Action group wins appeal to protect lake from housing development near Bedford

The homes were proposed to be built in on the edge of Harrold Lake in a location previously rejected by the Harrold Parish Council Neighbourhood Development Plan Group.

Harrold Village Action Group, supported by CPRE Bedfordshire, has won its battle to protect Harrold Lake, north of the village from the development of more than 90 new homes.

The developer - Catesby Promotions Ltd - had taken its application to Bedford Borough Council to appeal but it was rejected.

Paul Jenkins, who led on this application for CPRE Bedfordshire and spoke against the sppeal, said: “This action group demonstrated that people power can win the day when well organised.

"The Harrold Action Group encouraged many concerned local people to attend day one of the inquiry demonstrating to the inspector the strength of local opposition to the application.

"Members of the action group were also present on each day of the Inquiry with a very strong presence again on the final day during the summing up from both sides.”