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Concerns Raised Over Proposed Housing Development Affecting Nationally Important Activity Centre in Bromham
New homes in Bromham could put an activity centre of “national importance” at risk if the plans go ahead, a local youth leader has said.
David Heard, representing Bedfordshire Scouts and serving as the chair of the Leslie Sell Activity Centre, articulated his concerns to Bromham Parish Council this week (Tuesday, July 2), urging them to reject the planning application for new housing in close proximity to the activity centre.
Potential Impact on Operability
Mr. Heard emphasised the potential negative consequences that the proposed development could have on the Leslie Sell Activity Centre’s operations. “We’re fearful if the development goes ahead that it will seriously affect how [the Leslie Sell Activity Centre] operates,” he said. “Bedfordshire Scouts are the largest owner of land adjacent to this [proposed] development."
Heard also pointed out that the applicants had not adequately acknowledged the presence of the activity centre in their planning process, treating it as an afterthought in their pursuit of planning permission. He stated, “It’s not necessarily housing, it’s just housing close to an operational scout campsite that is a real problem.”
Historical Context and Ongoing Use
The concerns raised are rooted in experience from other sites where housing developments near longstanding facilities have led to conflicts. Mr. Heard explained, “This is born out of experience from other sites where people move into the [new] houses and they immediately complain about what’s going on. And it’s been there for the last 60 years.”
Highlighting the centre’s importance, Mr. Heard noted that the facility is not only used by scouts but also by young people from across Bedfordshire and beyond. Activities and camping events draw thousands to the site annually. “We have over 10,000 young people visiting this site every year,” he said. “So fundamentally, this is a big issue for us.”
Community Engagement and Previous Refusals
Mr. Heard further detailed the logistical challenges posed by the development, notably the noise generated during large camps. “We’ve got camps with 600 to 800 people; we’re not going to be able to keep that noise down at night and then [from sometimes before 4am] in the morning.”
This is not the first time such a development has been proposed. In 2017, a similar plan was refused for five specific reasons. Although the number of proposed houses has since been reduced, Mr. Heard contended that the reasons for refusal remain unchanged.
Parish Council's Stand and Future Steps
The parish council voted to submit an objection to the planners at Bedford Borough Council. However, it should be noted that a parish council does not have the authority to determine a planning application. These decisions are made either by planning officers using delegated powers or by the planning committee made up of borough councillors.
The applicants, Kler, were approached for a comment but did not reply at the time of publication.
by John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
