Bedfordians in Cauldwell Ward have voiced growing concern over plans by housing association BPHA and the Hill Group for 170 homes on the green space off Mowbray Road and Moor Lane, Bedford.
At a community meeting, Cauldwell councillors heard residents’ concerns and promised to ensure their voices are not ignored. But the developers said they are “committed” to engaging with the local community.
On Tuesday (26 August), the Bedford Independent published a Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) report that the developers had asked Bedford Borough Council to confirm if their plans require a full Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Read: Bedford Borough Council asked if plans for 170 homes needs full environmental assessment
This land was partly allocated for housing in the Bedford Local Plan 2030. But Bedford Borough’s Labour Group said the green space, one of the few in Cauldwell Ward, is more than just land for many residents.
It is where “children play, families spend time outdoors, and neighbours meet”, they said.
Labour reported that concerns were raised at the community meeting about “poor engagement and a lack of transparency” from the project team.
Calls for in-person meeting
Instead of the proposed online webinar, residents are calling for a proper in-person meeting where their questions can be answered directly.
The Cauldwell Ward councillors said: “This green space is a vital resource for families and the wider community. It is also home to valuable wildlife. We are committed to making sure residents’ concerns are listened to and taken seriously.”
Labour added that residents also highlighted the importance of the skatepark and basketball court on the site.
The loss of the skatepark, “one of only a few concrete skateparks in the county”, would be a significant blow to the skating community.
One resident said: “This space means everything to us. Children play here safely, people walk here every day, and it gives our community a sense of identity. Losing it would take something very special away.”
Residents say they oppose losing the green space but want to build a “constructive relationship” with the project team. They welcome dialogue, but only if it is “open, transparent and backed by the necessary environmental scrutiny”.
Cauldwell Ward councillors Abu Sultan, Fouzia Atiq and Harish Thapar emphasised that protecting the Moor Lane green space is about more than preserving land.
It is about “safeguarding wellbeing, biodiversity and community life for generations to come”.
Number of homes reduced
A spokesperson for the Progress Investment Partnership said: “We are committed to engaging with the local community on the Moor Lane and Mowbray Road proposals.
“After an in-person event on 18 July, the virtual consultation was extended to 18 August, alongside a dedicated contact email and phone line for enquiries. Another in-person meeting will be held before submitting the planning application by the end of September.”
They also confirmed that they would be amending the planning application to reduce the number of homes being built, but at the time of publication that change had not yet been made.
“In response to feedback, the number of new homes has been reduced from 170 to 152, whilst maintaining 30 per cent affordable housing across the sites.
“We are committed to providing green open space and enhancing the biodiversity of the site, and have already submitted an Environmental Impact Assessment screening to Bedford Borough Council.
“We have agreed to re-provide the skate park and existing sports pitches as part of the proposals on the former Abbey Playing Fields, opening this area for public use.
“We also plan to include tree planting, a new ecology area and an outdoor gym, subject to community feedback.”
By John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
