East west rail

The first of these relates to the East West Rail (EWR) major infrastructure project, which invited comments as part of the planning process. The application impacts both Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire, with the majority of our concerns related to areas within Cambridgeshire.

We did however raise several points relating to Bedfordshire, including the need to maintain and enhance ecological networks along the route, as well minimising impacts on designated sites. Our main areas of concern relate to the section between Bedford and Tempsford, which contain significant ancient woodlands and small Priority grasslands. It is important to maintain links between these habitats as well as links to other local habitats. The proposed route will also directly impact Bromham Water Meadows County Wildlife Site and the River Great Ouse County Wildlife Site.

Housing development in Ampthill

The second application relates to a proposed housing development in Ampthill. We objected to this application due to a failure to assess all impacts on local habitats and species and due to flawed Biodiversity Net Gain calculations. The proposed development lies within 800m of Kings Wood and Glebe Meadows, Houghton Conquest Site of Special Scientific Interest, but no assessment was made of any impacts on this area. A Great Crested Newt survey was also not completed prior to the submission of the planning application and the Biodiversity Net Gain assessment was based on flawed and contradictory assumptions.

No decision has yet been made on either of the above applications and so we will continue to monitor them as they make their way through the planning process.

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