New Housing Developments proposed for Brickhill (North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats)

North Bedfordshire Liberal Democrats <bedford@bedfordlibdems.org>

New Housing Developments proposed for Brickhill

August 22, 2008 9:35 AM

Liberal Democrat Councillors have expressed their total opposition to proposals made by the Borough Council for three areas of major new housing development in Brickhill. Green fields around Brickhill could be set to disappear under proposals by Bedford Borough Council to submit council land for residential development. Large areas of green fields at Freemans Common and Jackmans Farm have been identified as land owned by the Council which is suitable for development before 2021. The resulting building schemes could see hundreds more homes being built.

Liberal Democrat Councillors are currently campaigning against proposals to cut essential services in Brickhill such as post offices. Borough Councillor Charles Royden said, 'it is complete madness to consider such a massive increase in housing when our roads and services are already so badly overstretched. We must fight these proposals every step of the way.'

Brickhill Parish Councillor Wendy Rider has lived in Brickhill for 33 years and remembers the many developments which have already taken place. Cllr Rider said, 'This is a classic case of over development, the Borough Council is sacrificing our green open spaces in a dash for cash, this is bad news for all Brickhill residents.

Cllr Mark Fitzpatrick, Chair of Brickhill Parish Council said, 'the existing 500 home North Brickhill development was only allowed on appeal if the linear park was provided. The council's proposals would destroy the main concept of a linear park around the north of Bedford. By suggesting these options for development, it will encourage other land owners to do the same. This therefore increases the risk of over-development on the northern boundary of Bedford.'

Liberal Democrats have arranged a public open meeting to take place at 7.30pm on Friday 29 August at St Mark's Church Community Centre. Residents will be able to see copies of the proposals and receive important information about the process which will now take place prior to planning permission being granted for the new housing estates.

Further detailed information can be obtained from our website www.puttingbrickhillfirst.com

Public Meeting

7.30pm on Friday 29 August at St Mark's Church Community Centre