‘We want half of your houses’

Luton Council wants rights to up to half of the affordable housing being planned by Central Bedfordshire Council in its development strategy.

Councillors in Luton are preparing to discuss the strategy at a meeting on Monday (April 15).

A report to the executive committee reads: “If the discussions on access to affordable housing are not successful then Luton has a fundamental objection to the development strategy and application.”

The News understands councillors may decide to adopt an even more combative stance at their meeting.

Luton Council wants to try to meet the needs of an extra 4,800 homes. Even if it gets extra affordable homes in Central Beds, it won’t be enough, officials say.

Luton Council and Central Bedfordshire could also be at loggerheads over clogged up roads and shopping space planned for just over its tightly packed border.

The plan could see 7,000 new homes north of Houghton Regis and another 4,000 north of Luton, with local centres, retail units, a foodstore and a pub.

Central Beds Council aims to adopt the strategy in 2014.