Plan for 60 homes on agricultural land near Shefford approved
A scheme to build up to 60 homes on agricultural land at Shefford has been approved.
Applicant The Hale Trust submitted outline plans for up to 60 properties on ten acres of agricultural land to the east of Hitchin Road.
The site is outside the settlement envelope of Shefford, according to a report to Central Bedfordshire Council’s development management committee.
There would be 30 per cent affordable accommodation and 10 per cent self-build, said the report.
Senior planning officer Eilis Edmonds told the committee: “An indicative plan shows access to the site would be from the current roundabout on Hitchin Road.
“A permissive footpath would link the site and the wider area to Shefford Road in north-east,” she said. “As well as the footpath, there’s land which could be used as a community orchard.”
Principal of Samuel Whitbread Academy Nick Martin suggested “it would be advantageous” if a second access to the school is provided, asking: “Can the road come up to the school boundary without any ransom strip to make it a safer entrance by being wide enough to accommodate buses and cars?”
Conservative Shefford councillor Tony Brown warned: “This application is premature and should be rejected until the new Local Plan is finalised.
“It was previously assessed by CBC officers and rejected as unsuitable because it would be further development into Shefford. The site is classified best and most versatile grade two agricultural land.
“Shefford Town Council and Clifton Parish Council oppose this. If approved, the footpath should be lit to improve safety, especially for children.”
Conservative Shefford councillor Mark Liddiard acknowledged a future application could seek more housing, adding: “I think this is exactly the right balance and a deal should be struck over the density.
“I’m also concerned about three- and two-and-a-half-storey homes. Previous planning advice considered these aren’t acceptable on edge of town developments.”
Agent for the applicant Ryan Albone explained: “CBC cannot show a five-year housing land supply currently, so the national planning policy framework promotes sustainable housing sites.
“The housing layout set among planted green spaces creates an environment where there’s a sense of transition from town into open countryside. There would be significant tree planting and wildflower meadows.
“New green buffer zone are proposed on two boundaries to screen the site from open countryside. The site was allocated for development in the draft Local Plan, but omitted subsequently on review by CBC.
“No alternative sites were identified for development. This application includes the gifting of the four-acre field for community use between Clifton and Shefford, and the footpath link between Hitchin Road and Shefford Road.
“The school withdrew its interest in a new access previously because it didn’t see the need. These plans aren’t proposing a new route into the school.
“We’re safeguarding the ability to create one at some future date by installing the infrastructure over what’s essentially third party land up to its boundary. The new highway would be transferred into public ownership and the council would be given full control over this land.”
Ms Edmonds added: “I don’t think there’s an intention for the footpath to be hard surfaced or lit.”
Councillors unanimously approved the development, subject to suitable conditions around the potential school access.