Planning permission has been granted for 950 new homes on the eastern edge of Arlesey, in a development that will also bring a new link road between the High Street and the A507.

Property investment firm Telereal Trillium has been granted planning permission by Central Bedfordshire Council to develop land at Chase Farm for up 950 homes as part of the Arlesey Cross masterplan.

Twenty per cent of the homes will be affordable housing. The development of the 168-acre greenfield site will also include community necessities like a new junior school, care home, GP surgery, dental clinic, sports facilities and shops.

The development will also include an area of open space, a new connection to Etonbury Wood and access to an academy via a bridge over the A507.

It will also include a new link road between the High Street and the A507 – which will provide access to the development, and aims to reduce congestion in other parts of Arlesey.

Central Beds Council’s executive member for housing delivery Councillor Eugene Ghent said: “Central Bedfordshire is a prime location, and has always been an appealing place to live and work.

“We are planning for growth due to the continuing pressures to find homes for families who already live here, and who want to remain here. Our residents and their children need places to live and work.

“Our strategy is for that housing growth to be delivered in the right place, and with the necessary supporting roads and infrastructure.

“The Central Bedfordshire Promoter Framework is one way that we as a council can ensure that we are able to control and oversee that type of sustainable growth.”

The promotor framework was established to accelerate the supply of new housing in the area using surplus council land.

Telereal Trillium’s Graham Edwards said: “This is a major step forward towards creating a sustainable community in Arlesey, providing new homes alongside educational and medical facilities, as well as employment opportunities.

“With a mix of available housing tenures and types, this scheme will provide access to high quality homes for younger generations, families and older people to suit different stages in life and household incomes.”