12 new static houseboats at Priory Marina, Bedford
Outline planning consent has recently been secured by CSJ planning for the construction of 12 static houseboats at Priory Marina, Bedford. The marina is subject to a number of restrictive designations, including its status as a County Wildlife Site, location within the Bedford River Valley Park and location within Flood Zone 3a. The marina also lies on the historic Newnham Priory site, previously incorporating an Augustinian monastery and associated fishponds, which is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument. In order to address the various planning obstacles, CSJ worked closely with experts in the fields of ecology, flood risk and archaeology, synthesising their input to put forward a robust case for policy compliance. The Local Planning Authority were responsive to the provision of a form of low cost housing and proactive in negotiations with the professional team. In spite of some local objections, planning permission was granted at Committee in April and separate Scheduled Ancient Monument consent secured by Cotswold Archaeology in early May. A Reserved Matters application will be forthcoming in the near future once the final design has been frozen. This project at Priory Marina is one of numerous marina / waterways jobs with which CSJ are involved, working primarily for BWML, but also private owners. The range of work stretches from changes of use to provide residential, leisure and commercial berths, all the way to the construction of new pontoons, houseboats, waterside holiday lodges and amenities blocks.
