'I have seen water fountain up out of the drains' Objection to new home plan for Carlton over flooding fears
Residents have objected to plans for up to 18 new homes on land east of The Causeway in Carlton.
The outline application seeks permission for up to 18 dwellings with all matters reserved except access.
The Planning Statement said the 0.7-hectare site sits adjacent to the village’s “built form” and is in Flood Zone 1.
Flood Zones are determined by the UK Environment Agency, and are areas classified by the probability of river or sea flooding, excluding flood defences.
Zone 1 has the lowest risk, indicating a less than 0.1 per cent annual probability of flooding.
The applicant claims the scheme would help address Bedford Borough Council’s housing land supply shortfall, which it says stands at 3.35 years
However, objectors have raised concerns over flooding, biodiversity, road safety and conflict with the Carlton and Chellington Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP).
Several residents say surface water flooding already affects The Causeway, Beeby Way, and nearby properties.
One wrote: “The village has been subjected to surface water flooding after heavy rainfall over the years and several properties on the Causeway and surrounding streets have been affected.”
Another objector said: “I have seen water fountain up out of the drains on many occasions with the sheer pressure of the water coming down.”
The planning statement says a Flood Risk Assessment and Drainage Strategy accompanies the application and confirms “the development will be safe, from flooding, for its lifetime.”
Multiple objections cite conflict with the made Carlton and Chellington NDP, which defines a Settlement Area Boundary.
One resident said: “The proposal lies outside the Settlement Area Boundary defined by the made Carlton & Chellington NDP, and therefore conflicts with the plan led spatial strategy for the parish.”
Concerns have also been raised about pressure on roads, schools and GP services.
A resident wrote: “The village does not have the infrastructure to support more homes and families.”
The planning statement says the Local Highway Authority “confirmed their position as one of no objection”.
An earlier application for up to nine homes on the same land (25/01466/PIP) was refused in September 2025 for reasons including its location outside the settlement boundary, flood risk and loss of village open space.
More information on the new application can be found on the council’s planning portal, reference 26/00242/MAO. The overall consultation expiry date is Thursday, March 26, 2026.