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Local government

Tempsford New Town Proposal Sparks Concerns Over Flooding and Environmental Impact

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

A proposed development of 4,400 homes, employment space, and community infrastructure in Little Barford has raised concerns that it could impact potential future development at Tempsford, according to Central Bedfordshire Council leader Adam Zerny. The developer's report acknowledges that building on the site could result in more chance of flooding due to the placement of proposed buildings and infrastructure within identified flood risk areas.

Zerny has repeatedly highlighted to the government that Tempsford is not an ideal location for a new town due to the sheer size of the local flood plains. He warns that the Bedford Local Plan, which approved housing for the area two years ago, still needs to be formally adopted and is looking increasingly unlikely to be implemented.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed development in Little Barford could impact potential future development at Tempsford, according to Central Bedfordshire Council leader Adam Zerny.
  • The developer's report highlights concerns about both surface water and groundwater flooding in the area.
  • The Environment Agency will have a critical opinion on the government's decision regarding the new town proposal.
  • The Bedford Local Plan, which approved housing for the area two years ago, still needs to be formally adopted but is looking increasingly unlikely to be implemented.
  • A report by the think tank UKDayOne suggests that Tempsford and its surroundings could be ideal for a new town, with potential for 250,000-350,000 homes and a major employment centre.
  • The government has backed the idea of new towns without commenting on Tempsford directly, and proposals are likely to be published this summer.
  • The developer of the Little Barford site has applied to the council for an environmental impact scoping opinion and wants to start making progress despite the uncertainty surrounding the Bedford Local Plan.

Statistics:

  • 4,400: The number of homes proposed as part of the development in Little Barford.
  • 250,000-350,000: The estimated number of people that could be housed in a new town in Tempsford, according to UKDayOne.
  • 1.5m: The number of new homes targeted by the Labour government across the country.

Sources:

  • Euan Duncan, Local Democracy Reporter The (https://www.biggleswadetoday.co.uk/news/politics/council/4400-home-garden-community-could-be-built-at-little-barford-5020402)
  • Euan Duncan, Local Democracy Reporter The (https://www.biggleswadetoday.co.uk/news/politics/council/biggleswade-and-sandy-could-be-swallowed-up-if-tempsford-new-town-plan-goes-ahead-warns-councillor-4745812)
  • Euan Duncan, Local Democracy Reporter The (https://www.biggleswadetoday.co.uk/news/politics/council/council-leader-calls-for-clarity-over-potential-tempsford-new-town-4974606)
  • UKDayOne (https://www.biggleswadetoday.co.uk/news/politics/we-dont-want-to-be-milton-keynes-new-town-proposal-to-transform-tempsford-into-major-city-slammed-by-council-4724113)

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