Site ID: 940

Object

Representation ID: 4848

Received: 02/09/2021

Respondent: Mrs Anne Netherway

Cannot believe this area is offered as a site .... point 2a actually this field is next to our villages country park ,
Also importantly Highways have stated CONGESTION!!!! as Honeydon Rd is practically a single highway
The land itself is of “best” agricultural standard..!!

Object

Representation ID: 4855

Received: 02/09/2021

Respondent: Mr David Netherway

I object to the possibility of losing prime agricultural land to grow food which the whole country needs !
Open spaces for the well being mentally of residents
Highways have stated the site is not fit for purpose re vehicles which is positive to the local cyclists who know this is a safe environment
The existing wildlife ..badgers foxes muntjac deer red kites and other buzzards owls ...... we residents appreciate and respect the fore mentioned Do not destroy!!!

Support

Representation ID: 5027

Received: 02/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Kevin Morrall

The site is in proportion with the existing settlement and links existing dwellings. Consideration should be given to the loss of high quality agricultural land when other sites are available.

Object

Representation ID: 5807

Received: 07/09/2021

Respondent: Ms Sharon Walsh

I write in reference to site # 940, Land South of Honeydon Road. I strongly object to the proposal that this land be used for the development of 50 residential properties. The land South of Honeydon Road is not a suitable site and should be discounted as a location for development by Bedford Borough Council.
A development of this scale in Colmworth would increase the size of the village dramatically and as such would materially affect the rural aspect of living in this location. The reason many residents live in this location is precisely for it’s rural undeveloped status which we would lose should a development of this nature be permitted to go ahead.
The NPPF makes clear that planning policies should contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by: ‘recognising the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside, and the wider benefits from natural capital and ecosystem services – including the economic and other benefits of the best and most versatile agricultural land, and of trees and woodland…’. In this instance the land is classed as the best and most versatile agricultural land as should therefore be discounted as an appropriate site, given the availability of other sites with lower grade land and which should be prioritised.
This proposal has the potential to cause significant harm to heritage assets. Immediately to the west of the site are a number of Grade I and Grade II listed properties of significance in terms of heritage and archaeology. To build on this land which is in such close proximity to heritage assets is likely to result in significant harm to these assets which could not be fully mitigated. The council’s own assessment of the site notes the significant risk to heritage assets and that a further assessment should be undertaken, the outcome of which “may ultimately lead to the conclusion that the site should not be allocated”. I therefore assume that further assessments are required before any further consideration can be given to this site.
The surrounding area (in both Colmworth and Staploe Parishes) is entirely rural and is highly valued for its peace, quiet, open countryside views and rural setting. Any development on this site would make a permanent irreversible change to the landscape and the setting of the surrounding small hamlets and village and the rural nature in the locality.
As noted in the Council’s site assessment this site is regarded as having “serious capacity constraints” in terms of highways and junction capacity. The proposal for the development assumes access to the site via Honeydon Road at the north west corner of the site. This is currently a public right of way footpath and is entirely insufficient to provide site access. Given the narrow width of Honeydon Road and that widening would not be feasible, creating access at this location would cause congestion issues and is unfeasible.
The site and adjoining fields (including the Colmworth Country Park) are a haven for birds and wildlife. The fields provide breeding sites for rare breed birds and mammals. There is a significant number of deer, badgers, foxes, red kites etc. in the area indicating that the wildlife is thriving. The impact on the wildlife and biodiversity of the land would be irreversibly damaged by development on this site.
In summary this site should not be given further consideration for development for the reasons set out above.