Developer returns with revised plan to construct 97 new homes in Potton

The developer, Kier Living Ltd, intends to build 97 homes and create vehicle access via a second residential road detailed in its planning application to Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC).

In December 2019, Kier applied to build 100 houses on the same site. Serious concerns about access, landscaping, transport and healthcare were raised by residents, councillors and CBC planning officers, and subsequently the plans were withdrawn.

But now, Kier says those original concerns have been addressed in a letter to CBC namely the objection to serving the development via a single point of access and an ecological requirement to protect the acid grassland and to confirm the reptile relocation strategy.

A Kier spokesperson said: “We are committed to enriching communities with much-needed new housing and, as a responsible housebuilder, we always welcome and listen to feedback from local residents.

“Central Bedfordshire Council has allocated this site in Potton for residential development and our latest submission incorporates views from the local community and offers a diverse range of homes, including bungalows and affordable housing as well as open green spaces, an area for allotments and car parking.

“We will be providing two vehicular access points to the sites as well as improving local footpaths and enhancing community sports and recreational facilities. As we look to deliver these new houses, we have a clear ecological strategy in place to support the wildlife currently on site. We will continue to work collaboratively with local residents and the district council on our plans.”

Previously there were 384 objections and a petition with 800 signatures opposing the development. On this occasion there are already 179 objections (at the time of going to press).

Local Independent councillor for Potton Adam Zerny said: “Huge numbers opposed this application last time around and I suspect similar numbers will do again this time. The developer needs to get the message. The people of this town do not want more development.”

Fellow Independent councillor Tracey Wye said: “The planned access to this site is entirely unsuitable - it proposes using two residential streets and a bridleway, none of which are capable of taking construction vehicles or any increase in traffic. If Kier negotiated access through the new development to the south, on Biggleswade Road, it might be a different story, although I don’t think Potton needs another 97 houses on top of all the recent new builds. It is obvious developers do not care about the town, they just want to maximise profits on one of our valuable ecological assets and I am strongly opposed to this application.”

To have your say on the application, email [email protected] and quote planning reference CB/20/04672. The deadline for comments is February 3.