Housing & Development
Housing & Development - Contents
Central Bedfordshire Council Development Control | Ampthill Town Council Planning Committee | Where can I learn more about planning issues? | Local Opposition to Future Development | Current Developments | Housing | Local Estate Agents | What does the Ampthill Town plan say about housing & planning issues? | How can I influence 'the powers that be' with regards planning & housing issues?
Local Planning
Central Beds Council Development Control
To View Planning Applications Online - Central Beds Development Control Online Contact your Unitary Councillor if you have issues with the above applications:
Ampthill Town Council Planning Committee
Planning Meetings are generally held at Ampthill Town Council on a Wednesday at 7.30pm, when enough planning applications warrant a meeting. Look out for notices posted in the Town Council notice boards. The Town Council make recommendations to Mid Beds District Council regarding planning applications connected with the town.
Where can I learn more about planning issues?
The Planning Portal - your one-stop-shop for planning and building services online - www.planningportal.gov.uk
Local Opposition to Future Development
Ampthill Development Action Group
Ampthill Development Action Group has been set up to fight against the over-development of Ampthill and the consequent damage this will do to the quality of life of all its residents and to the very historical fabric of the Town itself. They have s membership of over 100 volunteers that are committed to helping with petitions and surveys that fight the vast building programme that are potentially planned for the town. For more information contact Fran Andel fran13@lessonsofhistory.co.uk. Also make sure you sign the groups petition at:
The Limes Development
Details from Storey Developments:
A stunning collection of new apartments will soon be launched in Ampthill thanks to Storey Homes’ redevelopment plans for the 1960s listed former town hall building. Designed by Sir Albert Richardson, an architect renowned for his enthusiasm for the Georgian period, the building will be transformed back to its original format to provide 10,000sqft of office space. The adjoining 1990s building meanwhile will be changed to provide 26 apartments.
In the 1990s, the building was extended and a new office block was added to the rear of the building. Storey Homes plans to demolish the link between the listed building and 1990s office block to reveal the original rear elevations of the listed building. In addition, further new build apartments and houses will be built at the rear of the development.
Gareth Jacob, Head of Sales and Marketing at Storey Homes comments: “As with all our new homes developments, The Limes offers purchasers high quality design and specification, supreme finish as well as exceptional attention to detail. This combined with the great location will appeal to a wide range of purchasers and has already proved popular with over 100 people registering on our website for further information.”
Phase one will consist of the conversion of the existing office building to new modern office facilities and the 1990s building to 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. This scheme also includes penthouses on the top floor offering exceptional views of the surrounding countryside.
This unique development is situated in a leafy, predominantly residential area, yet is only a few minutes’ walk from the town centre. All homes will have a full 10 year building warranty, finished to a high specification and will benefit secured, allocated parking.
To register your interest please call 01908 363411 or visit www.storey-homes.co.uk
Bedfordshire Homefinder - Choice Based Lettings in Bedfordshire
Bedfordshire Homefinder is the choice based lettings scheme for Council and Housing Association properties in Bedfordshire. This scheme gives you more choice about where you want to live. Bedfordshire's Local Authorities and two largest Housing Associations (including Aragon Housing Association) have joined in partnership to create Bedfordshire Homefinder, a new way of letting social housing across the County.
You must be registered on the scheme to participate; contact your local housing office or download an application form if you wish to apply to Bedfordshire Homefinder. Anyone can apply to the scheme provided they are aged 16 years old or more.
If you are accepted onto the scheme, your level of priority for housing will be assessed and you will be placed in one of four Bands. Your priority will affect your chances of being housed. For more information on how priority is assessed please view the Bedfordshire Homefinder Allocations Policy.
Website: www.bedfordshirehomefinder.co.uk
Aragon Housing Asociation (part of the Grand Union Group)
Aragon Housing Association was formed in 1994, following the transfer of homes from Mid Beds District Council. In November 1999, the association formally changed its name from Mid Beds Housing Association to Aragon Housing Association after a wide consultation with both tenants and staff.
With 6,500 homes, assets of £170 million and an annual turnover of £21million, Aragon is one of the fastest growing 'not-for-profit' landlords in southern England. It manages over 6,500 homes across Bedfordshire and is now also working in Milton Keynes, Northampton, Luton, Aylesbury and Cambridgeshire.
Feoffee Almshouses
Church Square, Church Street, Ampthill, Beds MK45 2EN
Ampthill Feoffee Estate Charity - 8 houses. Sizes 1-bed, 2-bed. Opened in 1660. Renovated in 1970. The almshouse charity caters for independent elderly people who have connections in the area.
Country Properties
1 Church Street, Ampthill, Beds, MK45 2PJ. 01525 403033. www.country-properties.co.uk
Orchards
The Clock House, Bedford Street, Ampthill, MK45 2NB. 01525 402266. www.orchardsuk.com
Urban & Rural
19 Bedford Street, Ampthill, Beds, MK45 2LU. 01525 405999. www.urbanandrural.com
What does the Ampthill Town plan say about housing & planning issues?
Housing & the Built Environment
The Survey revealed that there is a need to develop a housing strategy that reduces harmful impacts on the community. One concern was that "Ampthill might lose its identity as a Georgian market town if development spoilt the virtues of living here."
Many people also felt that they had no say over what development takes place in the town. Responses to the questionnaire showed that the main type of additional housing required was Starter homes and low cost homes.
ACTIONS
- Publish a Town Design Statement.
- Establish a Green Infrastructure Plan for Ampthill and surrounding areas.
- Develop an affordable housing contingency plan.
THE VISION FOR THE FUTURE
- Preserve and expand green areas running in a ribbon around Ampthill accessed from all parts of the town along radial footpaths and bridle ways.
- Ampthill maintains its charm and rural surroundings.
- Increased availability of affordable housing in Ampthill.
POLICY STATEMENTS
The town supports the writing of a Town Design Statement for Ampthill.
- The town supports the preparation of a Green Infrastructure Plan for Ampthill and surrounding areas.
- The town supports increasing the availability of affordable housing in Ampthill
How can I influence 'the powers that be' with regards planning & housing issues?
- Talk to Central Beds - www.talktocentralbedfordshire.co.uk