Masterplan sees 1,000 new homes

Plans to build at least 1,000 new homes in a town were discussed by councillors yesterday.

The proposal is part of the Arlesey Masterplan, which went before Central Beds Council’s sustainable communities overview and scrutiny committee on Thursday, February 27.

As well as the new properties, many of which would be affordable homes, there would also be 10 hectares of employment land. The majority of this land would be on the eastern edge of the town.

A new two form entry lower school would be built to the south of this area as the existing school, Gothic Meade Academy, would not have enough capacity to serve the new development.

The academy could bid to run the school if it wished.

The masterplan also includes a new 1.67 hectare town centre.

The report states: “This is to provide the focal point Arlesey is currently lacking because of the linear nature of the town.

“The uses to be provided include community, health and retail but this can be flexible and subject to further agreement and discussion with the town council.”

Additionally there would be a relief road to divert traffic from the High Street, House Lane and Stotfold Road.

Traffic calming in the High Street will deter traffic from using it as the main through route.

The report continues: “Significant overall provision has been made including a new town park with a play area adjacent to the local centre.

“Other open spaces and play facilities are provided within accessible walking distances to all parts of the development.

“The new pitch provision is located adjacent to the school site and outside the new allocation boundary on Central Beds Council owned land to provide an enhanced landscape edge to the town.

“New green routes for walking, cycling and landscaping permeate through the indicative layout and a significant north south car free route is proposed linking the development to the existing school and community facilities.”

The separate details of the plan will be brought forward as individual planning applications.

The committee has recommended that the council’s executive committee adopts the masterplan as formal planning guidance.