Opponents say they are "sad" at the loss of a Flitwick field after the planning inspector overturned Central Bedfordshire Council’s housing project refusal decision on appeal.

Planning permission has been granted on appeal for 170 properties on agricultural land, south of Steppingley Road, in Flitwick, despite nearly 5,500 objections.

Applicant Persimmon Homes (Midlands) Limited’s housing plans were refused by Central Bedfordshire Council’s development management committee, going against a recommendation to approve from planning officers.

The project includes open space, access roads, landscaping and other works on 22 acres of arable farmland, allocated for housing under CBC’s adopted Local Plan.

Permission has been granted on appeal for 170 properties on agricultural land, south of Steppingley Road, in Flitwick. Photo: Google Maps

placeholder image — Permission has been granted on appeal for 170 properties on agricultural land, south of Steppingley Road, in Flitwick. Photo: Google Maps

A Save Stepplingley Road Field social media post described it as “a sad day”, saying: “The inspector has ruled in favour of Persimmon, so planning permission is approved. We put up a good fight.”

In a separate Facebook post, the group added: “Persimmon has submitted documents including the travel plan, surface water proposals and dust management guidance.

“These aren’t approved yet, with a consultation period until April 2nd, so the public can still comment.“

An application for costs was made by Persimmon against CBC, according to the appeal verdict notice. This application will be the subject of a separate decision, it said.

“CBC confirmed it no longer wished to contest three of its reasons for refusal, leaving just the lack of a planning arrangement with the developer,” explained planning inspector Glen Rollings.

“This Section 106 obligation was also agreed before the inquiry, with the local authority no longer seeking to contest that remaining aspect of objection.

“The main issues were the impact of the development on the character and appearance of the area, on Flitwick Wood ancient woodland, county wildlife site and local nature reserve, and on highway safety.

“Much of the site’s value in visual terms derives from its openness allowing views from Steppingley Road towards more distant land. This part of the road appears to be changing in character because of the newer and taller buildings being built along it.

“The urbanising effect of the development wouldn’t be out of character. The proposed design along the Steppingley Road edge would incorporate open space, planting and building design, which wouldn’t be unattractive or obtrusive.

“There are numerous areas close to the edges of Flitwick Wood, where I observed urban features. As new planting matures, the vegetation would increasingly screen the housing, and any visual harm in the long-term would be negligible.

“The design and layout of this development is largely appropriate. I don’t consider it would result in significant visual harm around the bridleway, which is mostly enclosed by tall mature woodland trees.

“I conclude these plans wouldn’t have an overall harmful effect on Flitwick Wood ancient woodland, county wildlife site and local nature reserve,” added Mr Rollings.

“Although the project would have some impact on the local road network, this wouldn’t be severe and it wouldn’t be unacceptable on highway safety grounds.

“The delivery of housing is essential, given the absence of an appropriate short-term land supply locally. This would meet an identified need in the area, with affordable homes an extra benefit.”

Conservative Flitwick councillor Ian Adams, said on social media: “I feel particularly sad for the members of Flitwick Local Action Group who pushed so hard on this and couldn’t have done anything more for the cause.”