A PUBLIC consultation has been launched over plans to build 100 homes on land next to a conservation area.

Developers Bloor Homes intend to build 100 homes on land at Stanford Road in Shefford.

Shefford mayor and chairman of Shefford Town Council, Paul Mackin, said: “For the people who live locally it’s controversial. They have lived next to open fields for so long.”

However, he said there is a need for more homes in the area and that the town council thinks it is “a fairly sensible development”.

“In our opinion it’s fairly well positioned, providing it’s well developed and not turned into a major feature as you come into the town,” said Mr Mackin.

“We all think it’s a fairly good idea.

“We would like not to need any more housing, but we are going to have to get bigger. There are no two ways about it.”

Mr Mackin said Bloor Homes are “looking to be fairly sensitive developers”.

“There are wetlands and a conservation area behind the site,” he explained. “They have said they will develop the wetlands and protect sensitive areas where there may be otters.

“We are keeping a close eye on the developers, but we are happy so far.”

The public consultation closes on February 10. For more information, visit http://tinyurl.com/7xb34de or call Central Bedfordshire Council’s Local Planning and Housing Team on 0300 300 4353.

Relevant suggestions and comments made during the consultation period will be used to help form a development brief – a document required by the planning authority, Central Bedfordshire Council, to help guide the development.

* What do you think? Do you support or oppose the proposed development? Email editorial@thecomet.net or call the newsdesk on 01438 866200.