Action is being taken to protect the “jewel in the crown” of Central Bedfordshire housing developments.
Fairfield Park was said to be under threat from alterations described as “monstrosities”.
Permitted changes and adaptations to homes need to be prevented, Fairfield Parish Council had warned last summer.
It asked Central Bedfordshire Council to apply an Article 4 direction to stop this happening in future, at an executive meeting in August.
A public consultation was agreed, which was mainly supportive, according to Conservative Caddington Councillor Kevin Collins, who’s the executive member for planning and regeneration.
“The report proposes we confirm the Article 4 direction, so it comes in with immediate effect,” he told the executive on Tuesday. (January 5)
Conservative Stotfold and Langford Councillor Steve Dixon said: “It’s very unique what we have up at Fairfield.
“Given the attention that’s gone into protecting the ethics of Fairfield, it’s appropriate and I’m very supportive.”
He previously described the proposal as “reinforcing what’s held so dear to the village of Fairfield” and “not a knee-jerk reaction”.
Barrie Dack, who chairs Fairfield Parish Council, asked the earlier meeting: “For how much longer can Fairfield be held up as being in the forefront of excellent design?
“Sadly cracks are appearing that threaten to remove that uniqueness of which we and you are so proud.”
Conservative Arlesey councillor Ian Dalgarno had said in August: “It’s, as Mr Dack alluded to, a ‘jewel in the crown’ in terms of residential development in Central Bedfordshire,” and labelled “additions to some homes monstrosities”.
CBC wrote to all households affected and received 78 responses, of which 62 were in support and 12 objecting.
Those wishing “to maintain the look and feel of Fairfield” suggested “extensions should be in keeping with the original Master Plan”, while “the integrity of Fairfield Park should be preserved “.
Opponents claimed there are “no extensions that hinder the look of our community”, with “countless additions to homes granted over the last ten years that don’t conform to CBC’s own published guidance”.
They said “every single developer who built here used different railings, gutters, windows, doors and roof tiles”.
CBC’s executive unanimously approved confirming the Article 4 direction in the parish of Fairfield, where the original development was the subject of a design award.
Residents will need to submit a planning application for home extensions and alterations to roof space, and for building porches and extra floors.
“There are examples in Fairfield Park of poorly designed extensions and the original design ethos of the development will be further eroded without control through this Article 4 direction,” explained a report to councillors.
“This wouldn’t remove the ability for home owners to extend or alter their property.
“While there may be less successful elements of this initial design, this will enable CBC to have greater control over future developments to properties in the parish and will improve the settlement.
“The council will, in accordance with the procedures for Article 4 directions, need to notify the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government.”
Sign up for your daily digest of local Bedfordshire news here:
https://www.bedsbulletin.com/bulletin/sign-up/
