Approval for 15 new homes on Marsh Farm green space despite residents' campaign

The project on land at Freeman's Green in Sherd Close aims to build four to five-bedroom properties with a garden.

Luton Borough Council's housing strategy and development has been granted planning permission to build 15 homes with parking on the site.

There were two petitions objecting, one online and another filled out by hand, principal planning officer Graham Dore told the development control committee.

"The plans would bring significant investment to Leagrave Park, while preserving the integrity of the majority of Freeman's Green," he said.

Labour Northwell councillor Anne Donelon opted to speak as a ward councillor and not as a committee member, having asked for a site visit previously.

"I was acutely aware of the desperate need for housing in our town and in my ward in particular," she said.

"Logically, if we've got four-bed or five-bedroom homes, we could move larger families to them and free up three-bedroom semis with a garden, which are like gold dust.

"If I vote against it, I would have to look the residents in the eye who live in overcrowded accommodation.

"And I would have to look the other residents in the eye if I support it.

"I can't believe it's thought appropriate to build these 15 houses on green open space."

Her Labour Northwell colleague councillor Yasmin Waheed, who is not a member of the committee, agreed they were put in "a very difficult position".

The proposals consist of nine four-bed and six five-bedroom properties, according to a report to the committee.

Opposition councillors warned of Luton's need for green space, and the risk of children developing health problems such as diabetes through lack of exercise.

Labour Farley councillor Dave Taylor, chairman of the committee, said: "This is difficult. Roughly 85 per cent of the open space will remain.

"We want to build houses in Luton, but we're running out of space.

"Private developers wouldn't build us four-bed and five-bedroom houses. Only the council can do that."

Labour Round Green councillor Mark Rivers added: "This parcel of land already has four town houses built on it.

"We need more large social affordable housing. This is a pocket of green space in a large housing development.

"The desperation of these families stuck in temporary accommodation is such we've got to do something for them."

Councillors narrowly approved the scheme by five votes to four.