Question 7
Provision of [a] Park & Ride facility in the north, east and west of the town, supported by regular and affordable electric bus services and/or, where possible, busways.
Improve the Town Centre as a Tourist Attraction. Ensure 1st rate connections are provied between the existing rail line and the propoosaed New Railway station and the Town Centre.
To promote Bedford as a Half-Way house between the two, with suitable offices and suitable high tech employment premises to attract them.
The Review needs to facilitate much better road/cycle/pedestrian/public transport links from the rural areas. Unfortunately, creating quicker and easier access to stronger centres tends to diminish not improve the economic prospects of other towns in their catchment. With easier access to and more attractive employment opportunities in Cambridge/Milton Keynes/Oxford, Bedford could easily become less, rather than more self-contained and sustainable, and out-commuting could increase. It is therefore important that, compared with the rest of the Arc, the Review recognises the economic pre-eminence of larger towns and cities and does not simply try to replicate them. Instead it should promote the Borough as a sustainable location in which to live, with outstanding recreational, cultural and educational facilities set in attractive countryside.
The East West rail link could potentially destroy rural north Bedford and many of the village communities in the north east of the Borough. It should not be seen as a total ass??? therefore its outcome could be toxic for the area through which it goes. Any advantages from the new link should be centred around ?? stations.
A ‘brain-drain’ from Bedford needs to be avoided. With Oxford and Cambridge more accessible a skilled workforce could potentially stop working within the Borough and Bedford could simply become a commuter-zone with fewer employment opportunities.
Agreed response: By hard work. In addition, development to have ease of access to A421 without using rural roads.
Bedford town centre where existing large shopping buildings no longer required could be converted to office suites and hot desking. Large distribution should be developed by extension of the existing sites. Employment sites to be incorporated into new settlements to reduce the need for travel thereby helping with the carbon footprint. Existing brown field sites to be redeveloped. Provision of leisure and food facilities close to transport links such as the station, to capture business from commuters using the improved transport links to access jobs in Oxford/Cambridge. Review of local housing and transport policy to provide accommodation close to transport links to encourage commuters to reduce the use of cars to access the town centre and the wider transport links to Oxford/Cambridge.
With reference to the Oxford – Cambridge Arc, Members highlighted the following issues: o Bedford Borough has long faced challenges re housing delivery; o Northamptonshire is seen as peripheral to the Arc; o Lack of capacity along north/ south A6 corridor; o Managing infrastructure delivery in association with development at the periphery of Bedford Borough and the Arc; e.g. Eaton Socon (St Neots) and Wymington (Rushden)
See attached report dated 19th July 2017. The Borough should abandon its mistaken and expensive preference for the ‘northern’ East West route which will see the destruction of large swathes of prime agricultural land as it makes its way from Bedford town through rural north Bedfordshire. It was a mistake to press for this route when improved connectivity to Oxford and Cambridge could be achieved through the Route B along the A421 transport corridor with a “parkway” station at Wixams with associated settlement as proposed in the attached report. The enhancement of the park and ride offering for the town would help to alleviate traffic congestion into and out of the town centre, in particular, to the north of the town (e.g. A6 Clapham). The development of and provision of an efficient and cost-effective service would reduce traffic demand along the critical junctions in the town centre. The inclusion of dedicated ‘park and cycle’ facilities at the same location should be investigated in order to encourage modal shift along the busy commuter route. The south of the Borough is also strategically placed for nationwide coverage for the national logistics industry, with good access to a working population, and a very good road network in the A421/M1,A1 and with proposed upgrades to the latter and A428. The Local Plan should support and enhance this sector with a key objective to ensure that residents of Bedford Borough both work and reside within the Borough and that it does not become a large commuter dormitory.
Bedford should establish itself as the “green” market town with the emphasis on residents’ quality of life, promoting all forms of sustainable transport to create a modern and sustainable environment that people would aspire to live and work in. The natural characteristics (e.g. pedestrian and cycle ways along the river) of the town centre need to be nurtured and enhance to improve and increase the economic value of the town. The town of Bedford should become a network of quality open green spaces and green corridors linking pedestrian and cycle ways with the river area. It should define and build on its strengths – recognising and publicising the beautiful countryside around it, not building a railway line on an unwanted route through tranquil open countryside. If Bedford wishes to benefit from East-West Rail and the improved connectivity to Oxford and Cambridge it should abandon its mistaken preference for the “northern” Rail Route and instead go for the Route B along the A421 transport corridor with a “parkway” station at Wixams. This would discourage traffic from the centre of town interested only in accessing Bedford station, reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life of residents on all access routes. In addition, the enhancement of parking facilities at outlying rail station should be viewed as a realistic option to be investigated to encourage a high level of ‘park and rail’ commuters. The enhancement of the park and ride offering for the town would help to alleviate traffic congestion into and out of the town centre, in particular, to the north of the town (e.g. A6 Clapham). The development of and provision of an efficient and cost-effective service would reduce traffic demand along the critical junctions in the town centre. The inclusion of dedicated ‘park and cycle’ facilities at the same location should be investigated in order to encourage modal shift along the busy commuter route. The Issues and Options consultation referred to the former airship hangars located in in the parish of Cardington which are now used by the broadcasting and film industries. The Local Plan should look for opportunities to promote these and other small specialist (high tech, science and technology) businesses to locate within the Borough. Ideal locations for such industries could be Colworth Park and Thurleigh Airfield which are ideally placed due to their existing activities and availability of brown field land The south of the Borough is strategically placed for nationwide coverage for the national logistics industry, with good access to a working population, and a very good road network in the A421/M1,A1 and with proposed upgrades to the latter and A428. The Local Plan should support and enhance this sector with a key objective to ensure that residents of Bedford Borough both work and reside within the Borough and that it does not become a large commuter dormitory.
Bedford should establish itself as the “green” market town with the emphasis on residents’ quality of life, promoting all forms of sustainable transport to create a modern and sustainable environment that people would aspire to live and work in. The natural characteristics (e.g. pedestrian and cycle ways along the river) of the town centre need to be nurtured and enhance to improve and increase the economic value of the town. The town of Bedford should become a network of quality open green spaces and green corridors linking pedestrian and cycle ways with the river area. It should define and build on its strengths – recognising and publicising the beautiful countryside around it, not building a railway line on an unwanted route through tranquil open countryside. If Bedford wishes to benefit from East-West Rail and the improved connectivity to Oxford and Cambridge it should abandon its mistaken preference for the “northern” Rail Route and instead go for the Route B along the A421 transport corridor with a “parkway” station at Wixams. This would discourage traffic from the centre of town interested only in accessing Bedford station, reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life of residents on all access routes. In addition, the enhancement of parking facilities at outlying rail station should be viewed as a realistic option to be investigated to encourage a high level of ‘park and rail’ commuters. The enhancement of the park and ride offering for the town would help to alleviate traffic congestion into and out of the town centre, in particular, to the north of the town (e.g. A6 Clapham). The development of and provision of an efficient and cost-effective service would reduce traffic demand along the critical junctions in the town centre. The inclusion of dedicated ‘park and cycle’ facilities at the same location should be investigated in order to encourage modal shift along the busy commuter route. The Issues and Options consultation referred to the former airship hangars located in in the parish of Cardington which are now used by the broadcasting and film industries. The Local Plan should look for opportunities to promote these and other small specialist (high tech, science and technology) businesses to locate within the Borough. Ideal locations for such industries could be Colworth Park and Thurleigh Airfield which are ideally placed due to their existing activities and availability of brown field land The south of the Borough is strategically placed for nationwide coverage for the national logistics industry, with good access to a working population, and a very good road network in the A421/M1,A1 and with proposed upgrades to the latter and A428. The Local Plan should support and enhance this sector with a key objective to ensure that residents of Bedford Borough both work and reside within the Borough and that it does not become a large commuter dormitory.
Bedford should establish itself as the “green” market town with the emphasis on residents’ quality of life, promoting all forms of sustainable transport to create a modern and sustainable environment that people would aspire to live and work in. The natural characteristics (e.g. pedestrian and cycle ways along the river) of the town centre need to be nurtured and enhance to improve and increase the economic value of the town. The town of Bedford should become a network of quality open green spaces and green corridors linking pedestrian and cycle ways with the river area. It should define and build on its strengths – recognising and publicising the beautiful countryside around it, not building a railway line on an unwanted route through tranquil open countryside. If Bedford wishes to benefit from East-West Rail and the improved connectivity to Oxford and Cambridge it should abandon its mistaken preference for the “northern” Rail Route and instead go for the Route B along the A421 transport corridor with a “parkway” station at Wixams. This would discourage traffic from the centre of town interested only in accessing Bedford station, reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life of residents on all access routes. In addition, the enhancement of parking facilities at outlying rail station should be viewed as a realistic option to be investigated to encourage a high level of ‘park and rail’ commuters. The enhancement of the park and ride offering for the town would help to alleviate traffic congestion into and out of the town centre, in particular, to the north of the town (e.g. A6 Clapham). The development of and provision of an efficient and cost-effective service would reduce traffic demand along the critical junctions in the town centre. The inclusion of dedicated ‘park and cycle’ facilities at the same location should be investigated in order to encourage modal shift along the busy commuter route. The Issues and Options consultation referred to the former airship hangars located in in the parish of Cardington which are now used by the broadcasting and film industries. The Local Plan should look for opportunities to promote these and other small specialist (high tech, science and technology) businesses to locate within the Borough. Ideal locations for such industries could be Colworth Park and Thurleigh Airfield which are ideally placed due to their existing activities and availability of brown field land The south of the Borough is strategically placed for nationwide coverage for the national logistics industry, with good access to a working population, and a very good road network in the A421/M1,A1 and with proposed upgrades to the latter and A428. The Local Plan should support and enhance this sector with a key objective to ensure that residents of Bedford Borough both work and reside within the Borough and that it does not become a large commuter dormitory.
Bedford should establish itself as the “green” market town with the emphasis on residents’ quality of life, promoting all forms of sustainable transport to create a modern and sustainable environment that people would aspire to live and work in. The natural characteristics (e.g. pedestrian and cycle ways along the river) of the town centre need to be nurtured and enhance to improve and increase the economic value of the town. The town of Bedford should become a network of quality open green spaces and green corridors linking pedestrian and cycle ways with the river area. It should define and build on its strengths – recognising and publicising the beautiful countryside around it, not building a railway line on an unwanted route through tranquil open countryside. If Bedford wishes to benefit from East-West Rail and the improved connectivity to Oxford and Cambridge it should abandon its mistaken preference for the “northern” Rail Route and instead go for the Route B along the A421 transport corridor with a “parkway” station at Wixams. This would discourage traffic from the centre of town interested only in accessing Bedford station, reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life of residents on all access routes. In addition, the enhancement of parking facilities at outlying rail station should be viewed as a realistic option to be investigated to encourage a high level of ‘park and rail’ commuters. The enhancement of the park and ride offering for the town would help to alleviate traffic congestion into and out of the town centre, in particular, to the north of the town (e.g. A6 Clapham). The development of and provision of an efficient and cost-effective service would reduce traffic demand along the critical junctions in the town centre. The inclusion of dedicated ‘park and cycle’ facilities at the same location should be investigated in order to encourage modal shift along the busy commuter route. The Issues and Options consultation referred to the former airship hangars located in in the parish of Cardington which are now used by the broadcasting and film industries. The Local Plan should look for opportunities to promote these and other small specialist (high tech, science and technology) businesses to locate within the Borough. Ideal locations for such industries could be Colworth Park and Thurleigh Airfield which are ideally placed due to their existing activities and availability of brown field land The south of the Borough is strategically placed for nationwide coverage for the national logistics industry, with good access to a working population, and a very good road network in the A421/M1,A1 and with proposed upgrades to the latter and A428. The Local Plan should support and enhance this sector with a key objective to ensure that residents of Bedford Borough both work and reside within the Borough and that it does not become a large commuter dormitory.
Bedford should establish itself as the “green” market town with the emphasis on residents’ quality of life, promoting all forms of sustainable transport to create a modern and sustainable environment that people would aspire to live and work in. The natural characteristics (e.g. pedestrian and cycle ways along the river) of the town centre need to be nurtured and enhance to improve and increase the economic value of the town. The town of Bedford should become a network of quality open green spaces and green corridors linking pedestrian and cycle ways with the river area. It should define and build on its strengths – recognising and publicising the beautiful countryside around it, not building a railway line on an unwanted route through tranquil open countryside. If Bedford wishes to benefit from East-West Rail and the improved connectivity to Oxford and Cambridge it should abandon its mistaken preference for the “northern” Rail Route and instead go for the Route B along the A421 transport corridor with a “parkway” station at Wixams. This would discourage traffic from the centre of town interested only in accessing Bedford station, reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life of residents on all access routes. In addition, the enhancement of parking facilities at outlying rail station should be viewed as a realistic option to be investigated to encourage a high level of ‘park and rail’ commuters. The enhancement of the park and ride offering for the town would help to alleviate traffic congestion into and out of the town centre, in particular, to the north of the town (e.g. A6 Clapham). The development of and provision of an efficient and cost-effective service would reduce traffic demand along the critical junctions in the town centre. The inclusion of dedicated ‘park and cycle’ facilities at the same location should be investigated in order to encourage modal shift along the busy commuter route. The Issues and Options consultation referred to the former airship hangars located in in the parish of Cardington which are now used by the broadcasting and film industries. The Local Plan should look for opportunities to promote these and other small specialist (high tech, science and technology) businesses to which are ideally placed due to their existing activities and availability of brown field land The south of the Borough is strategically placed for nationwide coverage for the national logistics industry, with good access to a working population, and a very good road network in the A421/M1,A1 and with proposed upgrades to the latter and A428. The Local Plan should support and enhance this sector with a key objective to ensure that residents of Bedford Borough both work and reside within the Borough and that it does not become a large commuter dormitory.
Bedford should establish itself as the “green” market town with the emphasis on residents’ quality of life, promoting all forms of sustainable transport to create a modern and sustainable environment that people would aspire to live and work in. The natural characteristics (e.g. pedestrian and cycle ways along the river) of the town centre need to be nurtured and enhance to improve and increase the economic value of the town. The town of Bedford should become a network of quality open green spaces and green corridors linking pedestrian and cycle ways with the river area. It should define and build on its strengths – recognising and publicising the beautiful countryside around it, not building a railway line on an unwanted route through tranquil open countryside. If Bedford wishes to benefit from East-West Rail and the improved connectivity to Oxford and Cambridge it should abandon its mistaken preference for the “northern” Rail Route and instead go for the Route B along the A421 transport corridor with a “parkway” station at Wixams. This would discourage traffic from the centre of town interested only in accessing Bedford station, reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life of residents on all access routes. In addition, the enhancement of parking facilities at outlying rail station should be viewed as a realistic option to be investigated to encourage a high level of ‘park and rail’ commuters. The enhancement of the park and ride offering for the town would help to alleviate traffic congestion into and out of the town centre, in particular, to the north of the town (e.g. A6 Clapham). The development of and provision of an efficient and cost-effective service would reduce traffic demand along the critical junctions in the town centre. The inclusion of dedicated ‘park and cycle’ facilities at the same location should be investigated in order to encourage modal shift along the busy commuter route. The Issues and Options consultation referred to the former airship hangars located in in the parish of Cardington which are now used by the broadcasting and film industries. The Local Plan should look for opportunities to promote these and other small specialist (high tech, science and technology) businesses to locate within the Borough. Ideal locations for such industries could be Colworth Park and Thurleigh Airfield which are ideally placed due to their existing activities and availability of brown field land The south of the Borough is strategically placed for nationwide coverage for the national logistics industry, with good access to a working population, and a very good road network in the A421/M1,A1 and with proposed upgrades to the latter and A428. The Local Plan should support and enhance this sector with a key objective to ensure that residents of Bedford Borough both work and reside within the Borough and that it does not become a large commuter dormitory.
Bedford should establish itself as the “green” market town with the emphasis on residents’ quality of life, promoting all forms of sustainable transport to create a modern and sustainable environment that people would aspire to live and work in. The natural characteristics (e.g. pedestrian and cycle ways along the river) of the town centre need to be nurtured and enhance to improve and increase the economic value of the town. The town of Bedford should become a network of quality open green spaces and green corridors linking pedestrian and cycle ways with the river area. It should define and build on its strengths – recognising and publicising the beautiful countryside around it, not building a railway line on an unwanted route through tranquil open countryside. If Bedford wishes to benefit from East-West Rail and the improved connectivity to Oxford and Cambridge it should abandon its mistaken preference for the “northern” Rail Route and instead go for the Route B along the A421 transport corridor with a “parkway” station at Wixams. This would discourage traffic from the centre of town interested only in accessing Bedford station, reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life of residents on all access routes. In addition, the enhancement of parking facilities at outlying rail station should be viewed as a realistic option to be investigated to encourage a high level of ‘park and rail’ commuters. The enhancement of the park and ride offering for the town would help to alleviate traffic congestion into and out of the town centre, in particular, to the north of the town (e.g. A6 Clapham). The development of and provision of an efficient and cost-effective service would reduce traffic demand along the critical junctions in the town centre. The inclusion of dedicated ‘park and cycle’ facilities at the same location should be investigated in order to encourage modal shift along the busy commuter route. The Issues and Options consultation referred to the former airship hangars located in in the parish of Cardington which are now used by the broadcasting and film industries. The Local Plan should look for opportunities to promote these and other small specialist (high tech, science and technology) businesses to locate within the Borough. Ideal locations for such industries could be Colworth Park and Thurleigh Airfield which are ideally placed due to their existing activities and availability of brown field land The south of the Borough is strategically placed for nationwide coverage for the national logistics industry, with good access to a working population, and a very good road network in the A421/M1,A1 and with proposed upgrades to the latter and A428. The Local Plan should support and enhance this sector with a key objective to ensure that residents of Bedford Borough both work and reside within the Borough and that it does not become a large commuter dormitory.
Bedford should establish itself as the “green” market town with the emphasis on residents’ quality of life, promoting all forms of sustainable transport to create a modern and sustainable environment that people would aspire to live and work in. The natural characteristics (e.g. pedestrian and cycle ways along the river) of the town centre need to be nurtured and enhance to improve and increase the economic value of the town. The town of Bedford should become a network of quality open green spaces and green corridors linking pedestrian and cycle ways with the river area. It should define and build on its strengths – recognising and publicising the beautiful countryside around it, not building a railway line on an unwanted route through tranquil open countryside. If Bedford wishes to benefit from East-West Rail and the improved connectivity to Oxford and Cambridge it should abandon its mistaken preference for the “northern” Rail Route and instead go for the Route B along the A421 transport corridor with a “parkway” station at Wixams. This would discourage traffic from the centre of town interested only in accessing Bedford station, reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life of residents on all access routes. In addition, the enhancement of parking facilities at outlying rail station should be viewed as a realistic option to be investigated to encourage a high level of ‘park and rail’ commuters. The enhancement of the park and ride offering for the town would help to alleviate traffic congestion into and out of the town centre, in particular, to the north of the town (e.g. A6 Clapham). The development of and provision of an efficient and cost-effective service would reduce traffic demand along the critical junctions in the town centre. The inclusion of dedicated ‘park and cycle’ facilities at the same location should be investigated in order to encourage modal shift along the busy commuter route. The Issues and Options consultation referred to the former airship hangars located in in the parish of Cardington which are now used by the broadcasting and film industries. The Local Plan should look for opportunities to promote these and other small specialist (high tech, science and technology) businesses to locate within the Borough. Ideal locations for such industries could be Colworth Park and Thurleigh Airfield which are ideally placed due to their existing activities and availability of brown field land The south of the Borough is strategically placed for nationwide coverage for the national logistics industry, with good access to a working population, and a very good road network in the A421/M1,A1 and with proposed upgrades to the latter and A428. The Local Plan should support and enhance this sector with a key objective to ensure that residents of Bedford Borough both work and reside within the Borough and that it does not become a large commuter dormitory.
promoting all forms of sustainable transport to create a modern and sustainable environment that people would aspire to live and work in. The natural characteristics (e.g. pedestrian and cycle ways along the river) of the town centre need to be nurtured and enhance to improve and increase the economic value of the town. The town of Bedford should become a network of quality open green spaces and green corridors linking pedestrian and cycle ways with the river area. It should define and build on its strengths – recognising and publicising the beautiful countryside around it, not building a railway line on an unwanted route through tranquil open countryside. If Bedford wishes to benefit from East-West Rail and the improved connectivity to Oxford and Cambridge it should abandon its mistaken preference for the “northern” Rail Route and instead go for the Route B along the A421 transport corridor with a “parkway” station at Wixams. This would discourage traffic from the centre of town interested only in accessing Bedford station, reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life of residents on all access routes. In addition, the enhancement of parking facilities at outlying rail station should be viewed as a realistic option to be investigated to encourage a high level of ‘park and rail’ commuters. The enhancement of the park and ride offering for the town would help to alleviate traffic congestion into and out of the town centre, in particular, to the north of the town (e.g. A6 Clapham). The development of and provision of an efficient and cost-effective service would reduce traffic demand along the critical junctions in the town centre. The inclusion of dedicated ‘park and cycle’ facilities at the same location should be investigated in order to encourage modal shift along the busy commuter route. The Issues and Options consultation referred to the former airship hangars located in in the parish of Cardington which are now used by the broadcasting and film industries. The Local Plan should look for opportunities to promote these and other small specialist (high tech, science and technology) businesses to locate within the Borough. Ideal locations for such industries could be Colworth Park and Thurleigh Airfield which are ideally placed due to their existing activities and availability of brown field land The south of the Borough is strategically placed for nationwide coverage for the national logistics industry, with good access to a working population, and a very good road network in the A421/M1,A1 and with proposed upgrades to the latter and A428. The Local Plan should support and enhance this sector with a key objective to ensure that residents of Bedford Borough both work and reside within the Borough and that it does not become a large commuter dormitory.
Connectivity to other economic centres, including Oxford and Cambridge, will improve with East-West Rail. How do we capture the benefits of this greater connectivity to these economic centres, to improve and increase the value of the economy of Bedford? Bedford should establish itself as the “green” market town with the emphasis on residents’ quality of life, promoting all forms of sustainable transport to create a modern and sustainable environment that people would aspire to live and work in. The natural characteristics (e.g. pedestrian and cycle ways along the river) of the town centre need to be nurtured and enhance to improve and increase the economic value of the town. The town of Bedford should become a network of quality open green spaces and green corridors linking pedestrian and cycle ways with the river area. It should define and build on its strengths – recognising and publicising the beautiful countryside around it, not building a railway line on an unwanted route through tranquil open countryside. If Bedford wishes to benefit from East-West Rail and the improved connectivity to Oxford and Cambridge it should abandon its mistaken preference for the “northern” Rail Route and instead go for the Route B along the A421 transport corridor with a “parkway” station at Wixams. This would discourage traffic from the centre of town interested only in accessing Bedford station, reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life of residents on all access routes. In addition, the enhancement of parking facilities at outlying rail station should be viewed as a realistic option to be investigated to encourage a high level of ‘park and rail’ commuters. The enhancement of the park and ride offering for the town would help to alleviate traffic congestion into and out of the town centre, in particular, to the north of the town (e.g. A6 Clapham). The development of and provision of an efficient and cost-effective service would reduce traffic demand along the critical junctions in the town centre. The inclusion of dedicated ‘park and cycle’ facilities at the same location should be investigated in order to encourage modal shift along the busy commuter route. The Issues and Options consultation referred to the former airship hangars located in in the parish of Cardington which are now used by the broadcasting and film industries. The Local Plan should look for opportunities to promote these and other small specialist (high tech, science and technology) businesses to locate within the Borough. Ideal locations for such industries could be Colworth Park and Thurleigh Airfield which are ideally placed due to their existing activities and availability of brown field land The south of the Borough is strategically placed for nationwide coverage for the national logistics industry, with good access to a working population, and a very good road network in the A421/M1,A1 and with proposed upgrades to the latter and A428. The Local Plan should support and enhance this sector with a key objective to ensure that residents of Bedford Borough both work and reside within the Borough and that it does not become a large commuter dormitory.
Bedford should establish itself as the “green” market town with the emphasis on residents’ quality of life, promoting all forms of sustainable transport to create a modern and sustainable environment that people would aspire to live and work in. The natural characteristics (e.g. pedestrian and cycle ways along the river) of the town centre need to be nurtured and enhance to improve and increase the economic value of the town. The town of Bedford should become a network of quality open green spaces and green corridors linking pedestrian and cycle ways with the river area. It should define and build on its strengths – recognising and publicising the beautiful countryside around it, not building a railway line on an unwanted route through tranquil open countryside. If Bedford wishes to benefit from East-West Rail and the improved connectivity to Oxford and Cambridge it should abandon its mistaken preference for the “northern” Rail Route and instead go for the Route B along the A421 transport corridor with a “parkway” station at Wixams. This would discourage traffic from the centre of town interested only in accessing Bedford station, reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life of residents on all access routes. In addition, the enhancement of parking facilities at outlying rail station should be viewed as a realistic option to be investigated to encourage a high level of ‘park and rail’ commuters. The enhancement of the park and ride offering for the town would help to alleviate traffic congestion into and out of the town centre, in particular, to the north of the town (e.g. A6 Clapham). The development of and provision of an efficient and cost-effective service would reduce traffic demand along the critical junctions in the town centre. The inclusion of dedicated ‘park and cycle’ facilities at the same location should be investigated in order to encourage modal shift along the busy commuter route. The Issues and Options consultation referred to the former airship hangars located in in the parish of Cardington which are now used by the broadcasting and film industries. The Local Plan should look for opportunities to promote these and other small specialist (high tech, science and technology) businesses to locate within the Borough. Ideal locations for such industries could be Colworth Park and Thurleigh Airfield which are ideally placed due to their existing activities and availability of brown field land The south of the Borough is strategically placed for nationwide coverage for the national logistics industry, with good access to a working population, and a very good road network in the A421/M1,A1 and with proposed upgrades to the latter and A428. The Local Plan should support and enhance this sector with a key objective to ensure that residents of Bedford Borough both work and reside within the Borough and that it does not become a large commuter dormitory.
Bedford should establish itself as the “green” market town with the emphasis on residents’ quality of life, promoting all forms of sustainable transport to create a modern and sustainable environment that people would aspire to live and work in. The natural characteristics (e.g. pedestrian and cycle ways along the river) of the town centre need to be nurtured and enhance to improve and increase the economic value of the town. The town of Bedford should become a network of quality open green spaces and green corridors linking pedestrian and cycle ways with the river area. It should define and build on its strengths – recognising and publicising the beautiful countryside around it, not building a railway line on an unwanted route through tranquil open countryside. If Bedford wishes to benefit from East-West Rail and the improved connectivity to Oxford and Cambridge it should abandon its mistaken preference for the “northern” Rail Route and instead go for the Route B along the A421 transport corridor with a “parkway” station at Wixams. This would discourage traffic from the centre of town interested only in accessing Bedford station, reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life of residents on all access routes. In addition, the enhancement of parking facilities at outlying rail station should be viewed as a realistic option to be investigated to encourage a high level of ‘park and rail’ commuters. The enhancement of the park and ride offering for the town would help to alleviate traffic congestion into and out of the town centre, in particular, to the north of the town (e.g. A6 Clapham). The development of and provision of an efficient and cost-effective service would reduce traffic demand along the critical junctions in the town centre. The inclusion of dedicated ‘park and cycle’ facilities at the same location should be investigated in order to encourage modal shift along the busy commuter route. The Issues and Options consultation referred to the former airship hangars located in in the parish of Cardington which are now used by the broadcasting and film industries. The Local Plan should look for opportunities to promote these and other small specialist (high tech, science and technology) businesses to locate within the Borough. Ideal locations for such industries could be Colworth Park and Thurleigh Airfield which are ideally placed due to their existing activities and availability of brown field land The south of the Borough is strategically placed for nationwide coverage for the national logistics industry, with good access to a working population, and a very good road network in the A421/M1,A1 and with proposed upgrades to the latter and A428. The Local Plan should support and enhance this sector with a key objective to ensure that residents of Bedford Borough both work and reside within the Borough and that it does not become a large commuter dormitory.
Bedford should establish itself as the “green” market town with the emphasis on residents’ quality of life, promoting all forms of sustainable transport to create a modern and sustainable environment that people would aspire to live and work in. The natural characteristics (e.g. pedestrian and cycle ways along the river) of the town centre need to be nurtured and enhance to improve and increase the economic value of the town. The town of Bedford should become a network of quality open green spaces and green corridors linking pedestrian and cycle ways with the river area. It should define and build on its strengths – recognising and publicising the beautiful countryside around it, not building a railway line on an unwanted route through tranquil open countryside. If Bedford wishes to benefit from East-West Rail and the improved connectivity to Oxford and Cambridge it should abandon its mistaken preference for the “northern” Rail Route and instead go for the Route B along the A421 transport corridor with a “parkway” station at Wixams. This would discourage traffic from the centre of town interested only in accessing Bedford station, reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life of residents on all access routes. In addition, the enhancement of parking facilities at outlying rail station should be viewed as a realistic option to be investigated to encourage a high level of ‘park and rail’ commuters. The enhancement of the park and ride offering for the town would help to alleviate traffic congestion into and out of the town centre, in particular, to the north of the town (e.g. A6 Clapham). The development of and provision of an efficient and cost-effective service would reduce traffic demand along the critical junctions in the town centre. The inclusion of dedicated ‘park and cycle’ facilities at the same location should be investigated in order to encourage modal shift along the busy commuter route. The Issues and Options consultation referred to the former airship hangars located in in the parish of Cardington which are now used by the broadcasting and film industries. The Local Plan should look for opportunities to promote these and other small specialist (high tech, science and technology) businesses to locate within the Borough. Ideal locations for such industries could be Colworth Park and Thurleigh Airfield which are ideally placed due to their existing activities and availability of brown field land The south of the Borough is strategically placed for nationwide coverage for the national logistics industry, with good access to a working population, and a very good road network in the A421/M1,A1 and with proposed upgrades to the latter and A428. The Local Plan should support and enhance this sector with a key objective to ensure that residents of Bedford Borough both work and reside within the Borough and that it does not become a large commuter dormitory.
Bedford should establish itself as the “green” market town with the emphasis on residents’ quality of life, promoting all forms of sustainable transport to create a modern and sustainable environment that people would aspire to live and work in. The natural characteristics (e.g. pedestrian and cycle ways along the river) of the town centre need to be nurtured and enhance to improve and increase the economic value of the town. The town of Bedford should become a network of quality open green spaces and green corridors linking pedestrian and cycle ways with the river area. It should define and build on its strengths – recognising and publicising the beautiful countryside around it, not building a railway line on an unwanted route through tranquil open countryside. If Bedford wishes to benefit from East-West Rail and the improved connectivity to Oxford and Cambridge it should abandon its mistaken preference for the “northern” Rail Route and instead go for the Route B along the A421 transport corridor with a “parkway” station at Wixams. This would discourage traffic from the centre of town interested only in accessing Bedford station, reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life of residents on all access routes. In addition, the enhancement of parking facilities at outlying rail station should be viewed as a realistic option to be investigated to encourage a high level of ‘park and rail’ commuters. The enhancement of the park and ride offering for the town would help to alleviate traffic congestion into and out of the town centre, in particular, to the north of the town (e.g. A6 Clapham). The development of and provision of an efficient and cost-effective service would reduce traffic demand along the critical junctions in the town centre. The inclusion of dedicated ‘park and cycle’ facilities at the same location should be investigated in order to encourage modal shift along the busy commuter route. The Issues and Options consultation referred to the former airship hangars located in in the parish of Cardington which are now used by the broadcasting and film industries. The Local Plan should look for opportunities to promote these and other small specialist (high tech, science and technology) businesses to locate within the Borough. Ideal locations for such industries could be Colworth Park and Thurleigh Airfield which are ideally placed due to their existing activities and availability of brown field land The south of the Borough is strategically placed for nationwide coverage for the national logistics industry, with good access to a working population, and a very good road network in the A421/M1,A1 and with proposed upgrades to the latter and A428. The Local Plan should support and enhance this sector with a key objective to ensure that residents of Bedford Borough both work and reside within the Borough and that it does not become a large commuter dormitory.
Bedford should establish itself as the “green” market town with the emphasis on residents’ quality of life, promoting all forms of sustainable transport to create a modern and sustainable environment that people would aspire to live and work in. The natural characteristics (e.g. pedestrian and cycle ways along the river) of the town centre need to be nurtured and enhance to improve and increase the economic value of the town. The town of Bedford should become a network of quality open green spaces and green corridors linking pedestrian and cycle ways with the river area. It should define and build on its strengths – recognising and publicising the beautiful countryside around it, not building a railway line on an unwanted route through tranquil open countryside. If Bedford wishes to benefit from East-West Rail and the improved connectivity to Oxford and Cambridge it should abandon its mistaken preference for the “northern” Rail Route and instead go for the Route B along the A421 transport corridor with a “parkway” station at Wixams. This would discourage traffic from the centre of town interested only in accessing Bedford station, reduce air pollution and improve the quality of life of residents on all access routes. In addition, the enhancement of parking facilities at outlying rail station should be viewed as a realistic option to be investigated to encourage a high level of ‘park and rail’ commuters. The enhancement of the park and ride offering for the town would help to alleviate traffic congestion into and out of the town centre, in particular, to the north of the town (e.g. A6 Clapham). The development of and provision of an efficient and cost-effective service would reduce traffic demand along the critical junctions in the town centre. The inclusion of dedicated ‘park and cycle’ facilities at the same location should be investigated in order to encourage modal shift along the busy commuter route. The Issues and Options consultation referred to the former airship hangars located in in the parish of Cardington which are now used by the broadcasting and film industries. The Local Plan should look for opportunities to promote these and other small specialist (high tech, science and technology) businesses to locate within the Borough. Ideal locations for such industries could be Colworth Park and Thurleigh Airfield which are ideally placed due to their existing activities and availability of brown field land
It is difficult to see how the Borough will benefit significantly from the proposed ‘arc’ especially if it relies on the current Bedford Midland railway station. Parking at the station is already at capacity, as is the surrounding road network during peak times, so until these issues are addressed then this proposal only adds to that problem. The resulting congestion is detrimental for existing residents and impacts the surrounding rural areas as roads become ‘rat runs’ by drivers looking for alternative ways to avoid the queues. As the ‘arc’ development and underlying infrastructure changes are far from assured, it might be better for the Local Plan to concentrate on developing local business opportunities rather than rely on ‘gains’ that may be a long time in being realised, or worse, may never occur.
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.
This form is submitted on behalf of 3 landowners who are currently promoting sites in Neighbourhood Plans in the Borough. 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.