Plans for a controversial new community hub and up to 79 homes on land north of Cemetery Road in Kempston have been refused by Bedford Borough Council.
The hybrid application, submitted by Grace Community Church, sought full permission for a large community hub including a place of worship, café, creche and meeting rooms, alongside outline permission for up to 79 dwellings on the adjoining land.
In a decision published yesterday (Monday, 2 February), council officers concluded the proposal would result in a “high level of less than substantial harm” to the setting of the scheduled monument known as the Paved Ford near Kempston Church, as well as harm to nearby listed buildings, including Walnut Tree Cottage and the Lodge to Kempston Bury.
Read: Mixed response to Grace community hub planning application in Kempston
The council also found the application failed to demonstrate a clear need for the community facility or that the loss of designated Urban Open Space was justified.
They concluded the public benefits of the scheme would not outweigh that harm.
In addition, the proposal did not secure a completed Section 106 agreement to deliver 30 per cent affordable housing or contributions towards early years provision, SEND places and healthcare.
Officers said this would place undue pressure on existing services.
Read: No affordable homes as part of Grace Church development
The council also noted insufficient evidence that the scheme would support the planned Bedford to Milton Keynes Waterway Park, a safeguarded route running through the site.
The applicant has the right to appeal the decision to the Planning Inspectorate
More information on the application and the refusal can be found on the council’s planning portal, reference 24/00224/MOF.
by John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
