Question 5
6.1 A key element of infrastructure that is often overlooked at the outset is power. The ability to power developments, and, either alongside this or independently, for new renewable energy developments to connect to the grid, is a significant cost consideration. 6.2 Therefore, BBC should be giving careful consideration to energy infrastructure and the ability for development needs to be met at the outset, without large investment sums required that in some instances can prevent sites from coming forward.
6.1 Bedford already benefits from a commitment to East West Rail within the next plan period and upgrades to A421. The ability to focus growth around this key infrastructure has put Bedford Borough in a strong position in comparison to neighboring authorities. 6.2 However, infrastructure should not be looked at on purely an authority by authority basis, with cross boundary working key to ensuring available funding is targeted on those area and projects which deliver maximum benefit for the wider area. As a result, it will be important to talk to neighboring authorities and key stakeholders about potential enhancements to the A1, M1 Junction 13, and railway stations to the north and east of Bedford, which could free up the potential for growth in both Bedford Borough and the wider area. 6.3 At a more local, it will be important that the availability of services and facilities in individual settlements are properly assessed and considered as part of developing the spatial strategy. The ability of large-scale growth in rural centres to improve the viability of existing services should not be downplayed. Similarly, new service provision at a local level resultant from new development which delivers homes along with new services, will help address an existing deficiencies in services in Key Service Centres and Rural Services Centres.
New large settlements (avoiding existing villages) with shops, doctors, schools, leisure facilities, open spaces etc. out of town with plentiful out of town parking, good road links and easy access to efficient, affordable and reliable public transport Highway improvement as heavy traffic is still using the High Street and many of the roads are in very poor condition potholes, broken surfaces etc… Emphasis on sustainable transport alternatives e.g. electric charge points, safe cycle and walking network Improvement to Broadband so that more people can work from home with a ‘virtual’ office, improvement to health, education and recreation facilities Reduce environmental damage and avoid affecting quality of life in rural villages.
At a strategic level it is important that East West Rail is developed in it’s entirety. It is also important the route provides fast inter urban travel between Oxford – Milton Keynes – Bedford – Cambridge. Whilst a connection to the East Coast Mainline at Tempsford would be supported additional stops should be approached with caution due to the impact on overall journey times. It is important there is investment in urban movement this should include pedestrian, cycle and bus provision. There should be a review of how highway space is in allocated within the town centre and opportunities to improve the public realm developed. In addition to East West rail consideration should be given to public transport links from settlements surrounding Bedford to create better options for accessing Bedford town centre. Alongside housing growth within the town there should be investment in schools, health services and existing and new public open space.
6.1 Bedford already benefits from the upgraded A421 and a commitment to East West Rail within the next plan period. These are two pieces of key infrastructure that growth can be built around which is an advantage Bedford Borough enjoys when compared to neighbouring authorities. 6.2 It will be important that infrastructure is not just looked at on an authority by authority basis. Cross boundary working will be essential to ensure available funding is targeted on those areas and projects which will deliver the maximum benefit for the wider area. 6.3 In this regard, it will be important to liaise with neighbouring authorities and key stakeholders about infrastructure enhancements to the A1, M1 junction 13 and potential new railway stations north and east of Bedford, each of which could create development potential in Bedford Borough and the wider area. 6.4 It will also be important that the availability of services and facilities in individual settlements is properly assessed and considered as part of developing the spatial strategy. The ability for large-scale growth in rural centres to facilitate improved or new service provision at a local level should not be ignored. The lack of certain facilities in Key Service Centres can be remedied by new development which delivers homes along with new services and infrastructure for the local community.
The provision for additional rail infrastructure to support growth is supported, which in itself is central to the delivery of major growth within the Cambridge to Oxford Growth Arc. However, as important is the provision for improved cycling infrastructure, which is critical to tacking the climate change emergency. Whilst, we do not want to comment on the most appropriate locations for major rail and road infrastructure, it is considered very important that the Council plan for a large proportion of growth to be delivered in the short to medium term that does not rely on major transport infrastructure delivery. As demonstrated within the attached vision document, the proposal at Gibraltar Corner concentrates on providing accessible cycling and pedestrian connectivity to urban areas, as well as to surrounding green spaces and Buttons Ramsey woodland. Green infrastructure including pedestrian and cycle paths will provide access to the countryside and the John Bunyan Trail. It is considered that one of the fundamental objectives for the new Local Plan, should be to promote improved cycleways in and around urban areas. This should include facilitating sustainable connection routes from urban edge areas into Bedford and Kempston Town Centre.
Transport, IT, education, retail, community facilities re all needed to be brought forward to support new development in sustainable communities. The opportunities for achieving this may be increased by having fewer, larger developments rather than multiple small scale sites.
6.1 A key element of infrastructure that is often overlooked at the outset is power. The ability to power developments, and, either alongside this or independently, for new renewable energy developments to connect to the grid, is a significant cost consideration. 6.2 Therefore, BBC should be giving careful consideration to energy infrastructure and the ability for development needs to be met at the outset, without large investment sums required that in some instances can prevent sites from coming forward
In respect of transport modelling, the consultants who are undertaking the model for BBC have contacted the JPDU regarding growth assumptions to be incorporated in the development of the transport model. The JPDU have worked with the partner LPAs to provide this information and advised the consultants on the importance of NCC being satisfied with the model.
7.1 The Council’s recognition of differences associated with the requirements for infrastructure arising from the different spatial options and implications for the delivery of growth is welcomed. In previously testing options that identified that increased levels of development in the rural area that would be as sustainable the Council has acknowledged that opportunities exist to deliver these requirements as part of the ‘Dispersed’ growth strategy. 7.2 While the early delivery of infrastructure is supported as a key component for achieving sustainable growth, as set out in the Council’s consultation document, it is apparent that the current Local Plan 2030 is not founded on these principles. Specifically, this relates to the deferral of allocations to Neighbourhood Plans and the arbitrary totals for the apportionment of requirements adopted in Policy 4S. 7.3 Given this context it is clear that as part of the Dispersed spatial option the Council should not impose arbitrary limits to delivering further contributions towards the increased housing requirement together with the other needs of development where this can be achieved in a co-ordinated and sustainable manner. This is consistent with the advantages for this option identified by the Council, in terms of ensuring a greater number of communities observing the benefits of growth, in a manner not currently secured due to the limits of the Local Plan 2030.
Public services and sustainable transport infrastructure will remain the most significant required that will enable the Borough to achieve the requisite levels of growth. In dispersing growth across the Borough, facilities and services as schools, doctors, etc., are more readily secured incrementally in locations that can sustain them via developer contributions in a manner that does not overwhelm the communities that need such infrastructure. As aforementioned, the Settlement Hierarchy Background Paper notes several rural settlements as containing an already appreciable level of sustainability in this context, and as such it would not be remiss to continue to expand on and improve existing provisions in areas capable of supporting them further. One key way to enhancing sustainable transport connectivity would be improve links to the major transport hubs within the Borough – at present, and in the future to thereby including the East-Wail Rail, such that the benefits of greater connectivity to places such as Oxford and Cambridge are better captured across the Borough instead of being centralized to strictly where the East-West Rail station will be. Doing so would present people and communities with the opportunity of living in vibrant, rural communities with exceptional employment opportunities not only limited to the Bedford and Kempston Urban area but to also include the wider, regional destinations. The major rural settlements of the Borough contain a reasonably integrated transport network across the Borough with the urban area, and as such reduces the need for strategic level new or improved infrastructure. It therefore makes sound planning sense to look towards further significant development in locations such as Bromham, which itself is strategically located south of the nearby A6 and adjoins the A428 on its southern boundary. The village, therefore, maintains strong transport links via public highways and sustainable transport methods enabling access to towns of Bedford, Northampton, Milton Keynes, Luton and Wellingborough. All five have excellent rail connections to London, the south east, Birmingham, Nottingham and the north east. Thus, the dispersal option is an element of growth that can combined with others – such a growth focused on key transport corridors – to overcome the need for further significant infrastructure.
1.18. Infrastructure including education, health, transport, community facilities and open space are considered key matters in the delivery of growth in Bedford Borough. 1.19. Sites which can deliver or provide important contributions towards the delivery of new infrastructure should be favoured when allocations are being considered. 1.20. Land owned / controlled by Cloud Wing UK Limited can deliver significant new infrastructure including new roads, school, bridge crossings of the railway line enabling the closure of level crossings and associated open space and new footpath and cycle links across large parts of the vale and Marston Forest area. 1.21. Sites which can come forward with minimal impact upon existing communities i.e. sites which can deliver infrastructure to serve new residents as well as those which can deliver enhancements for existing communities should be favoured. 5 PHILLIPS PLANNING SERVICES LTD Question 6 - More employment sites will need to be allocated alongside housing growth. Where do you think new employment sites can be located in Bedford Borough? 1.22. In addition to new residential growth achieving sustainable development includes building: “…..a strong, responsive and competitive economy, by ensuring that sufficient land of the right types is available in the right places and at the right time to support growth, innovation and improved productivity; and by identifying and coordinating the provision of infrastructure;” (NPPF paragraph 8(a)) 1.23. The NPPF (paragraph 80) requires that new planning policies help create the conditions in which businesses can invest, expand and adapt. The Government places significant weight on the need to support economic growth and productivity, taking into account both local business needs and wider opportunities for development. 1.24. In terms of the preferred strategy for economic growth Cloud Wing UK Limited hold similar views to that set out above regarding housing growth (Question 4) i.e. that this should follow a mixed approach but with a focus on the ‘Yellow’ A421 corridor and the ‘Pink’ rail related growth south west of Bedford. 1.25. This would reflect the NIC’s locational growth strategy for this area over the next 30 years. In ‘Partnering for Prosperity’ (November 2017), when discussing the employment needs in the corridor the NIC report advises: “…..the area could support around 335,000 new jobs to 2050, increasing economic output by around £85bn per annum (2011 prices). However, by meeting future needs and removing the constraints to growth arising from the area’s housing shortage the area could sustain a transformational level of growth, supporting around 1.1m new jobs and increasing economic output by £163bn per annum.” (Page 25) 1.26. Most specifically when discussing locational requirements for the new employment growth the report states “……..major urban extensions – for example, between Oxford and Milton Keynes, and between Bedford and Cambridge………….. unlocking growth in 6 PHILLIPS PLANNING SERVICES LTD and around Bedford, and focusing development on a small number of key nodes in the Marston Vale.“ 1.27. On page 36 the report comments that the key opportunities for growth over the next 30 years could include: “concentrated growth in the Marston Vale between Milton Keynes and Bedford, focused around a few key rail nodes in the area, and providing the critical mass to expand local services; …major development around Bedford, supported through the introduction of East West Rail services and the wider connections that exist via the Midland Mainline;” 1.28. This guidance is clear i.e. that growth should be favoured in locations close to the A421 and also south / south west of Bedford. Cloud Wing UK Limited has submitted an outline planning application in late 2018 for a 550-acre B1/B2/B8 mixed employment development (‘’Bedford Business Park’’), where nearly half of the site is brownfield land with excellent connectivity, fully in alignment with the guidance.
Public services and sustainable transport infrastructure will remain the most significant required that will enable the Borough to achieve the requisite levels of growth. In dispersing growth across the Borough, facilities and services as schools, doctors, etc., are more readily secured incrementally in locations that can sustain them via developer contributions in a manner that does not overwhelm the communities that need such infrastructure. As aforementioned, the Settlement Hierarchy Background Paper notes several rural settlements as containing an already appreciable level of sustainability in this context, and as such it would not be remiss to continue to expand on and improve existing provisions in areas capable of supporting them further. One key way to enhancing sustainable transport connectivity would be improve links to the major transport hubs within the Borough – at present, and in the future to thereby including the East-Wail Rail, such that the benefits of greater connectivity to places such as Oxford and Cambridge are better captured across the Borough instead of being centralized to strictly where the East-West Rail station will be. Doing so would present people and communities with the opportunity of living in vibrant, rural communities with exceptional employment opportunities not only limited to the Bedford and Kempston Urban area but to also include the wider, regional destinations. The major rural settlements of the Borough contain a reasonably integrated transport network across the Borough with the urban area, and as such reduces the need for strategic level new or improved infrastructure. It therefore makes sound planning sense to look towards further significant development in locations such as Wootton, particularly given that our client’s site is located within the area of the village that is capable of supporting appropriate and proportional expansion, aligns with the existing pattern of development in the area and is well-placed to take advantage of the existing public transport network within the village and across the Borough – thus largely negating the need for further significant infrastructure prior to facilitating for the much needed housing growth.
1.18. Infrastructure including education, health, transport, community facilities and open space are considered key considerations in the delivery of growth in Bedford Borough. 1.19. Sites which can deliver or provide important contributions towards the delivery of new infrastructure should be favoured when allocations are being considered. 1.20. Land owned by the Estate adjacent to the eastern edge of Bedford just off the A421 would deliver a new school as part of new housing development (if required) and associated open space and new footpath and cycle links to the surrounding network. 1.21. There are no issues of deliverability or technical constraints to development of the estate land such that full contributions towards relevant and justified local infrastructure can be delivered.
1.16. Infrastructure including education, health, transport, community facilities and open space are considered key considerations in the delivery of growth in Bedford Borough. 1.17. Sites which can deliver or provide contributions towards the delivery of new local infrastructure should be favoured when allocations are being considered. 1.18. For example, land controlled by Peter David Homes in Renhold can deliver a new area of local open space in the form of a village green for the use of the existing community as well as residents of new development. 1.19. There are no issues of deliverability or technical constraints to development of the PDH land such that full contributions towards relevant and justified local infrastructure can be delivered.
1.17. Infrastructure including education, health, transport, community facilities and open space are considered key considerations in the delivery of growth in Bedford Borough. 1.18. There are no viability concerns associated with the deleivery of the Laing Family land at Biddenham which would prevent appropriate CIL and affordable housing requiremenst being met.
2.11 The Council should not rely on development proposals to fund infrastructure improvements that are not necessary to mitigate an impact directly related to the development itself. Where there are existing issues with infrastructure, which would need to be addressed whether or not development comes forward, then the Council should not burden developments with additional costs that may result in the delivery of the Council’s policy target for affordable housing being unviable.
5.1 O&H consider East-West Rail is crucial for the delivery of growth in Bedford Borough and encourage the Authority to do all that is possible to play an active role in supporting this project. 5.2 East-West Rail plays a fundamental role in connecting the O2C Arc, which Bedford Borough is at the heart of. Without the development of this infrastructure the full potential of the O2C Arc will not be realised which reduces the contribution of this to the future delivery of growth in Bedford Borough. 5.3 O&H is of the view the existing rail network, including local stopping stations at Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick, will continue to play a valuable role in supporting the delivery of growth in Bedford and will play an important role in complementing East-West Rail once operational. 5.4 The existing rail network should not be forgotten. O&H consider it crucial that the Council continue to support the existing local stations by allocating sufficient future development within close proximity of these local stations to ensure their long-term viability. 5.5 More locally, O&H consider the Bedford to to Milton Keynes Waterway Park (BMK Waterway) a key piece of infrastructure to the delivery of growth in Bedford Borough. 5.6 Unlike more traditional infrastructure projects such as new roads where the benefits to growth are better established, the BMK Waterway presents a unique infrastructure opportunity to support the delivery of growth in Bedford Borough. 5.7 The BMK Waterway will serve as a sustainable means of travel as well as a leisure attraction which will bring both indirect and direct benefits to the delivery of growth in Bedford borough. 5.8 The opportunity to deliver the BMK Waterway is a ‘once in a generation’ opportunity, integral to the Marston Vale, which O&H consider should not be missed. 5.9 The current Covid-19 crisis has demonstrated the importance of digital infrastructure and it is crucial that the Council properly consider the delivery of this infrastructure if it is to not only ensure but also safeguard the future delivery of growth in Bedford Borough.
There is an overriding and existing need for major improvements to highways infrastructure, public transport, footways and cycleways. Improvements should take place in advance of any major development proposal. These measures will focus on transportation and movements within the Borough being less dependent on the car and thereby reducing noise and pollution generally. These improvements should precede the approval of any major development and to facilitate this the National Infrastructure Commission have proposed that local authorities should be enabled to capture a share of uplifts in land values that result from Investment in transport schemes or planning decisions. For such land value capture to be an effective element of local infrastructure funding it is vital that the mechanisms used to capture a share or value uplifts do not undermine the viability of development. The BBC should investigate this possibility. Improvements to health, education and recreation facilities, telecoms, water/sewerage/land drainage services should also be planned for strategically and not piecemeal as and when planning applications are considered. Future planning needs to reflect changes in travel and work practices post-Covid, Working-from-home, a redefinition of office space, changes in travel patterns, and the need for very high-speed data links to individual properties(including homes), are all trends that need to be recognised and acted upon.
The Council’s recognition that the delivery of new infrastructure is crucial to the development of Bedford as an economically prosperous, attractive and healthy borough is welcomed. In order to maximise the delivery of growth the Council should seek to deliver a broad range of new infrastructure, including improving rail and public transport accessibility and improving / providing new link roads. FCC’s site at Elstow South, submitted at the Call for Sites submission could provide land for a link road from the Bedford Business Park in the west to the A6 in the east which provides a direct connection to the south and the A421 in the north. The provision of this link road shown in Figure 2 would help to mitigate congestion on the edge of the urban area and would allow additional economic development to take place in the surrounding area. FCC has undertaken initial feasibility work to explore options of providing a new link road from the A6 in the east across the Site to provide direct access to the land to the west of the railway line known as Bedford Business Park. The new road would be taken from the existing roundabout to the north east of FCC’s site at Elstow South, route through the Site to join the roundabout proposed as part of the Bedford Business Park development. The link road would reduce congestion between central Bedford and the Bedford Business Park. The link road would provide a direct route between the Bedford Business Park and the A421 which forms part of the trunk road network. This would be beneficial to HGVs which are more likely to use the A421 than to route into central Bedford.
6.1 A significant amount of infrastructure investment is planned for BBC, including the A428 improvements and the East West Rail, both within the next plan period. These are however cross boundary infrastructure provisions, and as such it will be vital that BBC liaises with the neighbouring authorities such as Central Bedfordshire Council, Huntingdonshire Council, Milton Keynes Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council to ensure that a coherent and effective infrastructure strategy is developed. This will ensure that the benefits of the significant investment are maximised for all of the authorities. 6.2 It is essential that development proposed within the Local Plan does not prohibit the planned infrastructure coming forward. There is however sufficient comfort of the proposed locations for the infrastructure to ensure that they can come forward alongside the development proposed within the Local Plan. 6.3 At a more local level, it will be vital that the existing and proposed services and facilities are sufficient to meet the local requirements.
The provision for additional rail infrastructure to support growth is supported, which in itself is central to the delivery of major growth within the Cambridge to Oxford Growth Arc. However, as important is the provision for improved cycling infrastructure, which is critical to tacking the climate change emergency. Whilst, we do not want to comment on the most appropriate locations for major rail and road infrastructure, it is considered very important that the Council plan for a large proportion of growth to be delivered in the short to medium term that does not rely on major transport infrastructure delivery. As demonstrated within the attached vision document, the proposal at Gibraltar Corner concentrates on providing accessible cycling and pedestrian connectivity to urban areas, as well as to surrounding green spaces and Buttons Ramsey woodland. Green infrastructure including pedestrian and cycle paths will provide access to the countryside and the John Bunyan Trail. It is considered that one of the fundamental objectives for the new Local Plan, should be to promote improved cycleways in and around urban areas. This should include facilitating sustainable connection routes from urban edge areas into Bedford and Kempston Town Centre.
3.21 It is quite clear that the new rail link will be the impetus to further growth. Facilitating and planning around connectivity to rail and road links will be paramount. 3.22 New housing and employment floorspace should be supported by services, some may require enhancement facilitated through Community Infrastructure Levy.
5.1 A significant amount of infrastructure investment is planned for BBC, including the A428 improvements and the East West Rail, both within the next plan period. These are however cross boundary infrastructure provisions, and as such it will be vital that BBC liaises with the neighbouring authorities such as Central Bedfordshire Council, Huntingdonshire Council, Milton Keynes Council and South Cambridgeshire District Council to ensure that a coherent and effective infrastructure strategy is developed. This will ensure that the benefits of the significant investment are maximised for all of the authorities. 5.2 At a more local level, it will be vital that the existing and proposed services and facilities are sufficient to meet the local requirements. Larger developments, such as the one proposed at Cotton End will enable a greater level of infrastructure to be provided as part of the development which would benefit new and existing residents.
We recommend a bolder plan that seeks to address Bedford’s key infrastructure problems, the A6 and Bedford Midland railway station. The combination of the EastWest Rail project and the Local Plan 2040 presents a unique opportunity to reposition Bedford as a modern, sustainable and desirable community for decades to come. We propose that 1. Bedford Midland railway station be relocated to the junction of the A6 and A421 near Elstow 2. The EastWest Rail route be switched south of Bedford saving £6-800 million. 3. The now-redundant stretch of rail line from the A421 to Bedford St Johns to be repurposed for use as a “people mover” between the new station and a location at or near River St multi-storey carpark. This would use maybe driverless electric units similar to those seen in theme parks. Alongside would be a cycle lane. The route would go from the new station, follow the rail route to St Johns and then elevate from there to head to River St. The route would also link to South Wing Hospital and Borough Hall and could also be extended to the bus station. 4. The A6 to have a new spur from Clapham to the A428/A4280 roundabout near Bromham Water Mill plus dualling where possible to provide a more reliable fast route from north of Bedford down to the A421 at the A428 roundabout near the Police HQ, thereby improving access from the north of the Borough to the new rail station, employment areas around the A421 and destinations south, west and east. This package resolves the problem of poor access and inadequate parking at Bedford Midland railway station, reduces road traffic passing through the town centre, creates a rail hub/interchange with North/South and East/West routes and connections, and provides easy pedestrian movement and safe cycle access between the town centre, the railway station, the hospital and Borough Hall. It means we no longer need a separate Wixams station, it frees up land at Bedford Midland station for housing and it brings additional footfall to Riverside and the Harpur Centre creating a new focus for the town centre. While it will be expensive to deliver there will be savings of between £600- 800 million from rerouting EastWest Rail and so that should be a source of adequate funding. It improves infrastructure around the A421 justifying significant new housing in that area. The improved A6 capacity opens up more of north Beds for growth, supporting the potential urban expansion near Rushden and by cancelling Wixams station it is easier to justify a new northern station on the north/south route somewhere between Milton Ernest and Wymington.
Land East of Wixams has excellent connections to the road transport network, with direct access to the A6 and the A421 located in close proximity. The site provides the opportunity to enhance sustainable modes of transport. This includes the potential to directly access the proposed employment land to the north. L&Q Estates are the master developer for Wixams, and therefore connection opportunities with Wixams will be maximised to the benefit of the future occupiers of both land west and east of the A6. For example, sustainable access to the future Wixams railway station will be planned for, which can then link to the existing cycleways through the existing Wixams.
Some comments on the development of new development and delivery of infrastructure are made in relation to Question 4 above. New development must be linked to infrastructure, which is a key Government rhetoric for the delivery of sustainable growth nationwide. In this regard, Great Barford is already a sustainable location with infrastructure in place that can support additional development, evidence by the adopted Bedford Local Plan. Further, LSL's land interests on land south of Roxton Road are sustainably located within walking distance of the infrastructure and facilities of the Key Service Centre of Great Barford including food shops, a primary school and GP services. It is well-located for bus links to employment opportunities in the wider area and also for access to SUSTRANS cycle Route 12. Sports facilities are accessible within 600m and the Site will be in close proximity to a publicly accessible open space with an equipped children's play area following development of the site immediately north of Roxton Road (in accordance with reserved matters approval ref: 18/02667/MAR).
40. In respect of infrastructure provision generally, it is essential that new development is supported by the social and physical infrastructure required to ensure that it is sustainable. This can often be difficult in situations where sites seek to ‘plug into’ and / or improve local infrastructure that may already be over capacity or in less than optimal locations. In contrast, proposals for new standalone settlements, such as CGV, are able to ensure that all of the homes, facilities, and employment development necessary for a truly sustainable settlement are provided in the right locations at the right time. 41. In respect of infrastructure issues within Bedford Borough, two of the key issues impacting potential growth are the capacity issues at Bedford station and the congestion issues on the A6 into Bedford particularly from the north. The CGV proposal helps to rectify both these issues through the delivery of a parkway station, mitigation measures at A6 junctions and improvements to the bus service on the A6 corridor.
Any growth means sustainable infrastructure. Cycle routes, bus services that meets people needs. Biodiversity and landscape enhancements including green corridors and green spaces need to be put in before the houses are built. Soft infrastructure, health services, schools, community centres, sports facilities all within cycling or walking distance. These need to be built before the houses are built or at least the money be in place for their development.
Pavenham Parish Council would urge the Borough Council to promote at least two Park and Ride sites; and enhance its existing public transport infrastructure – with cycle and bus lanes; together with the encouragement electric and hybrid vehicle and ample charging points. In addition to the comments made in this response to the Parish Council’s support of the Borough Council’s proposal for the Town Centre, it should also be noted that the true potential for connectivity and growth will not be realised unless the opportunity is taken to regenerate the infrastructure at Bedford Midland Station in the context of the part it will have to play as a major transport hub for both local and national transport links. This need for regeneration will extend to both improved passenger facilities at the station and ample car-parking which probably looks to the provision of multi-storey car parks. Without such capital investment – a genuine opportunity to deliver growth will have been lost. The Parish Council also queries whether the Borough would benefit from the completion of the ring road to the north of Bedford and see also the Parish Council’s response to Question 7 below in the context of the A6 roundabout.