Follow these five steps, then use the planning table to turn your own experience into a clear, relevant response.
Open Site 136785 and select Comment. Enter your email address, create a password and follow the instructions sent by Central Bedfordshire Council.
The portal gives you two options: Support or Object.
Focus on the two or three issues that matter most to you. Use our notes as guidance, but add your own observations and evidence.
Choose only the topics that genuinely reflect your view and experience.
| Topic | Why planners are interested | Examples of your own evidence |
|---|---|---|
| Landscape & Green Belt | The effect on openness, landscape character, countryside encroachment and the established edge of Linslade. | “The wide skies and open views are an important reason I walk here.” “The footpaths create a clear transition from the town into open countryside.” |
| Wildlife & biodiversity | The effect on habitats, mature trees, hedgerows, protected species and ecological connectivity. | “I regularly see bats feeding along the field edges.” “I have seen deer crossing these fields.” |
| Recreation & wellbeing | How accessible countryside supports exercise, recreation and physical and mental wellbeing. | “Having this landscape within walking distance encourages me to exercise when I otherwise would not.” “The open skies give me somewhere to clear my head after work.” |
| Roads & active travel | Whether roads, junctions and walking or cycling routes can safely accommodate additional demand. | “Traffic regularly backs up towards and from Wing Road at peak times.” “The Iron Bridge route is a key crossing used by young people travelling between Linslade and Cedars.” |
| Rail & public transport | Whether existing public transport has enough capacity to support sustainable growth. | “Peak-time trains from Milton Keynes are often already standing-room only by the time they reach Leighton Buzzard.” |
| Schools & services | Whether sufficient education, healthcare and community infrastructure exists or can be delivered. | “Despite living locally, I was unable to secure a place at our catchment school.” |
| Heritage | The effect on the significance and setting of Southcott Conservation Area and nearby historic buildings. | “The open countryside contributes to the way Southcott and its historic barns are experienced and understood.” |
| Flood risk & drainage | How development could affect surface water, drainage patterns and flood risk. | “This road regularly floods after heavy rain.” Explain where, when and what you observed. |
“I object to the potential allocation of Site 136785 because…”
Choose the issues that matter most to you.
Explain what you experienced, where, when and why it matters.
“I ask the Council to take these issues into account when assessing the site.”
I object to the potential allocation of Site 136785. My main concerns relate to transport capacity and the loss of accessible open countryside.
Traffic regularly backs up towards the Wing Road roundabout during peak periods. I also use these fields several times a week for walking, and having this landscape within walking distance encourages me to exercise in a way I otherwise would not.
For these reasons, I ask the Council to consider whether this is an appropriate and sustainable location for future development.
Your response should sound like you.If you write more than 100 words, the portal will ask for a summary and may offer an AI-generated version. Read it carefully and edit it so it accurately reflects your views.
Check your position, detailed response and summary one final time, then submit. Keep any confirmation email or reference you receive.
You have done the hard part. Now submit your response through Central Bedfordshire Council.
Your official consultation response comes first. Once it has been submitted, the next most useful step is to email your councillors.
A short, personal email can help elected representatives understand the issues that matter most to residents. Tell them you have submitted your official response and ask what action they will take.
Receive occasional consultation reminders, campaign updates, requests for local evidence and opportunities to help.
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