Eversholt Beeches - retention of caravans on A5 site

Planning application CB/16/04420/FULL is for "change of use for the retention of caravans for occupation by four Romani Gypsy families, with associated hardstanding and access. The site to contain, four static caravans, four touring caravans and associated residential parking." The consultation period for this application closes on 02 November 2016.

As might be inferred from use of the word "retention", this application is partly intended to secure
formal permission for some elements already in place in excess of existing planning permission(s).

For the sake of clarity, this application should not be confused with the separate application to create more pitches and extend the Eversholt Beeches site further into the green belt and area of outstanding natural beauty; that application will be determined on its own merits.

The Eversholt Beeches site should also not be confused with the two separate existing sites at Jockey Farm or the extensive traveller site at Greenvale; all four of these traveller sites along the Caddington stretch of the A5 are independent of each other.

Anybody who wishes to comment on this application, whether they support or oppose it, has until 02 November to submit their comments to Central Bedfordshire planning department.

Consultation on Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL)

Central Bedfordshire Council is asking for public feedback on a planning charge that will play a major part in shaping the future sustainable growth of the area and support the delivery of new homes and jobs.

The Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Draft Charging Schedule underpins the provision of local infrastructure, setting the rates that will be charged to developers to ensure they contribute towards the costs of providing, improving or maintaining roads, homes and services on most new residential and some retail and commercial developments.

A six-week consultation will run between 13 July and 24 August, where the public will be asked for its views on whether the proposed rates are appropriate. During this time, background information and a questionnaire will be accessible on the council website and copies of the supporting documents will be available to view at council offices and local libraries.

Comments made will be analyzed and considered by council officers and then sent to the Secretary of State to be considered alongside the Draft Charging Schedule and supporting documents, prior to a public examination later this year. If the rates are considered ‘sound’, the council would be asked to adopt the Community Infrastructure Levy in early 2016.

Executive Member for Regeneration, Cllr Nigel Young, said: “The income from the Community Infrastructure Levy is important as it will support our ambitious plans for sustainable quality growth and the necessary investment in major infrastructure.

“It is pivotal to our ambitions to make Central Bedfordshire a great place to live and work. It’s also about being responsive to community needs and making sure that existing and future communities benefit from developers investing locally in roads and transport, schools, leisure and open spaces.

“We want high quality development so that Central Bedfordshire can grow, thrive and so that new homes and jobs will benefit our local economy – but growth has to be sustainable with infrastructure to accompany it and it is CIL that will fund this. That’s why it is important for local people to have their say and why we want to make sure that everyone – from residents to businesses and potential investors – has a chance to give us their views.”