Work has started to tear down derelict buildings in Biggleswade’s Bonds Lane and replace them with a small apartment block.
The dilapidated buildings, which are former commercial units, will make way for six three-bedroom houses and two three-bedroom flats.
There has been some controversy about the plans, and objections were made on the grounds that the flats will only have nine parking spaces between them.
Town councillors and some residents have said they fear this will impact on the town’s limited parking – but the developers, Whitebarn Developments Ltd, said in their planning statement that the town centre location and nearby public transport would make up for this.
Similar debates are raging around a second planning application for 51 apartments at the junction with Bonds Lane and Foundry Lane, which is currently awaiting a decision from Central Beds Council.
The block will consist of 16 one-bed flats, 34 two-bed flats and one three-bed flat.
The developers, Luminus Developments Ltd, have said: “We anticipate the new buildings will invigorate an area which is currently in a state of some disrepair and become a comfortable home for its residents.”
The site is again deemed by the developers to need limited parking, because it is close to the town centre and public transport links – and there will be just 16 parking spaces.
This has drawn opposition from Biggleswade town councillors and some neighbours.
One posted on the ‘We Love Biggleswade’ Facebook group: “Fifty-one apartments need a minimum of 102 parking spaces. Bikes – get real, we are a commuting town.”
Another added: “Fifty-one flats need a minimum of 51 parking spaces – there is nowhere else to park long-stay.”
There have also been concerns about the proposed designs of the flats, which some say are unattractive.
One resident posted: “OK – development of the brownfield site excellent, provision of minimal parking spaces very poor, design of flats in old market town disastrous and ridiculous. For example look at Hitchin’s square – beautiful, attractive, brings in tourists.”
This latest planning application can be viewed at centralbedfordshire.gov.uk by selecting its planning portal and typing in the application number CB17/01401/Full.
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