Object

Representation ID: 6180

Received: 09/09/2021

Respondent: Ms Susan Driver

Site 714:

There should be no building on this site because of:

1. Extensive flooding and drainage issues. (see 1a)

2. You will destroy the very amenity Bedford Borough claim to be trying to develop – i.e. ‘Develop a strong and multi-functional urban and rural green infrastructure network’ (see 2a)

1a. There should be no building here because the land has significant drainage issues and is prone to flooding. Water flows off the hill and settles on the bottom 30% of the field. It is particularly bad during the winter months and has flooded for the past 15 years that I know of. Since the adjacent Bellway homes site has been built, the flooding has increased significantly. Last winter the flooding was so bad that the bottom end of the field was under more than 30cm of water. I have never seen it that bad before

2a. Bedford borough claims to be aiming to:-
facilitate ‘the development of more sustainable and inclusive places for local communities,………… and offer the opportunity to live healthier lifestyles.
Develop a strong and multi-functional urban and rural green infrastructure network through protecting, enhancing, extending and linking landscapes, woodland, biodiversity sites, heritage sites, green spaces and paths.
Improve access to green and blue infrastructure for the enjoyment and health of all.’
This green infrastructure already exists around the village of Wilstead. This field is part of the local green infrastructure so why destroy this amenity by putting houses here? This field is currently enjoyed by both the residents of Wilstead and The Wixams. People also come from other areas to walk across these fields to Wilstead woods.

During the lockdowns of 2020, this area resembled Piccadilly Circus because so many people brought their young children for picnics, and took their children for rambles across this field and adjacent fields. People were dog walking, blackberry picking, playing games and generally enjoying this open space. Most people were not from Wilstead village – many were from The Wixams. The Wixams no longer has significant areas of open fields for all generations to enjoy along with country walks because they have already been built on or are about to be built on.

If you build on this field – and adjacent fields - you will destroy this amenity for all communities in Bedfordshire.