Question 7
It is important that the opportunity of the station on the East-West Rail line maximises this opportunity, and helps Bedford act as both a destination and a gateway to the wider borough, including the rural areas, attracting tourists/day visitors to Bedford. The value of the natural environment in underpinning this offer must not be under-estimated, and strategic enhancements such as enhancing river corridors/areas particularly to the east and west of the town centre will help increase this value. Quality design is essential, ensuring (for example) that accessible public spaces embrace and provide safe access to the river. To support the ‘gateway’ function cycle and walking connectivity should be improved (including enhanced routes, better signage and information), alongside improvements to public transport at the train station, with new links created where required.
Outside the scope of LSPC, although Cambs LS Airfield plans may require some expansion of existing Beds roads to improve north, south and east road links to A1 & A421.
No further comment
By building homes that are readily accessible from the railway stations.
A preferred strategy for locating employment sites must be aligned with the spatial strategy for the Oxford Cambridge Arc as it emerges. The strategy should be capable of responding to the wider economic development needs of the Borough, not only through the more conventional approach of employment land provision but also in facilitating activities such as working from home and local community facilities that integrate opportunities for co-working. In responding to the Call for Sites, the sites being promoted by Hallam at Clapham have the potential to facilitate more sustainable patterns of living and working within this settlement, with new homes, designed to provide opportunities for home working and to support improvements to community facilities including the provision of co-working facilities.
7.1 As noted above, it will be important that new residential development is located close to the key pieces of infrastructure which provide access to the key economic centres to the east and west of Bedford. 7.2 It is also important that there is a variety of housing types and locations to satisfy the needs to the residents who are likely to choose to live in and around Bedford and travel elsewhere to work. Many residents who will travel out of Bedford for work may be in management or highly skilled work and will have expectations as to the type of home they want and the location. In many cases, this is unlikely to involve living in high density developments tagged onto the edge of the main urban area of Bedford. 7.3 Creating environments in which these people want to live in is key to increasing the value of the economy of Bedford. It is key that high quality environments with access to good schools, open spaces and community facilities, are created to avoid people travelling elsewhere to spend their disposable income. Notwithstanding this point, good design should promote accessibility for all, providing opportunities for commuting via sustainable modes of transport. 7.4 As will be set out in the accompanying Vision document, in principle the development of a new settlement provides the opportunity to create an environment fit for 21st century living, responding to the current and future demands of the population in a way that urban extensions or individual developments cannot. 7.5 The adoption of Garden Village principles at Denybrook Green, as the new settlement is named, combined with the scale of the opportunity provides real scope create such an environment in a location with strong links to Cambridge as well as Bedford. 7.6 As noted elsewhere in this representation the area is in a location where it could provide for new, strategic employment land, including a science/technology park, linked to the ongoing expansion of the knowledge-based economy in the Arc. Given Green Belt constraints around Cambridge and strong links between the areas, west of Wyboston could be an appropriate location for a technology park for spin off businesses which cannot continue to be accommodate closer to the university town. 7.7 Along with the other locational benefits of land west of Wyboston set out elsewhere in this response, this adds to the rationale that of all the possible locations in the area for new settlements, that promoted by Taylor Wimpey is the most appropriate and logical.
The Oxford –Cambridge Arc is not a democratic body – and I think it’s value to Bedford has been overstated. Bedford has to create specialist jobs in new industries and capitalize on strengths such as Unilever. Biosciences are located at Oxford and Cambridge – they need laboratory parts and equipment. Bedford unlikely to attract academics away from University cities but we could develop a related manufacturing base. Bedford likely to become more of a town with commuters east west as well as to London.
Improved connectivity across the arc will be of benefit to the economy of Bedford. It will also improve accessibility and promote rail travel as a sustainable mode as part of an integrated sustainable strategy. In terms of healthcare provision, this will improve access to a wider workforce of highly skilled medical professionals.
8.1 The response to this question should be read alongside or overall observations regarding the spatial options identified by the Council under Question 4. The role of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc is supported in terms of identifying and delivering the priorities for plan-making. However, the Arc itself is not specifically referred to in the text of Policy 1 and does not appear to be identified as part of the assessment criteria for the emerging Plan’s Sustainability Objectives. This reflects the continued uncertainties regarding delivery of growth across the wider sub-region and features such as the Expressway. 8.2 In this respect there has been only limited progress compared to the Council’s conclusions when preparing the Local Plan 2030. This acknowledged the uncertainty of planning for the wider corridor and while it was anticipated that future decisions would align with the timescales for this Review this cannot be guaranteed. Testing of options to meet full development needs should not be further constrained by these outstanding uncertainties. 8.3 It is appropriate that the strategy for the Review of the Local Plan 2030 capitalises on those existing commitments for infrastructure improvements (including the A421 corridor) as well as meeting the needs of individual settlements and enhancing the role of Bedford. This would ensure that the Plans priorities are delivered rather than deferred (as is the case in the Local Plan 2030) while remaining consistent with longer-term objectives for the corridor.
8.1 The response to this question should be read alongside or overall observations regarding the spatial options identified by the Council under Question 4. The role of the Oxford- Cambridge Arc is supported in terms of identifying and delivering the priorities for planmaking. However, the Arc itself is not specifically referred to in the text of Policy 1 and does not appear to be identified as part of the assessment criteria for the emerging Plan’s Sustainability Objectives. This reflects the continued uncertainties regarding delivery of growth across the wider sub-region and features such as the Expressway. 8.2 In this respect there has been only limited progress compared to the Council’s conclusions when preparing the Local Plan 2030. This acknowledged the uncertainty of planning for the wider corridor and while it was anticipated that future decisions would align with the timescales for this Review this cannot be guaranteed. Testing of options to meet full development needs should not be further constrained by these outstanding uncertainties. 8.3 It is appropriate that the strategy for the Review of the Local Plan 2030 capitalises on those existing commitments for infrastructure improvements (including the A421 corridor) as well as meeting the needs of individual settlements and enhancing the role of Bedford. This would ensure that the Plans priorities are delivered rather than deferred (as is the case in the Local Plan 2030) while remaining consistent with longer-term objectives for the corridor.
Make the station easily accessible, out of town connected to the major roadways, provide sufficient parking at an affordable price. Otherwise high income workers will choose to reside nearer to Oxford, Cambridge and MK.
Bedford will be in a unique position within the Oxford/Cambridge Arc. It will be right in the centre: approximately equidistance from Oxford and Cambridge, and with the additional benefit or relatively quick access to central London and Cross-Rail (at least when compared with Oxford and Cambridge), as well as access to the North via the M1 and the national train network. Oxford and Cambridge attract people from across the country and the world because of their respective rich mix of work opportunities, culture, and living environment. Increased opportunities for agile working will give people greater freedom to choose where to live, but this will not diminish the need for excellent transport connectivity. People will set up homes in places which are affordable, and offer an attractive mix of culture, leisure and transport links. These places will no longer just be places from which to commute to work, but become places in which people will spend significant time and money. Given Bedford's central location within the Oxford/Cambridge Arc, it offers the ideal environment for start-ups spinning out of the academic centres of Oxford and Cambridge. At its core, the Borough offers a mix of attractive countryside and a historic town centre which in parts already is, and in others has the potential for being, visually attractive, while being relatively affordable in comparison to Oxford, Cambridge and London. Good schools for both boys and girls make it an attractive place for families.
Providing growth along and around the strategic connections between Oxford and Cambridge (e.g. A421 and East-West Rail) are considered key to acting as draws into the Borough and increasing the value of its economy.
Providing growth along and around the strategic connections between Oxford and Cambridge (e.g. A421 and East-West Rail) are considered key to acting as draws into the Borough and increasing the value of its economy.
Providing growth along and around the strategic connections between Oxford and Cambridge (e.g. A421 and East-West Rail) are considered key to acting as draws into the Borough and increasing the value of its economy.
Providing growth along and around the strategic connections between Oxford and Cambridge (e.g. A421 and East-West Rail) are considered key to acting as draws into the Borough and increasing the value of its economy.
Providing growth along and around the strategic connections between Oxford and Cambridge (e.g. A421 and East-West Rail) are considered key to acting as draws into the Borough and increasing the value of its economy.
Providing growth along and around the strategic connections between Oxford and Cambridge (e.g. A421 and East-West Rail) are considered key to acting as draws into the Borough and increasing the value of its economy.
Providing growth along and around the strategic connections between Oxford and Cambridge (e.g. A421 and East-West Rail) are considered key to acting as draws into the Borough and increasing the value of its economy.
We welcome the success of the Liberal Democrat led authority in securing the route of East West Rail going through Bedford’s main railway station. We urge the authority to continue to support this investment despite apparent opposition from the Conservatives.
Maximising accessibility to rail stations on or with access to East -West rail will help capture these economic benefits. The new Wixams Railway station is noted as a priority for early provision in the adopted Local Plan (policy 90s). The sustainable expansion of Wixams to meet future housing needs will optimise the opportunities the new railway station offers.
It is hoped that greater connectivity will transfer people movements from the car to the rail. However it is likely to encourage people who cannot afford to live in Oxford/Cambridge to move to Bedford and commute further to work. Therefore it may be essential to build on the service/leisure industry to capture spend in the local area.
Development should be focused in locations that can maximise the gains from the connections to the economic centres in Cambridge and Oxford. The Issues and Options consultation paper notes that, “Bedford borough has a skilled workforce, an above average rate of employment and a high proportion of ‘top level’ occupations. The economy of Bedford is diverse and vibrant, however many of the most skilled jobs are located outside of the borough as Bedford benefits from good strategic connections to nearby economic centres.” Locating housing in areas with convenient and safe access to the rail network through the stations, improved and created by the East-West Rail will allow the borough to continue to attract residents with ‘top level’ occupations who may work outside of the borough but spend more locally. The Oxford Cambridge Arc declaration highlights the issues of housing affordability in Oxford and Cambridge where the affordability ratio is 12.34 and 13.35 respectively. By enhancing the connectivity to these two cities Bedford can capitalise on its increased relative affordability in comparison and provide an alternate location for employees to reside. There is also the opportunity to attract high level businesses to the area due to the connections across the region and Oxford Cambridge Arc that Bedford Borough’s location provides. The central location between Oxford and Cambridge would be an attractive proposition to business looking to take advantage of the high calibre work force available. Collaboration and clusters are often at the heart of promoting successful business locations and this is something that needs to be emphasised by BBC to attract these high-quality businesses. In order to achieve either of these things BBC needs to ensure that residential and employment development is located in areas with the highest connectivity. Land at Little Barford, subject to the completion of the East-West rail and construction of a new station is such a location and could serve as a melting pot for collaboration in employment and a suitable location for people working at either end of the Oxford Cambridge Arc. We consider the East West Rail route as the most significant infrastructure development to enhance the connectivity of Bedford Borough with other economic centres. Locations with convenient and safe access to the gateways to the rail network should be the focus of growth.
Plentiful out of town car parking and frequent, free shuttle service to and from the station. Nothing will improve/enhance the value of living in Bedford and its economy more than a regular fast train to and from London. The East West rail link will be of little value to North Beds village residents who are mere pawns in a political game. It will undermine Bedford’s standing, is a white elephant and the whole project should be reconsidered in light of Covid and Brexit. If it has to go ahead, choose option B with a new station at Wixams. Put every effort into enhancing the green credentials of the town, the beauty and amenity of Bedford’s river and avoid plundering the North Beds country side. Houses must be affordable.
7.1 As noted above, it will be important that new residential development is located close to the existing and proposed infrastructure. The employment land could help facilitate growth in the film, media and TV sector through its geographic connection to the Cardington Hangers. 7.2 It is also important that a variety of housing types and locations are provided to satisfy the needs of the residents who are likely to choose to live in and around Bedford and travel to work. This must include house types that reflect the different life phases, from starter homes to retirement homes, therefore ensuring that communities are able to stay within the Borough. 7.3 The provision of improved links to larger cities such as Cambridge, Oxford and Milton Keynes may attract more people that are living in the Borough and commuting out for work. If people are commuting via the transport hubs, particularly those created by the new stations, it is vital that sustainable travel methods are put in place for the ‘last mile’, i.e. people are able to get from their homes to the train stations in a sustainable way, this may include the provision of park and rides or cycle parking and cycle paths.
8.1 Development should be located close to the existing and proposed infrastructure. This will allow for connectivity to Oxford and Cambridge as well as other towns and cities including London. 8.2 The delivery of quality employment spaces in association with well-planned and diverse housing provision will benefit the Bedford economy. It will help grow sectors and enable companies to benefit from the knowledge and expertise offered by the knowledge hubs which have been established in other locations such as Oxford and Cambridge. 8.3 In order to attract business to this central location, it is vital that a coordinated and well-planned approach is taken. Businesses will be looking for high quality premises but these must be in locations close to an active employment market. The provision of such locations will attract businesses. 8.4 The provision of improved links to larger cities such as Cambridge, Oxford and Milton Keynes may attract more people that are living in the Borough and commuting out for work. If people are commuting via the transport hubs, particularly those created by the new stations, it is vital that sustainable travel methods are put in place for the ‘last mile’, i.e. people are able to get from their homes to the train stations in a sustainable way, this may include the provision of park and rides or cycle parking and cycle paths.
n/a
Sufficiently frequent services to encourage use of the new rail-line rather than roads and frequent services from the new stations into Bedford town centre.
8.0 QUESTION 7 – ROLE OF THE OXFORD-CAMBRIDGE ARC 8.1 The response to this question should be read alongside or overall observations regarding the spatial options identified by the Council under Question 4. The role of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc is supported in terms of identifying and delivering the priorities for plan-making. However, the Arc itself is not specifically referred to in the text of Policy 1 and does not appear to be identified as part of the assessment criteria for the emerging Plan’s Sustainability Objectives. This reflects the continued uncertainties regarding delivery of growth across the wider sub-region and features such as the Expressway. 8.2 In this respect there has been only limited progress compared to the Council’s conclusions when preparing the Local Plan 2030. This acknowledged the uncertainty of planning for the wider corridor and while it was anticipated that future decisions would align with the timescales for this Review this cannot be guaranteed. Testing of options to meet full development needs should not be further constrained by these outstanding uncertainties. 8.3 It is appropriate that the strategy for the Review of the Local Plan 2030 capitalises on those existing commitments for infrastructure improvements (including the A421 corridor) as well as meeting the needs of individual settlements and enhancing the role of Bedford. This would ensure that the Plans priorities are delivered rather than deferred (as is the case in the Local Plan 2030) while remaining consistent with longer-term objectives for the corridor.
8.1 The response to this question should be read alongside or overall observations regarding the spatial options identified by the Council under Question 4. The role of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc is supported in terms of identifying and delivering the priorities for plan-making. However, the Arc itself is not specifically referred to in the text of Policy 1 and does not appear to be identified as part of the assessment criteria for the emerging Plan’s Sustainability Objectives. This reflects the continued uncertainties regarding delivery of growth across the wider sub-region and features such as the Expressway. 8.2 In this respect there has been only limited progress compared to the Council’s conclusions when preparing the Local Plan 2030. This acknowledged the uncertainty of planning for the wider corridor and while it was anticipated that future decisions would align with the timescales for this Review this cannot be guaranteed. Testing of options to meet full development needs should not be further constrained by these outstanding uncertainties. 8.3 It is appropriate that the strategy for the Review of the Local Plan 2030 capitalises on those existing commitments for infrastructure improvements (including the A421 corridor) as well as meeting the needs of individual settlements and enhancing the role of Bedford. This would ensure that the Plans priorities are delivered rather than deferred (as is the case in the Local Plan 2030) while remaining consistent with longer-term objectives for the corridor.