Question 6
This will depend to some extent on the route of the new rail line.
Not sure, but there may be more home-based employees so there needs to be good broadband.
Near good transport links eg A421
Whilst Wootton Parish Council acknowledges the current Local Plan 2030 does not allocate new sites for employment since there was already sufficient land available that had not been occupied, it will oppose any further employment sites within the parish. The parish has a number of significant employment developments which have raised serious issues in regard to relationship with adjoining residential areas by reason of noise, traffic and general disturbance. In light of the above, we would stress the need for careful consideration in planning future employment sites in the new Local Plan. Wootton Parish Council considers employment sites should be located on brownfield sites and consider that the main urban area of Bedford should be the priority for allocating sites. Finally, we would add clearly the current challenging economic climate together with the impact of Covid-19 on working patterns will have a significant impact on the approach and planning of employment sites.
Within easy reach of accommodation, and with public transport, cycle ways or other connections (trams?) to reduce car use.
"The recently adopted local plan does not allocate new sites for employment because there was already sufficient land available that had not been occupied" tells a very sad story indeed. The type of business premises in Bedford Borough are especially poor. There are very few good or interesting places to set up a business (I have looked for business premises many times over the last 20 years) the quality of the existing stock is both very poor and very expensive.
Along the A421 corridor to utilise the road links.
New employment sites can be provided along the A421 corridor along with new housing developments.
The Cardington / Wixams / Stewartby arc is a prime opportunity to make use of brown field sites for both housing and employment, and readily interfaces with transport networks. Rapid connection with both rail and road networks will attract business and give an easily realised distribution network. East-West links are in the process of major improvements. North-South links are readily served by Midland Rail as well as nearby M1 and A1 roads. The centre of excellence of Cranfield University / Technology Centre is right on the doorstep. This Bedford Southwest growth area is in an ideal position to take benefit from all transport links. Dualling the Bedford West bypass would reinforce this integration.
ideally would like to see redevelopment of underutilised industrial sites and those which are now falling into lack of use. Would this not also be preferred use for empty sites which are deemed unsuitable for housing (eg close to railways, main roads etc) Additionally surely we ned to encourage employment in the town centre, with large sites like M&S, Beales etc falling empty. Imaginative redevelopment of these to promote hi-tech employers will assist in supporting a thriving retail and hospitality sector and will benefit from using existing transport network
n/a
No comment
On the outskirts of Bedford city; this approach means maximum access to the new employment sites, whilst focusing industry in one area, instead of spreading it around the county, leading to excessive in-fill of housing and ugly urban sprawl.
Given the recent necessity of working from home, and a desire by many people to make this the norm, there may be a need for shared work spaces / serviced offices close to housing areas - including in villages. Maybe one could be located on the Colworth site in Sharnbrook.
These should be located in an area that would be most accessible without the need to flood village/hamlet roads with extra traffic.
Priority should be developing derelict, abandoned, unused, only partially used brown field sites. Green areas need to be closely incorporated with both housing & employment sites
Close to urban centres such as Bedford or areas that have good access to public transport, not in open countryside Where there is very limited access to transport and infrastructure is unable to cope with volumes of traffic
Low key provision, such as offices and low impact industry, should be close to existing residential areas. Reuse of vacant town centre space for employment purposes (thereby creating extra footfall in the town and enchaining sustainability). Not a fan of big shed development but acknowledge that Bedford has good road networks so maybe some more of these provided they are much better designed and landscaped.
There needs to be a mixture of sizes, types and locations. We should get away from the traditional ‘business’ parks. It is essential that there is varied growth in the town centre. It should not just be retail, but should also contain small businesses, especially start-ups, cultural and leisure activities
Near to railway and road hubs, but easily accessed from village hubs.
no views
Primarily on brownfield sites. Close to centres of population. Distribution warehousing should not be located in areas requiring reliance on rural roads for access.
No idea. I would have thought it would depend on what kind of businesses wish to start up/expand in Bedford
They should be close to good roads and transport links and on brownfield sites not open countryside
Anywhere along the A421, A1. Along main roads where an industry needs many traffic movements .However sensible local sites beside or in villages that mean people can walk to work will benifit the local community and should be considered as well
Employment sites should always be local to a relevant housing, with mixed developments, rather than developments in locations (such as Colworth Park and the A421 corridor) that put very strong pressure on workers to drive to/from work. In addition, locations with good public transport links and cycle links should be preferred for employment sites, and employment sites should include provision of secure, under cover cycle storage (including for non-standard cycles and trailers that may be used by disabled cyclists). Greenfield sites should be avoided.
As stated in the opening paragraph we regard this as baseless aspiration given the fundamental changes to work patterns now clearly in train.
Perhaps employment sites should be built into all developments so people can live and work in their communities. Future pandemics may demand this. But with the likelihood of more leisure time in future, then cultural spaces could be included within community developments.
Employment sites should always be local to a relevant housing, with mixed developments, rather than developments in locations (such as Colworth Park and the A421 corridor) that put very strong pressure on workers to drive to/from work. In addition, locations with good public transport links and cycle links should be preferred for employment sites, and employment sites should include provision of secure, under cover cycle storage (including for non-standard cycles and trailers that may be used by disabled cyclists). Greenfield sites should be avoided.
Should be adjacent to new developments as well as existing communities to minimise commuting. Should be well paid, variety of employment not just warehousing