Object

Representation ID: 7514

Received: 21/09/2021

Respondent: Wyboston Chawston & Colesden Parish Council

We write regarding a proposed major housing development under the name of ‘Dennybrook Garden Village’ and the devastating impact this would have on not just the immediate area, but also on the nearby town of St Neots.
We acknowledge the need for more housing and, where done responsibly, accept that this can benefit surrounding areas and business. We draw your attention to the developments nearby to this area, across the border, of Loves Farm and Wintringham, major housing builds constructed alongside the development of a major road improvement plan, with very little impact on local existing structures.
Dennybrook Garden Village on the other hand single handedly turns a small rural hamlet into a town the size of Kempston, with no apparent infrastructure plans relating back to Bedford Town, instead relying entirely on the nearby town of St Neots to accommodate its residents in terms of Traffic management, Surgeries, Policing etc. Furthermore, assuming a development close to a neighbouring Borough will create income without the expenditure would be naive as the neighbouring Council will demand a ratio of the tax income and/or possibly refuse to supply services, in particular medical.
From an environmental stance there are also inherent problems, last year the river Ouse flooded from Great Barford to St Neots Town centre, compounded by run-off from the proposed area. With the introduction of hardstanding and housing this occurrence will increase. The area is also Greenfield land, against all Government recommendations for new building. There are many Brownfield sites within the Bedfordshire boundary ready to accommodate housing without the massive impact. Furthermore, many smaller developments would have a negligible effect on infrastructure and environment.