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Biddenham Society, Green Spaces, Housing, Open spaces

Church End paddock threatened again

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The Biddenham Society (founded 1965)

Church End paddock threatened again

Blakeney Estates Ltd (Mr O Doyle) has served notice in the local press that the proprietor intends to apply for planning permission to construct 15 dwellings on the 2.5-acre paddock between nos. 21 to 41 Church End and the golf course, demolishing the existing property of 21 Church End to provide access.  This will be the developer’s fourth attempt in the last ten years to build on the site, all previous applications having been refused and the subsequent appeals dismissed.

The paddock is one of the few remaining green spaces in the old village, and is separated from the golf course and its housing by a popular public footpath running from Manor Road to The Branston Way.

This developer has a long history of back land development all over Biddenham.  Many residents will be unaware of the extent of this, as the properties are often not easily visible from the public highway.  Unfortunately, the outcome has been to obliterate many of Biddenham’s remaining green spaces, as well as having knock-on effects on the routes of underground water courses.  

When the formal application is submitted, the society will once again be objecting to the development, and we urge residents to do likewise.
Tony Wood, Chairman

Please Note:

The formal planning application has now been received.  The planning reference is 19/01350/MAF and the closing date for comments is 23 July 2019. The full plans may be viewed by following the instructions below.
1. Click on the link TO VIEW AND COMMENT ON PLANNING APPLICATIONS
2. Type in 19/01350/MAF and click on the Search button.
3. For the plans click on Documents followed by View Associated documents
Bromham Road, Bromham Road Bridge, Network Rail

Bromham Road Bridge – Open to Cyclists & Pedestrians

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Update: 20th May 2020 – Bridge open to cyclists and pedestrians

May 20, 2020 – Bridge open to Pedestrians & Cyclists

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From Monday, 24 June, work will continue to divert utilities and services away from the bridge in preparation for the structure to be demolished and reconstructed at a raised height. This work is vital to provide a safe distance for the overhead line equipment passing beneath, enabling the line between Bedford, Kettering and Corby to be electrified as part of the Midland Main Line Upgrade.

To allow this work to take place safely, Bromham Road will be fully closed to vehicles until Spring 2020. During this time, a diversionary route via the A6 and Clapham Road will be in place. This will be clearly sign-posted. A temporary bridge will maintain access for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists.

Network Rail and Bedford Borough Council are working together to keep disruption to a minimum whilst the road is closed.

Gavin Crook, Principal Programme Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “Next month, Network Rail will continue with work to Bromham Road bridge as part of the Midland Main Line Upgrade.

“To allow this work to take place safely, a full road closure will be in place, as well as a clearly signposted diversionary route.  We do understand that this will impact on motorists and we would like to thank all those affected for their patience whilst this takes place.”

reproduced with kind permission of:
Media Relations Executive
Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR)

Biddenham Society

PROPOSED REPLACEMENT PROPERTY ON MAIN ROAD INAPPROPRIATE TO IT’S SETTING – update 1 September

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Update: May 2018

Update: January 2018

Update: 4 October 2017
8 Main Road demolished!

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Update: 1 September 2017
After due consideration, and despite widespread objections, the planning committee approved this application following adjustments to the height and nature of the front boundary. It is also regrettable that, when considering applications in Biddenham for demolition and replacement with larger properties, officers now regularly cite the existence of previously approved large developments in Main Road and Biddenham Turn as justification, even though ‘precedence’ is not recognised in local planning law

Planning application 17/01738/FUL
seeks approval to demolish the existing property at 8 Main Road and replace it with a new dwelling of substantial size and contemporary design.

 The replacement would have three floors against the two at present, with a prominent double depth crown roof and a footprint three and a half times the existing.

The architectural style and mass are not replicated in other properties on Main Road, which is more typified by single houses of varying character which do not detract from their surroundings.

The roadside boundary of the site fronts the Biddenham Conservation area, and any development will therefore have a significant impact on the special character of this pretty part of Biddenham, and on the setting of the grade 2 listed building opposite.

The society believes the proposed replacement building is not contextually appropriate in respect of size, scale, massing, architectural character, relationship with nearby buildings, and alignment and treatment of the setting, and has recommended that planning permission is refused.