Retail plan row threat to derail homes strategy

Luton Council officials are preparing to ask councillors to endorse a raft of objections to Central Bedfordshire Council’s development strategy.

The plan could see 7,000 new homes north of Houghton Regis and another 4,000 north of Luton. Plans include proposals for businesses, including local centres, retail units, a foodstore and a pub.

Officials, in a report to Luton Council’s executive committee on Monday (April 15), say retai units pose “a significant risk to the overall health, vitality and viability of Luton town centre, other smaller centres but also... Dunstable town centre and Houghton Regis town centre.” They say diverted trade would be “unacceptable”.

Luton Council also has issues with transport and and social housing which officials say are “fundamental objections”. Central Beds Council is planning to adopt the strategy in Febraury, 2014.