Dear editor,
Following on from the story that was printed regarding the new development in Kempston by Grace Church, the people of Kempston would like to put their objections forward as to why they don’t feel it is necessary.
Read: Mixed response to Grace community hub planning application in Kempston
Firstly the new ‘community hub’ (mega-church) is to be built on a floodplain that is extremely important to the area and surrounding area. Not only does it do its job, acting like a sponge to soak up overflow from the River [Great] Ouse to prevent further flooding to surrounding houses, it is also a place that is rich in biodiversity and home to much wildlife including bats.
The developers have stated that no building is to be done on the actual floodplain piece, but the whole field is classed as a floodplain with level 3, level 2 and level 1 zones, so hard not to build on any part not classed as floodplain!
In the plans there is concern from the environmental agency as 50% is on flood zone 2. The last few months have been a devasting time for local residents with flooding and the development would cause more concern in times of heavy rain.
They are to put in two new entrance points to the site which will come from Cemetery Road, which is already a road that is in high usage and gridlocked at many time of the day.
They have stated that their congregation will be walking to the church, but what about all the cars from the 79 houses, workshops, clubs that they say will be running.
In the 2040 local plan consultation, it was said that the council had not the adequate road infrastructure already and had no funds to develop it, so this extra traffic will have a detrimental impact to Kempston roads. Especially considering there is another development plan on Green End Road, which is extremely close to this site.
Kempston is already struggling with other infrastructure, such as doctors, dentists and school placements, so building more houses before this is improved would be detrimental to the already struggling services.
By stating that their community hub would be a place for all of Kempston to use is one, causing loss to other facilities that are already up and running in the area that are also community hubs.
We have Project 229 that do fantastic work with the community as they are an independent charity, not run by Grace Church as they want people to believe!
When we held our own public meeting, Grace refused to attend and just sent their PR man, why? Surely if they wanted the community involved, then coming to listen to our concerns would have shown them willing to listen.
When it was submitted to be included in the 2040 local plan, it was refused as the housing was not needed.
Many questions still need answering regarding this planning application.
Firstly, why is a headteacher of a school run by local authority and not a faith school supporting these plans by a church and recommending parents to GC for help? Are other agencies recommended? Secondly, would everyone in the community be welcome due to their sexuality, and beliefs? Grace have been asked many times on this matter and is still yet to give an answer!
The Facebook page, Protect Kempston Flood Plain was set up as so many people at the public meetings were so against the plans from the start.
The group now has over 570 members which is growing since the article was published, as people are outraged they still plan to go ahead with the development and our views and concerns have not been listened to at all by Grace Church.
Rebecca Grover
One of many concerned Kempston residents
Name and address supplied
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