Villagers to fight housing proposals

Terry Cook and Taylor Wimpey want to build the properties on a field next to New Road in Clifton.

But protesters say the development could worsen existing issues with high levels of traffic and a shortage of parking in the road.

They are also concerned about a lack of spaces at nearby schools and at doctors’ surgeries in the area.

There are fears too that an existing problem with flooding from a natural spring in the field could be made worse if new homes were to be built.

Clifton Parish Council is also against the proposals and on Saturday (April 27) it put plans for the new development on display for residents to see at Clifton Community Centre.

Joyce Tiney, who is secretary of the Clifton Residents’ Association and lives in Stockbridge Road, said: “The community centre was packed out on Saturday and it is clear that a lot of people are very much against these plans.

“The road can get very busy, especially during the rush hour in the mornings, as many drivers use it to access Clifton from the Shefford bypass, and there is barely enough parking for the people who live in the road at the moment.”

Yvonne Albon, who also lives in the village, added: “Families move to the area so their children can go to All Saints Lower School which is very highly rated.

“But there are hardly enough spaces there as it is.

“Likewise Shefford Health Centre also struggles now – I was put on hold for 20 minutes when I rang the other day.”

But Councillor Tony Brown, deputy executive member for sustainable communities, strategic planning and economic development at Central Beds Council, said: “A decision has not been made on this application.

“It is still at consultation stage, which means that we’re asking for comments from all sorts of people and groups.

“Organisations like the Environment Agency, Clifton Parish Council and highways have all been written to, as have local residents.”

He added: “We would welcome their feedback as part of us considering the application and everything will then come before the development management committee later in the year.”