Proposal for new planning direction in Fairfield Park against 'monstrosity' home extensions

Community leaders fear the award-winning architectural design at Fairfield Park, near Stotfold, is being lost by home extensions and alterations, some of which have been dubbed "monstrosities".

The Victorian-themed village was created in the early-2000s and was modelled around the former asylum dating to 1856, now named Fairfield Hall.

But Fairfield Parish Council has warned that permitted changes and adaptations to buildings need to be controlled.

The parish council wants Central Bedfordshire Council to apply for an Article 4 direction to stop adaptations happening in future.

Barrie Dack, chairman of Fairfield Parish Council, described the village as "a carefully defined architectural plan" which was "in complete sympathy with the restored Fairfield Hall".

He added: “It’s no surprise that Fairfield has won countless accolades and design awards for both yourselves and the developers,” he told CBC’s executive committee.

“But for how much longer can Fairfield be held up as being in the forefront of excellent design?” he asked.

“Sadly, at the time of the hearing of your Local Plan, cracks were appearing that threaten to remove that uniqueness of which you and we are so proud.

“Through permitted development the uniqueness we cherish most could decline and disappear rapidly.

“It is for that reason our solicitors recommended the Article 4 direction before you today.

“Fairfield ticks all the boxes for a successful application. We urge you to set the wheels in motion and agree to take this to consultation.”

Roof extensions with dormer windows as well as porch extensions - neither of which require planning permission - could have a harmful visual impact, according to the report to CBC’s executive.

Conservative Caddington councillor Kevin Collins acknowledged the efforts made by the parish council in protecting Fairfield Park.

“An Article 4 direction is not to be undertaken lightly,” he warned.

“The regulation itself would not prevent current or future occupiers of homes in the parish of Fairfield from modifying their properties.

“What it will do is restrict the extent of works which can be done without requiring planning permission.”

Conservative Stotfold and Longford councillor Steve Dixon said: “This is not a knee-jerk reaction. It’s been nine or so months in reaching this point.

“This isn’t about stopping development to a current home. It’s about reinforcing what’s held so dear to the village of Fairfield.

“It’s something that has become a passion since its inception at the turn of the century.”

Conservative Stotfold and Langford councillor Nicola Harris welcomed the recommendation.

“It will give residents the chance to put forward their views and I would encourage them to take part in this.”

Conservative Arlesey councillor Ian Dalgarno said: “A lot of work has gone into the development of Fairfield Park.

“It is, as Barrie Dack alluded to, a jewel in the crown in terms of residential development in Central Bedfordshire.

“Having seen some of what I would describe as monstrosities, which have been developed as additions to some of the houses in Fairfield Park, I can only support this.

“I don’t believe the outcome of the consultation will remove people’s ability to build or develop their homes.

“They’ll just have to fit in with the criterion developed by our officers 15 years ago in bringing Fairfield forward.”

Councillors unanimously approved steps to undertake a consultation process in the parish.

> What do you think? Should councillors adopt the Article 4 direction? Email [email protected].