So, in addition to the controversial housing plans for the east of Leighton Buzzard, we could have a further development foisted upon us to the West of Linslade, if the proposed planning application to Aylesbury District Council is successful.

Perhaps A.V.D.C need to be reminded that Linslade ceased to be part of Buckinghamshire in 1965!

If this development is allowed, the affect on the wildlife habitat and the quality of life of Bideford Green residents will be considerable.
New access roads will be constructed and more cars will add to the congestion and pollution. Some sort of baffle boards will probably have to be erected to reduce noise from the by-pass for houses built too close to it (yet another eyesore!).

What is going to happen to accommodate the extra school pupils in Linslade?

It may seem that I am a NIMBY, but I do not live near the proposed development, although I did join the campaign against the construction of the Linslade by-pass in the first place, basing my protest on the following formula:

"more roads=more housing developments=more congestion=more roads=a vicious circle!"

The battle against the building of Linslade by-pass was lost, but not without gaining some concessions, such as the setting up of a joint transport strategy for Beds and Bucks for better public transport links. Extensive ecological surveys were undertaken prior to the road construction and to give them their due, Bucks have done all they can to mitigate the effects on the abundant wildlife in the area by planting verges, making badger tunnels, creating ponds for crested newts etc. After objections, they even abandoned plans for the construction of a lay-by close to what remains of Valley Fen, an increasingly rare habitat.

A planning application for a petrol station on the Linslade by-pass was refused after many protests that it would be inappropriate in such a pleasant rural setting. We are now going to have a cycle and pedestrian bridge over the by-pass at Wing Hill, which would not have happened without an excellent campaign by local people and Friends of the Earth.

My point is that it IS worthwhile to protest against wholesale destruction of the countryside and other threats to our quality of life. Much can be achieved by groups of people joining together to make their case more powerful.

A green wheel features in the town's "Big Plan". Areas rich in wildlife could and are already linked by "green corridors" (strips of land with hedges and trees) to allow wildlife to move around and thrive alongside and through urban areas. It is vital to preserve green spaces like the one proposed for this latest housing development, for this to happen.

Green wheels work for people too. It means there is easier access to pleasant footpaths and cycle routes. Already much has been accomplished towards this goal. Hopefully Aylesbury Vale District Council planning department will take note of the town's vision for the future as well as our objections to an ill-conceived and unsustainable development.