A planning application for 20 new homes in Wootton has been approved by Bedford Borough Council’s Planning Committee.
Council planning officers recommended the application for the homes on Keeley Lane for approval, subject conditions which included an agreement to secure 30 per cent affordable housing.
The application, which is included in the Wootton Neighbourhood Plan, was reported to the Committee on Monday, September 26, 2022, as there were objections from four neighbours.
One of the objectors, Craig Matthews, told the committee that Keeley Lane is not designed for an increase in housing, and the development could cause continuous urban development within the village.
“This development leaves room at the back to develop the whole field,” he said.
Another objector, Conrad Longmore, agreed: “I am concerned that this would introduce a contiguous development between Wootton and Keeley Lane,
which is a distinct settlement.
“And when combined with other developments in the area it will create contiguous development between Wootton, Keely Lane, Hall End, Gibraltar and then on to Kempston.
“This council, I believe, opposes that and finds itself in conflict with the parish council that rather surprisingly came up with this,” he said.
Gideon Richards, team leader development management at the council, did not address these points.
Daniel Robinson-Wells, from Marrons Planning, spoke on behalf of the applicants, and said: “The site is allocated in the Wootton Neighbourhood Plan.
“This proposed development will include the following benefits, the provision of much needed homes of a range of size and tenures, including 30 per cent
affordable housing on-site, and the provision of bungalows.”
The application was approved by committee members without any questions or comments.
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