Outrage over Attempt to Topple Historic Stewartby Chimneys

11.05.21am BST (GMT +0100) Fri 4th Jul 2008

Just seven months after the historic chimneys at the Stewartby Brickworks site were given listed building status, Landowner Hanson is seeking to demolish them as part of plans for a new 1200-home development.

A planning application has been submitted to Bedford Borough Council for the proposed development, which would more than triple the size of Stewartby village and involve the demolition of the four remaining Grade II listed chimneys.

Local Liberal Democrat Councillors have reacted with outrage to the plans. Commenting, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Wootton and Stewartby Tim Hill said: "The chimneys must be preserved as a heritage site of international importance. These are the last of over 100 chimneys in the Marston Vale, and have only recently been awarded the formal status they deserve as listed buildings. A museum and heritage centre should also be included as part of any new development. This has been done at brickworks sites in other parts of the world, so it should be clear to Hanson that there is no need to consign history to the dustbin in the rush to maximise land values."

Lib Dem Ward Councillors also attacked the details of the planned new development, which propose tall, dense housing out of keeping with the distinctive character of Stewartby. They would also see the village more than triple in size. Commenting, Liberal Democrat Councillor for Wootton and Stewartby Judith Cunningham said: "The proposed development is far too large, and would swamp the existing village. The plans for the housing must also be re-drawn to reflect the special character and style of Stewartby."

Coun Cunningham also criticised the proposed location for some of the new housing: "It is absurd to build houses on the west side of the railway line, cut off from the rest of the village, alongside the landfill site."