Friends of Wigmore Park are continuing to fight against Luton Council’s decision to agree planning permission for a dual carriageway and business park on OUR Wigmore Valley Park.
We can’t tell you all of the details of our campaign, as it remains confidential, but we can tell you that we are lobbying hard. We are organising a submission to the Secretary of State and are preparing major documents giving local councillors and officers detailed reasons why they must reconsider.
We are continuing the fight because plans for a new dual carriageway through Luton Airport, and new commercial development New Century Park have been approved despite opposition from the areas local Liberal Democrat councillors and the unprecedented numbers of objections lodged against it.
Councillors approved the controversial new dual carriageway and business development, put forward by London Luton Airport Limited (LLAL), by six votes to one ignoring residents’ concerns over
- Pollution
- The resulting reduction in green space in the area
- The destruction of a much loved community asset
- As well as accusing the council and LLAL of being “misleading” by hiding their real intentions for the 1.6-mile access road
The new road and development would result in the destruction of Wigmore Valley Park covering over 70 acres of mature parkland as well as the County Wildlife Site situated there.
LLAL’s plans also risk disturbing landfill, with the release of hazardous and toxic materials into the local surrounding area, and contamination of the local water supply.
Residents have always argued that the dual carriageway is intended to serve a new terminal instead, with the council only too aware that the road would be a key enabler making expansion more likely if permission were granted.
Member of Parliament for Harpenden & Hitchin, Bim Afolami has written the following letter to LBC regarding his opposition to the application for the new Business Park and plans to build on Wigmore Park.