Town near new Universal site worried about impact

The council is worried traffic will build in the centre of Ampthill

A town council has expressed concerns about traffic and holiday lets if the proposed Universal Studios theme park is approved.

Ampthill Town Council is particularly worried that roads through its town centre, that are regarded as a bottleneck, could become worse when millions of visitors drive to the resort when it opens at a former brickworks site near Bedford - planned for 2031.

In a statement about Universal's planning documents, the council said Ampthill had not been considered as part of the traffic modelling or mitigation.

The US entertainment firm has been approached for comment.

Universal has applied for a special development order from central government to fast-track approval for a new destination near Bedford at Kempston Hardwick, bypassing the normal planning authority - Bedford Borough Council in this case.

Public consultation is due to run until 31 August, after which the government will decide whether or not to grant planning permission.

The new resort, which could include structures reaching up to 377ft (115m), will be visible from Ampthill Park and Greensand Ridge some five miles to the south.

The council also had concerns about noise and light pollution, especially from firework displays mentioned in the plans.

Universal Destinations and Experiences wants to build a new resort in Bedfordshire

The town council also cited an estimated 200% increase in Airbnb listings in Ampthill, which it claimed could displace residents and alter the town's character.

The council, which usually has an imput into planning decisions but no final say, was worried its residents were not due to receive any direct benefits from the park and requested the firm considered annual free family passes for households.

The authority also said it would welcome a discretionary fund from Universal to support activities that promote Ampthill.

The report concluded the town was "at significant risk of being adversely affected by both operational and construction traffic associated with the Universal Destinations Theme Park".

"The current planning documents do not adequately assess or mitigate these impacts," it said.

"We urge the planning authority and Universal Destinations to engage directly with Ampthill Town Council to ensure that our concerns are addressed and that our community benefits from this major development."