Key Issues at a Glance:
- Persistent sewage overflows and flooding.
- Development concerns surrounding Site 518.
- Updates on major regional projects.
On 13th February 2025 Milton Ernest residents gathered for the local Parish Meeting. Richard Fuller MP and Grant Tuffs from Anglian Water joined the meeting to address concerns over sewage overflows, flooding risks, and the proposed development of Site 518.
Flooding and Sewage Challenges
Anglian Water outlined efforts to address sewage overflows and flooding, with plans for surveys to identify causes. Grant Tuffs explained that Milton Ernest could be included in a five-year investment plan, pending the approval of the five year plan by Bedford Borough Council. He emphasized the importance of responsible waste disposal and detailed the “Bin It” campaign to reduce blockages.
Residents recounted years of worsening floods, citing runoff from Site 518 and poor drainage. Survey work is set to determine causes and potential solutions. A resident noted that infrastructure had seen no improvements in decades, while others raised concerns about stormwater drains managed by various authorities, adding to the complexity.
Development Debate: Site 518
Site 518’s outline planning application drew criticism for increasing flood risks and lacking alignment with the Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP). Residents proposed using Site 678, a Brownfield site, as an alternative. Concerns over lost amenity land and non-compliance with local policies were also raised.
Mr. Tuffs explained that water companies, while consulted on applications, lack the authority to reject them outright. Efforts are underway to lobby for changes granting such powers.
Broader Regional Developments
Richard Fuller MP provided updates on regional projects with potential indirect impacts on Milton Ernest:
- Black Cat Roundabout: Construction to continue until 2028.
- Luton Airport Expansion: Likely to move ahead, raising calls for financial benefits to extend to Bedford.
- East-West Rail: Concerns persist over its impact on Bedford, with Fuller criticizing the current route as a housing project in disguise.
- Solar Farms: Three square miles of solar farms are set to reshape the countryside.
- Universal Studios Kempston: Anticipated to bring 10 million tourists annually within five years.
The pace of growth in North Bedfordshire, which is more than double the national average over the last 20 years, continues to put immense pressure on local infrastructure and rural life.
Next Steps for Milton Ernest
Mr. Fuller highlighted the North Bedfordshire Water Alliance’s efforts to centralize support for flood management and river pollution. Mr. Tuffs referenced Norfolk’s success with similar initiatives. The newly established North Bedfordshire Water Alliance could also provide support and guidance on flood management and river pollution efforts, potentially aiding with Site 518 application concerns.
Milton Ernest Parish Councillors pledged to continue discussions with key stakeholders, including a forthcoming meeting with a Senior Flood Risk Officer. The Councillors have also confirmed their intention to gather feedback from Villagers on the current site 518 outline planning proposal, particularly regarding the applicant’s unilateral decision to cancel the community grassland specified in the our NDP. This feedback will be used to support the Parish Council in challenging to reinstate this community land at full planning application stage. Flyers will be delivered across the village shortly to obtain this feedback.
Regarding the challenge to reconsider the current housing ‘site 518’, the Parish council explained that, whilst they share many of the concerns expressed by members of the audience with regards to this site, the alternative ‘brownfield’ site would not be deliverable in the required timeframe to support the Bedford Borough 2030 plan. This is primarily due to the fact that the site is currently occupied by a sizable vehicle repair business requiring significant time and investment to relocate, assuming the current landowner would accept to do so. Therefore the main focus of the Parish Council is to ensure the ongoing application for site 518 meets the village needs and has a strong defensible boundary to minimise risk of future housing expansion.