Houghton Regis News - Campaign to challenge Windsor Drive development proposals
'Friends of Windsor Drive Community Open Space', a grassroots campaign group, has been launched to oppose Central Bedfordshire Council's proposal to build housing on the green space adjacent to Windsor Drive. Catherine Aganoglu, Green Party member, has been actively involved in the campaign.
The proposal to build 100 affordable homes for rent or shared ownership on this site, with associated infrastructure, is to help meet central government targets. Houghton Regis already benefits from 1000s of new homes, mostly without the necessary infrastructure and support required. It is, therefore, the view of the campaigners that this proposed building is simply to meet arbitrary targets and not in the interest of local people.
This valued area is used by families to exercise and walk their dogs. Local football and rounders teams use it in the summer. There are a wide variety of native plants and wildlife including foxes, badgers, red kites and at least one owl. The area has been invaluable as a community resource, particularly during the covid lockdown. Especially given the evidence that spending time in nature is crucial to our physical and mental wellbeing.
Brownfield sites should be used for necessary housing development and any developments should minimise the impact on the natural environment. This is Green Party policy. The Green Party also advocates for communities to have a stronger voice in local housing policy.
The land is owned by Central Bedfordshire Council, and a planning application is anticipated in 2022.
Action so far:
7,500 leaflets have been printed for local distribution to raise awareness.
People who live, study or work in the CBC area are called to sign the CBC approved and recognised petition here
Closes on 24/5/2021 with a plan to present the e.petition to the council on 08/06/2021
A previous petition on Change.org obtained 1373 signatures.
How can you help?
- Sign the petition
- Join the FB group at Friends of Windsor Drive Community Open Space
- Email them at friendsofwindsordrive@outlook.com
- Respond to the consultation at WindsorDriveDevelopment@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk
