Success for Housing Campaign in Stewartby!

Following a campaign by Lib Dem Cllr Tim Hill and local residents, the Planning Inspectorate has protected a Village Open Space in Stewartby by dismissing an appeal against the refusal of planning permission to build more homes in the village.

Tim spoke at the initial Bedford Borough Council Planning Committee hearing last year, arguing that the site had been well used for recreation and leisure since the village was first built, and that its loss would seriously affect the amenity of surrounding properties.

The application by O&H Properties was accordingly refused by the Planning Committee because the site was designated as a Village Open Space in the Draft Allocations & Designations Plan and this refusal has now been supported by the Planning Inspector.

Tim said "I would like to express my thanks to local residents for all their support during this campaign. It is vital that Open Spaces are protected in our villages and I am delighted that the Inspector has listened to residents' concerns and supported the Planning Committees' decision."