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Center Parcs Planning Application - [07-07-2006]

PRESS RELEASE

THURSDAY 6 JULY 2006

Subject: Bedfordshire and Luton Economic Development Partnership Disappointed by Refusal of Center Parcs Planning Application

“The refusal of the planning application by Mid Bedfordshire District Council to develop a fifth Center Parcs holiday village near Ampthill is a backwards step” said Chris Barnes, Chief Executive Officer of the Bedfordshire and Luton Economic Development Partnership Ltd. (BLEDP) “It potentially sends out the wrong message that Bedfordshire is not serious about attracting new investment to the county.

“After decades of slow decline, the Bedfordshire economy needs the boost these jobs would bring. Mid Beds District Council has previously supported the BLEDP target of 50,000 new jobs by 2021. I am very disappointed that the members of the Mid Beds Planning Committee chose to ignore this commitment when they considered this application. I am afraid that the Councillors who believe there is no need for these jobs are being very complacent. There are nearly 64,000 working residents of Mid Beds, but only about 45,000 jobs available in the district. The gap causes much of the congestion on local roads.

“It is a false argument to suggest that Center Parcs provides the wrong sort of jobs; we need a range of jobs to suit all skill levels. This is exactly what Center Parcs would bring.
“Center Parcs is the ideal developer for this site. The development will increase the tree cover on it, not reduce it. It would enhance the Green Belt, not detract from it. The company has an excellent track record environmentally as well as being a progressive employer.
“BLEDP has supported the application since it was first mooted 2 years ago. We hope that Center Parcs will appeal against this decision and we will give the company our full support if they do.”

For further information please contact:
Chris Barnes
Chief Executive
BLEDP
Tel: 01525 862045
Email: chrisbarnes@bledp.co.uk

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