Green plan to preserve countryside

Central Beds Council says it wants to make sure the swathe of countryside that connects Chalton, Toddington, Harlington, Barton, Streatley and Sundon is “conserved and enhanced for the benefit of current and future generations”.

In its plans it says the Chiltern Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) is under threat from urbanisation, and much of the site borders land to the north of Luton which has beeen earmarked by the council for massive housing growth.

The ‘vision plan’ is also aimed at improving access and facilities for visitors, and could see the construction of a new visitor centre.

People at last week’s consultation event at Sundon Village Hall told the Luton News that while they liked the plans, they were more concerned about the council’s plans for housing development.

Harlington Parish Council chair Mary Walsh said: “They don’t even need all this housing, it’s so that the North Luton Bypass can be funded.

“They held the consultation about the development strategy in seven weeks and it wasn’t properly publicised.”

Margaret Bailey, of Sundon Park, said: “If all this development goes ahead they’re going to need infrastructure. Sundon Park is full of lorries already.

“Sundon Wood is ancient woodland and it’s going to be surrounded by housing.”

Two more consultation events are taking place, at Streatley Village Hall on Monday (Sept 17) from 6pm–8.30pm and at Barton Library on Tuesday (Sept 18) from 1.30pm–3.30pm.

Visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk to have your say on the plans.