Controversial development up for approval

Central Beds Council’s planning officers have recommended that the application for land off Biggleswade Road in Upper Caldecote is given the go ahead.

Central Beds Councillor Tricia Turner requested that it is discussed at the public development management committee meeting after some of the village’s current residents voiced their concerns at a parish council meeting.

The application is for two three bedroom houses, five two bedroom houses and three two bedroom bungalows. There would also be a new access road.

Northill Parish Council, which covers Upper Caldecote, has supported the plans subject to conditions.

But neighbours wrote 37 letters of objection and 40 people signed a petition objecting to the development.

One letter was received in support of the proposal.

The planning officers’ report states: “The application site is located outside the settlement envelope for Upper Caldecote therefore there is a presumption against new development in order to protect the open countryside from inappropriate development.

“However Policy CS8 recognises the need to provide for local housing needs in smaller settlements.”

A consultation in September asked for views on this site and another off Ickwell Road. Residents and the parish council preferred the Ickwell Road site but planning officers say: “In planning policy terms it was not as suitable .”