A petition has been launched opposing plans to build new homes on the Moor Lane green space in Bedford’s Cauldwell Ward.
The petition, addressed to Bedford Borough Council, objects to planning application 25/01950/MAF.
It says the land is the only public green space in the ward and is used for football, a skatepark, a basketball court and an outdoor gym. It also borders Elstow Brook, which residents say is home to wildlife.
Read: 152-home development proposed for Mowbray Road and Moor Lane, Bedford
Petitioners claim the Bedford 2030 Plan earmarked only 1.98 hectares of the site for possible housing, whereas the current proposal covers 4 hectares. They argue that this would result in the permanent loss of well-used community space.
In a statement, Progress Investment Partnership (PiP), the developer behind the scheme, said the larger site was discussed and agreed in principle by the council in June 2023.
It said the boundary was widened so that facilities could be moved to the former Abbey Middle School site, and that national rules allow extra land to be used when a council cannot show a five-year housing land supply.
The petition also raises concerns about relocating the pitches to land residents say has previously flooded, and that there would be less space for sport than there is now.
PiP said the new facilities would be “higher quality”, with drainage to reduce the risk of future flooding. It said the current pitches were described as “poor quality” in a council strategy, and that the upgrades would allow more matches to be played.
A cricket strip, outdoor gym, skatepark, and a “learn to ride” area for younger children would also be provided.
Traffic is another issue raised in the petition. It says the development includes parking for 271 vehicles, but that Moor Lane is 4.4 metres wide and already presents safety concerns for pedestrians .
PiP said a Transport Assessment and Vehicle Management Plan has been submitted, and that Moor Lane would be widened to 5 metres. It said new junctions and pedestrian and cycle links would be created, including a footbridge across the brook to the new sports facilities.
The petition argues local families would lose access to the only green space in Cauldwell. PiP disputed this, saying Hillesden Play Area is also nearby.
It said the development would add new accessible open space south of the brook, around 40 metres from the current site, forming part of the Bedford Green Wheel.
More information on the application can be found on Bedford Borough Council’s planning portal, search for reference 25/01950/MAF.
The overall consultation expiry date is Wednesday, 19 November 2025.
By John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
