Five million pound infrastructure boost for Leighton-Linslade (16/03/07)

Planning agreements (under Section 106 of the current Planning Acts) with the major developers involved in the development of sites such as at Pratts Pit, Wing Road and RAF Stanbridge mean that the developers will fund infrastructure such as new schools, open space, transport, local shops, community facilities, public art and provide affordable housing

A planning agreement is legally binding and is negotiated between a local authority and a developer. Some of the works are done as part of the construction process directly by the developer and others are completed by the local authorities and other agencies on receipt of payments over a number of years.

The agreement for Pratts Pit includes play areas and negotiations are currently underway to build a teenage multi sports area at a cost of £26,000. The agreements also provide for future major public open space to be set aside as a green area for residents to enjoy close to their homes.

Transport will also be receiving a financial boost.  This is not just for improved roads and access, but also for bus services, bus stops/shelters and cycleways.  These measures are all part of the 1.4 million pounds that will be spent over the next 10 years.

Councillor Tom Nicols, executive portfolio holder for planning and chairman of the Joint Planning and Transportation Committee, said on viewing the figures: “This development at south east Leighton Buzzard has been planned for some time and we have been working hard to ensure that the area is well planned and has the right infrastructure.  Realistically, developer funding cannot meet all the needs of the local area and some of the facilities will be provided over a number of years and in partnership with the county and town councils. Nevertheless the benefits we have negotiated so far are significant and will improve the quality of life for the residents of these new communities.” 

Anne Brereton, Director of Environment and Development agreed with Councillor Nicols and added: “we should not underestimate the complexity of these negotiations, particularly where land is in a number of different ownerships and the development is likely to take place over a number of years.  This is one of the challenges facing our planners over the next few years to ensure the timely provision of essential community facilities alongside new housing.  The shopping list of needs gets ever longer and our expectations of the developer contribution increases.”

In some cases the final decision on planning applications will be referred to an independent planning inspector or the Secretary of State.  This is the case with the latest phase at South East Leighton Buzzard, which will be considered at a public inquiry starting on 24 April.  Interested residents and local organisations can take part in the Inquiry and express their views about the infrastructure needs arising from this development, or simply attend to listen to the proceedings.  The Inquiry will be held at the district council offices in Dunstable