Central Beds chief exec U-turns over plans for 119 homes on Houghton Regis Green Belt land

The chief executive of Central Beds Council done a U-turn over a major planning application in Houghton Regis, after declining to use emergency powers to decide the matter himself.
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Applicant Jarvis Homes Limited wants to build 119 homes on Green Belt land off Bedford Road, immediately south of the Dunstablians Rugby Football Club.

The company also wants permission to demolish a building and to create open space, parking and an access road at The Gates in Bidwell.

The scheme has been rescheduled for the next meeting of Central Bedfordshire Council’s development management committee on May 27.

A view of plans for The Gates at BidwellA view of plans for The Gates at Bidwell
A view of plans for The Gates at Bidwell

CBC’s chief executive Richard Carr opted not to decide the outcome himself after protests from independent councillors and concerns raised by residents.

The local authority has been considering ways to stage meetings during the coronavirus crisis.

Planning meetings have been an issue because of the limited timescale for councils to approve or refuse applications.

With two development management meetings cancelled last month, it was decided Mr Carr would adopt emergency powers to decide several projects, including the one in Houghton Regis.

It was recommended for approval by CBC planning officers.

Houghton Regis Town Council objects to the proposals, saying shopping and community facilities should be included, as well as a bus service to the town centre.

A development management panel of three experienced councillors from the committee met on Monday (April 27) before advising Mr Carr of its decisions.

Conservative Cranfield and Marston Moretaine councillor Ken Matthews, who chairs the committee, and Conservative Caddington councillor Kevin Collins, who’s the executive member for planning and regeneration, were joined by Independent Barton-le-Clay councillor Ian Shingler.

Their recommendation to Mr Carr is understood to have been for approval based on a two in favour one against vote along party lines.

Two developments were refused under emergency powers by Mr Carr in support of planning officers views.

One was for four homes in Toddington and the other for two houses in Studham.

The remainder have been deferred until the next meeting.

Independent Aspley and Woburn councillor John Baker said on social media: “The chief executive admitted he had received some 50 emails from members of the public complaining about his decision [to use new planning powers].

“Many who wrote to Mr Carr were sent an identically-worded response by his PA confirming he still intended to make the decisions himself.

“This would involve using emergency powers to make planning decisions, as opposed to the usual democratic method where a committee of elected councillors would decide controversial applications.”

Independent councillors sent a letter to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government Robert Jenrick, “expressing great concern”.

Bidwell has had more than its fair share of housing recently, added councillor Baker.

“Residents say the existing surgery and schools are full to bursting and even the cemetery has no more space.

“A lack of school capacity means children from school Years 9 and 10 have to be bussed to Luton where the nearest spaces can be found.

“The application has been opposed by local councillors, the town council and the CPRE Bedfordshire.”

If the application is eventually approved, it must be referred to Mr Jenrick as the site lies within the Green Belt.