable in planning policy terms but all submitted proposals will be considered on their individual merit in order to meet our housing and other land use responsibilities.

"The whole process is subject to full public consultation and a list of preferred sites for allocations will be consulted upon in due course."

Coun Royden has called a public meeting for Friday, August 29, at St Mark's Church Community Centre in Calder Rise, Bedford, at 7.30pm.