Bedford Borough Council has approved plans by Wates Manor Oak to build up to 330 homes on farmland at Salph End, near Renhold, despite previous rejection of a larger 400-home proposal in 2020. The development will include a mix of housing, with 66 bungalows and 30% affordable homes, alongside open spaces and infrastructure improvements. The site lies between Hookhams Lane and Ravensden Road.
The decision faced strong opposition from Renhold Parish Council, local residents, and ward councillors, who expressed concerns about the impact on village character, increased traffic, and highway safety. Councillors acknowledged the difficulty of balancing housing targets set by central government with local concerns. The council’s planning committee approved the application unanimously but with regret, reflecting tensions between government housing policies and community interests. Construction could begin as early as 2028, with completion by 2032.
Read the full story: Bedford Today news.
Source: Bedford Today news. Aggregated summary, not independent reporting.