'Noble aspirations' as number of homes for controversial Biggleswade development slashed
A development in Biggleswade with “a long and arduous (planning) history” has “some noble aspirations”, since its housing numbers were reduced, a meeting heard.
The controversial land north of Biggleswade project was granted consent by a government inspector in November 2024, ahead of revised plans for up to 416 properties being submitted to Central Bedfordshire Council and agreed a month later.
Since those proposals received planning permission, Persimmon Homes has unveiled its plans for 353 homes on the 43-acre site north of Furzenhall Road, which it acquired in June.
Company representatives gave a presentation updating the scheme to an extraordinary meeting of Biggleswade Town Council, last night (Tuesday, August 25).
Original applicant Hallam Land Management Limited’s plans allowed for 63 more properties to be built there, with up to 125 of those affordable compared to 106 now.
A new access road from the roundabout at Potton Road and Baden Powell Way would be provided, with landscaping, allotments, a community orchard, public open space, and play areas for children and teenagers.
The scheme includes a secondary vehicle access from Furzenhall Road and nearly 18 acres of green infrastructure, while a noise barrier would serve to mitigate the nearby rail line.
Of the 106 affordable homes, 72 per cent are affordable rent and 28 per cent shared ownership, with 36 custom-built properties.
The housing would be two-and-a-half and two-storey, as well as some bungalows, with an overall mix of one-bed to five-bedroom houses from the Persimmon Homes and Charles Church brands.
CBC Conservative Biggleswade East councillor Grant Fage said during the public participation section of the meeting: “The history of this site is a long and arduous one.
“But we are where we are now and have a responsibility to make this development as good as we possibly can for Biggleswade and for the residents that will be living here.
“We should welcome that it’s not 400-plus homes and is nearer to 350, which really helps.”
Councillor Fage sought reassurance about how the site boundary would blend in with nearby residential development, and was told that only bungalows would be built along the southern edge facing towards Mountbatten Drive.
He suggested all new development should take account of “the sensitivity of particular rights of way, notably the Green Wheel and the need to retain the rural nature of those routes”.
Head of external affairs for Persimmon Homes, Ben Walker explained: “We understand that development can be contentious at times.
“From our viewpoint, we want to work with you, recognising there might be established views and a history with a site. We try to work as collaboratively as possible.
“I think early consultation is crucial as well. Irrespective of past views, we’re always keen to engage. We want to maintain that dialogue through this process.
“If we’re fortunate enough to get planning approval, we want to continue that dialogue with yourselves.”
Public artwork is part of the development, and the project commissioned “would be very much a collaboration” with the community, he said.
Councillor Fage, who previously described Biggleswade as being “completely shafted” by the planning appeal decision, referred to “some noble aspirations in here” now.
“When we were envisaging 400-odd homes, there’s a big difference between that amount and 350 on certain plots of land,” he added.
“It enables you to get the space you need for those green edges and weave them in, so we’re grateful for that.”
CBC’s development management committee is expected to consider the detailed plans in due course.