John Bercow has written to the Department for Communities and Local Government to raise serious concerns about the planned development of 900 new houses in Soulbury, on the border of Leighton Buzzard.

The local plans for Bedfordshire do not include development in Soulbury, which is a designated conservation area. The land is of Special Scientific Interest and John has serious concerns about the risk of flooding as well as the inadequate road structure in the area.

John said, “This proposal is opposed by South Bedfordshire District Council and by Aylesbury Vale District Council. I understand that DCLG, on the other hand, is in favour of the development. I am disturbed by this apparent disparity between the views of the local councils – who have been elected to take decisions of this sort – and that of central government. I have written to Hazel Blears, the Secretary of State, both to oppose the Urban Extension and to urge her to explain her position”.