Local Plan for Central Bedfordshire Council: Call for Sites Consultation
The final date to respond is 17th August 2026
Respond to the consultation by completing it online (instructions below) or via a form available at either the Hub and Spoke cafe or the Lincoln Way Post Office.
Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) is currently reviewing 452 possible development sites throughout the council area. This consultation will eventually lead to a finalised list for the upcoming Local Plan, which determines which sites are eligible for development, until 2030.
There are 14 sites in or around Harlington that have been proposed as sites for development that we feel merit your comment. This is your chance to provide your feedback on these sites.
After the Local Plan Consultation ends in August, in the autumn a mandatory consultation will take place which is known as Reg 23 and covers the overall strategy of the Local Plan. The primary question that this consultation answers is where to locate new homes: across large towns, small towns, or villages and rural communities, or all of these options.
Next year ( 2027) there will be another public consultation on the shortlist of sites, before CBC Ward Councillors make the final decision. Please keep an eye on this website for updates.
Harlington Sites Proposed for Development
CBC are inviting feedback on 14 potential sites in our area (depicted on the map below) for new housing and industrial development as part of the new Local Plan. Our existing Local Plan was approved in 2021 and has sites for development until 2030. This new one will be for development until 2050.
Over the last few years, Harlington has contributed significantly to new development and has seen a marked increase in housing.
Without active participation in this consultation, Harlington faces the danger of seeing permanent changes to our village without adequate scrutiny of the local consequences.
Your participation helps us to advocate for:
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Preserving Harlington's identity as a village.
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Protecting important green spaces and community facilities.
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Ensuring future growth is planned and sustainable.
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Making sure infrastructure is considered before development.
How to Respond Online
- Navigate to: https://centralbedfordshire.oc2.uk/document/99/9171#d9171
2. Select the ‘Comment’ option located beneath site 136380.
3. Select ‘Create an Account’ and follow the prompts provided. You can watch the video below for a step by step guide on how to do this (please scroll down).
4. Type in your comments about the site or copy, paste and amend our responses as shown in the section below.
5. Click ‘Submit’ to confirm your response.
6. Click on ‘Comment’ button under the next site in the list and repeat steps 4 to 6 above.
7. Repeat for all sites listed below.
Select the ‘Comment’ option located beneath the next site and follow the same instructions outlined above. Please do this for every Harlington location mentioned below.
Reminder: Several sites near us in Toddington and other neighbouring villages will also impact our community. We highly recommend that you also submit feedback for those sites.
How to Set Up a CBC Account Online
Template Responses By Site
Please view, copy or amend our responses below for each site to create your own submissions.
Simply click on the arrow button to the right of each site description.
Note: CBC have imposed a word limit of 100 words for all comment submissions.
Select a Site below to view our template response
This site is part of the field by the railway line, at the bottom of Goswell End, with the footpath across to the woods and old brick kilns. It borders the Upper school carpark.
Draft Summary
We object on the basis of encroachment into Green Belt and countryside; weakening of Green Belt boundary; loss of BMV Land grade 2&3; degradation of landscape (EE5); stress on local infrastructure and services including water resources; road safety
Main narrative
Parcel is a Strong contribution to Greenbelt and limited merit for other uses, as acknowledged by CBC when previously rejected
Best & Most Versatile Land Grades 2 & 3. Loss of productive agriculture/ local food production
Contrary to Council Policies (EE5) where landscape is to be protected.
The proposal would placing additional demand on local infrastructure, particularly traffic.
A likely new access road on the bend adjacent to the school introduces road safety issues.
The proposal would placing additional demand on natural resource notably stretched water resource. Anglian Water have little extra capacity.
Important and attractive green space along settlement boundary to be preserved as part of the Green Belt surrounding the village and defending against coalescence/ future.
Collectively with 136704 and 136743 The sites extend beyond the settlement envelope for Harlington to the north & east and the clear existing green wheel surrounding it. Goswell End Road should remain as the strong, defensible northern Green Belt boundary for the village.
This site incorporates several areas also covered here, including the motorcross track, and bordered by the railway line, south of Harlington. This version proposes a solar farm.
Draft Summary:
This parcel lies in Green Belt and contributes to the separation of Harlington from surrounding villages and hamlets. Development of this site would constitute encroachment, both of the space separating the villages and of the countryside itself. The hillside overlooking the village is of landscape value; development would violate CBC’s EE5 policy and lead to the destruction and degradation of wood and hedgerow habitat. This development will add to the stresses on local infrastructure and services and add to the loss of agricultural land.
Narrative:
This parcel lies in an area of open agricultural land entirely within the Green Belt. There are areas of woodland, a pleasant shelterbelt of trees, and there is a well-used footpath that connects the village to the land west of the railway.
Any development will constitute an encroachment into the Green Belt and countryside, and damage to the amenity and landscape value of this area. It will therefore be a violation to the Council’s obligation under their own EE5 policy that serves to protect and enhance landscape.
The tree belt, hedgerows and woodland of this area are precious habitats that should be preserved at all costs.
The parcel, being within open countryside, serves as part of a clear area of separation between Toddington and Harlington. Whilst in isolation the development might not constitute major encroachment in terms of separation, in conjunction with the other proposed developments it would add to an almost continuous urban landscape between the two settlements.
No clear access route or Grid connection provision.
This site incorporates several areas also covered here, including the motorcross track, and bordered by the railway line, south of Harlington. This version proposes houses.
Draft Summary:
This parcel lies in Green Belt and contributes to the separation of Harlington from surrounding villages and hamlets. Development of this site would constitute encroachment, both of the space separating the villages and of the countryside itself. The hillside overlooking the village is of landscape value; development would violate CBC’s EE5 policy and lead to the destruction and degradation of wood and hedgerow habitat. This development will add to the stresses on local infrastructure and services and add to the loss of agricultural land. Residential development would add to the already strained local services and increase traffic congestion.
Narrative:
This parcel lies in an area of open agricultural land entirely within the Green Belt. There are areas of woodland, a pleasant shelterbelt of trees, and there is a well-used footpath that connects the village to the land west of the railway.
Any development will constitute an encroachment into the Green Belt and countryside, and damage to the amenity and landscape value of this area. It will therefore be a violation to the Council’s obligation under their own EE5 policy that serves to protect and enhance landscape.
The tree belt, hedgerows and woodland of this area are precious habitats that should be preserved at all costs.
The parcel, being within open countryside, serves as part of a clear area of separation between Toddington and Harlington.
Whilst in isolation the development might not constitute major encroachment in terms of separation, in conjunction with the other proposed developments it would add to an almost continuous urban landscape between the two settlements.
With regard to infrastructure, there is no clear access route or Grid connection provision. Additionally, any development will put a strain on infrastructure and services, particularly water, and add to the congestion on village roads and highways beyond.
This site is behind Steeple Gardens, on the right as you go under the railway bridge. The former site of Chiltern Aquatics.
Draft Summary:
The plot is adjacent to the village allotments. There is a high demand for allotments in the village, so this parcel would be better suited as an extension of the allotments and would provide a positive change of use for our community. A new entry point via Steeple Gardens would provide an alternative point of entry to the allotments. Such a land use would not require the land to be taken out of the Green Belt, nor violate EE5 landscape obligations. An alternative use would be as an extension of the cemetery to the west.
Narrative:
Strong contribution to Greenbelt and limited merit in development (according to CBC from previous applications.
Best & Most Versatile Land Grades 2 & 3. Loss of productive agriculture/ local food production.
Contrary to Policies EE5 Landscape & Value.
The proposal would place further demands on local infrastructure.
The proposal would placing further demand on resources notably stretched water resource.
Important and attractive green space along settlement boundary to be preserved as the green wheel surrounding the village and defending against coalescence/ future.
Extends Village Boundary towards Westoning – Clear risk of Coalescence when considered with other known potential developments.
Key amenity land adjacent to the Allotments and Cemetery – strong benefit in retaining for future village use.
The field on the left, as previously stated, is beside the railway line, with the footpath to the woods and old brick kilns. This site has a planning application currently in progress. The site on the right off the Upper School, is the site of the former moated Harlington Manor, and accessed via the layby next to Horse Hill Farm.
Should be considered as two portions East and West – CBC assessment is inconsistent for each parcel approving West only.
Summary:
We object on the basis of encroachment into Green Belt and countryside; weakening of Green Belt boundary; severe risk of flooding; loss of BMV Land grade 2&3; degradation of landscape (EE5); stress on local infrastructure and services including water resources; road safety; degradation of key natural habitats
Narrative:
This parcel makes a strong contribution to Greenbelt and limited merit* in development acknowledge by CBC but disregarded (overruled?) for Western section.
The land is classified as best & Most Versatile Land Grades 2 & 3 and an irreplaceable asset to the village.
Wetness index maps show this to be an area of potential flooding. Major flooding events have occurred in the past two years along the SW edge of this field adjacent to the railway line and Westoning road, near the bridge. Groundwater movement may have caused the collapse of the railway embankment a few years ago. Development is likely to only worsen the flooding.
Development would be contrary to CBC’s own EE5 Landscape & Value policy which aims to protect and enhance landscape. The parcel is a pleasant arable field with a visually pleasing footpath that rises towards the wood to the north. This aspect will be severely damaged by this development.
Development of this parcel will also degrade the wood which contains species of newts, woodpeckers and many other species to the detriment of its many habitats and amenity. This runs contrary to CBC’s policy on protecting landscape and habitats.
West Section extends Village Boundary towards Westoning – Clear potential coalescence issue when considered with known potential Westoning developments.
Interesting and attractive walk land trail and right of way between Harlington and Westoning providing a pleasant walking link that is well used recreationally. Passes historically important former brick workings. no assessment of impact on this heritage asset has been provided.
Eastern Development is far larger than the area reviewed NLP381 and would be clearly visible from all key AONB viewpoints, NT Land and Sharpenhoe Clappers. NLP 381 was rejected for inclusion in local plan as the Eastern Section overlooks and would be visible to Bunyan’s Oak- an important local landmark situated in open fields.
The site is located beyond the settlement envelope for Harlington this significant land parcel in such a visually exposed location would represent a detrimental and illogical encroachment of substantial built form into the countryside causing unacceptable adverse harm to Harlington’s character and countryside setting. As such, the proposal is contrary to paragraph 170 of the NPPF, and to policies SP7, HQ1, EE3, EE4 and EE5 of our adopted Local Plan.
Collectively with sites 136380 and 136743, the sites extend beyond the settlement envelope for Harlington to the north & east and the Green Belt surrounding it. Goswell End Road should remain as the strong, defensible northern Green Belt boundary for the village.
This area is the target of the Pegasus planning application for 650 houses, to the left of Toddington Road, opposite the Castlefield development after crossing the railway bridge. It includes part of the old motorcross track.
Summary text:
We object on the basis of encroachment into Green Belt and countryside; weakening of Green Belt boundary; severe risk of flooding; loss of BMV Land grade 2&3; degradation of landscape (EE5); stress on local infrastructure and services including water resources; road safety; degradation of key natural habitats
Narrative:
This parcel lies in an area of open agricultural land entirely within the Green Belt. There are areas of woodland, a pleasant shelterbelt of trees, and is a well-used footpath that connects the village to the land west of the railway.
This parcel contributes to the separation of Harlington from surrounding villages and hamlets. Being on a hillside, this site is clearly visible from parts of the village and from local roads and the M1. Its open, unbuilt nature adds to the rural setting of the area.
Development of this site would constitute encroachment of the space separating the villages, and of the countryside itself. The sites, together with others, including the existing HAS20 and HAS21 and other sites in this consultation will add to an accumulated detrimental effect on traffic congestion, stress on already stretched local services and water supply and lead to the loss of good quality farmland, landscape and habitats.
Development will severely degrade the landscape, contrary to the council’s policy (EE5).Development of this and other sites will breach the strong Green Belt boundary currently provided by the railway and together with the proposed developments lead to an almost continuous urban landscape between Harlington and Toddington.
The field here is bordered by Toddington Road, Westoning Road and the A5120, on the opposite side of the railway track to the village. It is joined to the Castlefield site behind Rosehaven Cottage.
Summary:
We object on the basis of encroachment into Green Belt and countryside; weakening of Green Belt boundary; severe risk of flooding; loss of BMV Land grade 2&3; degradation of landscape (EE5); stress on local infrastructure and services including water resources; road safety; degradation of natural habitats.
Narrative:
This parcel lies on Green Belt and significantly contributes to the separation of Harlington with Westoning and settlements west of the A5120. Any development would therefore constitute encroachment towards a state of merger with these settlements. It would also weaken Green Belt boundaries, encouraging further development to the west of A5120.
The parcel lies on good quality BMV land that also contributes to the rural setting of the village.
Development of this site is inappropriate given the current services and infrastructure. Harlington’s services are already under severe stress from the new and existing demand. These new developments will only add to this stress causing people to seek services elsewhere. This will lead to increased traffic to other service centres such as Flitwick and Toddington, thereby worsening congestion.
Development of this site will lead to an accumulated detrimental effect on water supply, because the regional water company have no spare capacity for such significant developments.
Development of this site will worsen congestion in the village and surrounding roads. There is already considerable congestion with increasing traffic through the village on roads which are not suitable for this volume of traffic. These developments will increase congestion on local highways e.g. A5120 and through our neighbouring villages such as Toddington, Westoning and Flitwick.
The River Flit is a Chalk stream that runs along the south and west of this site and has a habitat that is unique in the parish. Further downstream it feeds into an SSSI that depends on the waters upstream being pristine. Development would endanger this rare ecosystem which is of National significance.
This site is also a part of the proposed development between the railway line and the Upper school, on Goswell End Road.
Draft Summary:
We object on the basis of encroachment into Green Belt and countryside; weakening of Green Belt boundary; severe risk of flooding; loss of BMV Land grade 2&3; degradation of landscape (EE5); stress on local infrastructure and services including water resources; road safety; degradation of key natural habitats
Narrative:
Parcel is a Strong contributor to Greenbelt and limited merit for other uses, as acknowledged by CBC when previously rejected.
This site is an important and attractive green space along settlement boundary and should be preserved as part of the Green Belt surrounding the village and defending against coalescence/ future. Development would weaken the current Green Belt boundary, potentially encouraging future applications for development.
Best & Most Versatile Land Grades 2 & 3. Development here would cause loss of productive agriculture/ local food production.
Contrary to Council Policies (EE5) where landscape is to be protected. The mature hedgerows that surround this site are important wildlife habitats that should be preserved, Development would not be conducive to this.
The proposal would placing additional demand on local infrastructure, particularly traffic.
A likely new access road on the bend adjacent to the school introduces road safety issues.
The proposal would placing additional demand on natural resource notably stretched water resource. Anglian Water have little extra capacity.
Collectively with 136704 and 136743 The sites extend beyond the settlement envelope for Harlington to the north & east and the Green Belt surrounding it. Goswell End Road should remain as the strong, defensible northern Green Belt boundary for the village.
Although this site has already been discounted due to its size, it has stayed in the plan. It is on Goswell End Road, located between Horse Hill Farm, and Markham Reclamation, opposite Lincoln Way. Often known as “The sheep field”.
Summary:
We object on the basis of encroachment into Green Belt and countryside; weakening of Green Belt boundary; degradation of landscape (EE5); stress on local infrastructure and services including water resources; road safety; degradation of key natural habitats; loss of BMV Land grade 2&3
Narrative:
Strong contribution to Greenbelt and has limited merit in any development according to the CBC.
The site is adjacent to grade 2 listed Horse Hill Farm, possibly within its curtilage and certainly providing an attractive grouping falling to the east. It is a parcel of a field containing Bunyan’s Oak, an important Historical local landmark, and the field should be considered as a whole.
Contrary to Policies EE5 Landscape & Value. The parcel is a pleasant area of pasture that opens out onto an attractive slope to the north containing the famous ‘Bunyan’s Oak. The site is visible from the Sundon Hills/ NT/ AONB location. Development would represent a detrimental and illogical encroachment of the built form into the countryside causing unacceptable adverse harm to Harlington’s character and countryside setting.
Best & Most Versatile Land Grades 2 & 3. Loss of productive agriculture/ local food production. The area is currently pasture.
The proposal would place further demand on local infrastructure – new road access on T-Junction – making it a crossroads - introduces road safety issues.
The proposal would place further demand on already stretched water resources that the water company may not be able to meet.
A better use of this area would be to enhance its amenity by diverting the footpath that currently comes out at Barton Road through the parcel resulting in a much safer route for walkers using the Bunyan Trail
This area covers the land between the Pegasus proposal on Toddington Road, and the M1. It includes the former motorcross site, and all the land down to and behind Toddington Services South. The left-hand parcel is a greenbelt field between the M1 and B530 to Chalton.
Summary:
We object on the basis of encroachment into Green Belt and countryside; weakening of Green Belt boundary; severe risk of flooding; loss of BMV Land grade 2&3; degradation of landscape (EE5); degradation of long-distance footpath (Icknield Way Trail); stress on local infrastructure and services including water resources; degradation of natural habitats.
Narrative:
This parcel lies in an area of open agricultural land entirely within the Green Belt. There are areas of woodland, a pleasant shelterbelt of trees, and a pleasant poplar-lined field adjacent to the motorway, south of the service station. A nationally important long-distance trail, the Icknield Way Trail, cuts through the middle of this parcel.
This parcel contributes to the separation of Harlington from surrounding villages and hamlets. Being on a hillside, this site is clearly visible from parts of the village and from local roads and the M1. Its open, unbuilt nature adds to the rural setting of the area.
Development on this site will severely damage the amenity and rural nature of the Icknield Way Trail as it passes through the area.
The sites, together with others, including the existing HAS20 and HAS21 and other sites in this consultation will add to an accumulated detrimental effect on traffic congestion, stress on already stretched local services and water supply and lead to the loss of good quality farmland, landscape and habitats. Best & Most Versatile Land Grades 2 & 3. Development here would cause loss of productive agriculture/ local food production.
Development will severely degrade the landscape, contrary to the council’s policy (EE5). Development of this and other sites will breach the strong Green Belt boundary currently provided by the railway and together with the proposed developments lead to an almost continuous urban landscape between Harlington and Toddington.
Best & Most Versatile Land Grades 2 & 3. Development here would cause loss of productive agriculture/ local food production.
The largest area, All the land on the far side of the A5120 from the M1 to the lorry layby on Westoning Road, then around Just Go Motorhomes, either side of Poplars Nursey and north to the Cat Rescue centre. On the North bound side of the M1 from the slip road to halfway along Long Lane.
Summary:
We object on the basis of encroachment into Green Belt and countryside; weakening of Green Belt boundary; severe risk of flooding; loss of BMV Land grade 2&3; degradation of landscape (EE5); stress on local infrastructure and services including water resources; road safety; degradation of natural habitats.
Narrative:
This parcel lies on Green Belt and significantly contributes to the separation of Harlington with Tingrith and other smaller settlements west of the A5120 and M1. Any development would therefore constitute encroachment towards a state of merger with these settlements. It would also weaken Green Belt boundaries, encouraging further development to the west of the M1.
Being in an area of open agricultural land entirely within the Green Belt, the landscape is rural, despite the M1 motorway cutting through it. The western part of the site lies in attractive rolling countryside with small woods, ponds and other habitats either on the site or adjacent to it. Several footpaths criss-cross the area and Toddington Manor lies just to the west and the attractive hamlet to of Harlington Wood End immediately to the north.
Building on this site would severely damage the amenity of the landscape and would be contrary to the Council’s EE5 policy that is designed to protect and enhance the landscape. The exposed, rural nature of the site is not conducive to development at this scale: the size of the development would make this an ugly eyesore to people walking or travelling through this area.
Best & Most Versatile Land Grades 2 & 3. Development here would cause loss of productive agriculture/ local food production.
Development on this site for employment will seriously increase traffic congestion in the surrounding roads and put enormous pressure on the already stressed water supply.
As you enter Sharpenhoe from Harlington, this field is on the left after the 30mph sign, and runs up to and round behind, the cottages set back from the road. It is part of Brookmead Farm.
Summary of Comments to Site 136762 – Compiled by Streatley Local Group
The site:
• Has the John Bunyan Trail running along its eastern side – a nationally recognised long distance walking route of 77miles – no assessment of impact on this heritage asset has been provided
Is located in the Chiltern National Landscape (100%, by inference from adjoining ALP044/NLP472).
Is immediately adjacent to Sharpenhoe Clappers (National Trust/SSSI).
Relies on a single access route through the Barton-le-Clay Conservation Area contains Grade II listed buildings.
Is within the Green Belt - with no very special circumstances demonstrated.
Has no LVIA, Transport Assessment, Heritage Impact Assessment, SSSI Tact Assessment, Public Rights of Way Assessment, or cumulative impact assessment.
Would add to cumulative traffic on the Sharpenhoe Road corridor.
Would harm the landscape character of the Barton Hills and views from the Conservation area.
Would place additional pressure on Barton-le-Clay's services (shops, GP, schools)
On entering Westoning from Harlington, this is on the left and incorporates a large part of the equine centre and training facility, to the boundary of Manor Close, just before the speed camera.
Summary:
We object on the basis of encroachment into Green Belt and countryside; weakening of Green Belt boundary; degradation of landscape (EE5); stress on local infrastructure and services including water resources; road safety; degradation of key natural habitats; loss of BMV Land Grade 2&3
Narrative:
This parcel lies on Green Belt and significantly contributes to the separation of Harlington with Westoning and settlements west of the A5120. Any development would therefore constitute encroachment towards a state of merger with these settlements. It would also weaken Green Belt boundaries, encouraging further development to the west of A5120.
The parcel lies on good quality BMV land that also contributes to the rural setting of the village.
Development of this site is inappropriate given the current services and infrastructure. Harlington’s services are already under severe stress from the new and existing demand. These new developments will only add to this stress causing people to seek services elsewhere. This will lead to increased traffic to other service centres such as Flitwick and Toddington, thereby worsening congestion.
Development of this site will lead to an accumulated detrimental effect on water supply, because the regional water company have no spare capacity for such significant developments.
Development of this site will worsen congestion in the village and surrounding roads. There is already considerable congestion with increasing traffic through the village on roads which are not suitable for this volume of traffic.
These developments will increase congestion on local highways e.g. A5120 and through our neighbouring villages such as Toddington, Harlington and Flitwick.
The last remaining field between Harlington and Westoning! This sits between the development on the right as you enter Westoning, and the edge of the Pegasus proposal in Harlington, bordered by the railway line, the A5120 and incorporating Auto Effects Ltd. It comes close to the back of Harlington Garden cemetery.
Summary:
We object on the basis of encroachment into Green Belt and countryside; weakening of Green Belt boundary; degradation of landscape (EE5); stress on local infrastructure and services including water resources; road safety; degradation of key natural habitats; loss of BMV Land Grade 2&3
Narrative:
This parcel lies on Green Belt and significantly contributes to the separation of Harlington with Westoning and settlements west of the A5120. Any development would therefore constitute encroachment towards a state of merger with these settlements. It would also weaken Green Belt boundaries, encouraging further development to the west of A5120.
The parcel lies on good quality BMV land that also contributes to the rural setting of the village.
Development of this site is inappropriate given the current services and infrastructure. Harlington’s services are already under severe stress from the new and existing demand. These new developments will only add to this stress causing people to seek services elsewhere. This will lead to increased traffic to other service centres such as Flitwick and Toddington, thereby worsening congestion.
Development of this site will lead to an accumulated detrimental effect on water supply, because the regional water company have no spare capacity for such significant developments.
Development of this site will worsen congestion in the village and surrounding roads. There is already considerable congestion with increasing traffic through the village on roads which are not suitable for this volume of traffic.
These developments will increase congestion on local highways e.g. A5120 and through our neighbouring villages such as Toddington, Harlington and Flitwick