Question 8
8.1 As set out in response to question 1, we consider that the focus of the Local Plan review should be on the overall spatial strategy and not development management policies. The NPPF (paragraph 20) makes it clear that planning measures to address climate change are a strategic matter. Therefore, the issue should be at the heart of decisions made about the spatial strategy and not something that is deferred to ‘further guidance’. 8.2 Paragraph 149 of the NPPF states the Local Plans should take a proactive approach to mitigating and adapting to climate change, taking into account the implications for matters such as flood risk and biodiversity. This means spatial strategies should avoid directing development to those areas which are more vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, and ensuring that adaption measures, such as new green infrastructure, are built into plans. 8.3 Ensuring the spatial strategy is robust with regards to climate change is therefore key, rather than the provision of detailed guidance for developers. 8.4 In addition to directing development to the less sensitive areas of the Borough, ensuring development is well located in relation to transport infrastructure will be key, as will creating environments which provide a real choice for those wanting to walk or cycle as an alternative to the car. Again, this points to west of Wyboston and the development of a purpose-built new settlement as a key part of the overall strategy. 8.5 As part of the development of a new settlement, best practice in the layout of development and the design of buildings can be picked up to ensure factors such as orientation, massing and landscaping contribute to minimising energy consumption. However, particularly in light of proposal in the White Paper, the setting of standards to be achieved by new development in Development Management policies should be avoided unless they relate to the application of the Government’s technical standards, as required by paragraph 150 of the NPPF.
Need to re-evaluate town centre shopping – create more residential development in the town centre.
The Bedford Hospital sites lie outside of the Town Centre boundary; however, part of the South Wing (north/east of Britannia Road) is included within the Policy 14 Redevelopment Area. As noted in our response to Question 1, this part of the Trust’s landholding may become available for residential and mixed use development during the plan period, as part of a wider strategy for the South Wing Site.
We have no comments at this time but reserve our position to consider specific policy proposals as part of subsequent stages of consultation.
Only those in the narrative above
No further views are held on this matter.
No further views are held on this matter.
No further views are held on this matter.
We support greater flexibility around use of buildings within the town centre, whilst seeking to preserve the feel and accessibility of the town centre, as well as enhancing the environment.
The town centre suffers from a significant number of empty shops. The Borough Council needs to consider how it can move away from business rates to a form of sales tax, which will make the centre attractive and affordable for new enterprises. It may be worth considering developing a niche/unique market such as can be seen in places like Hay-on-Wye (books).
Reduce Town Centre rent to encourage business enterprise-independent shops, etc. Reduce rough sleeping Extend free parking to more than just 2 hours on Saturdays See response above for additional ideas.
8.1 We do not have any further views on Bedford Town Centre.
Connectivity of the cycle network to and through the town centre with high quality segregated cycle paths to make cycling safe and inclusive is a must to make the town centre economically viable.
9.1 We have no comments at this time but reserve our position to consider specific policy proposals as part of subsequent stages of consultation.
9.1 We have no comments at this time but reserve our position to consider specific policy proposals as part of subsequent stages of consultation.
9.1 We have no comments at this time but reserve our position to consider specific policy proposals as part of subsequent stages of consultation.
Reduce Town Centre rent to encourage business enterprise-independent shops, etc. Reduce rough sleeping Extend free parking to more than just 2 hours on Saturdays See response above for additional ideas.
There needs to strong investment within the public realm of the town centre. In order to increase activity there is a need to encourage the opportunity for employment and housing opportunities within the town centre. There should be support to develop a diverse cultural/interesting retail offer. In order to grow successfully the town needs to be an interesting place to live. Investment in the riverfront and open spaces are important to make the town centre an attractive place to live and work. In terms of the implementation of such a strategy the Council should use the powers of Compulsory Purchase available to it where appropriate.
No. However, we fully agree that it is critical that appropriate support is given to Bedford Town Centre to allow it to continue to thrive and provide the urban hub of the Borough. It is important that a large proportion of growth is allocated from sites in close proximity to Bedford Town Centre.
The town centre of Bedford is within the Bedford Conservation Area and is packed full of beautiful listed buildings. Bedford Town Centre has been chosen as a High Street Heritage Action Zone by Historic England. This, together with the Town Centre Plan, will help to achieve physical improvements both to the buildings and streets in the town centre. Covid-19 has had a serious impact on our high streets. We therefore suggest that the Local Plan makes reference to the Heritage Action Zone and includes policies to support the regeneration of this part of the town. Policies should encourage a diverse mix of uses to encourage vitality in historic areas, and that historic and traditional details in the conservation area should be protected where possible by Article 4s.
1.32. No comments are provided on this matter.
2.13 MGH does not have a specific view on this issue.
8.1 O&H have no comment.
The redevelopment and revitalisation of the Town Centre is to be commended but it should not be done to the detriment of outer catchment areas and surrounding rural countryside. Care should be taken in deciding the priorities for any new development since it is not realistic to directly compete with urban centres like Milton Keynes and out-of-town retail parks. Retail developments should be limited to those appropriate to a historic market-town and which also reinforce a casual and relaxed lifestyle that will prove attractive to current and potential new residents. Future plans by the BBC are distorted by proposals to redevelop Bedford Mainline Station and surrounding area. These plans should be suspended in favour of an interchange station at Bedford South/Parkway serving Bedford Town Centre in a way similar to Bletchley and Milton Keynes. Land to south of the River should be enhanced by a tramway linking Bedford South/Parkway to Bedford Mainline and town centre. Other routes and extensions may be possible withing the timeframe of the proposed Local Plan (to 2050) providing traffic free connections across the town and attracting visitors to the town. Major development of houses should be avoided in the ‘South of the River’ site, in favour of new developments to the south and west of Bedford well outside the congested urban centre. The emphasis for ‘Ford End Road’ area should be on extending the riverside walks/green spaces to enhance the environment around existing housing and making the town more attractive for visitors and new residents (many of whom may commute across the Arc).
9.1 We do not have any further views on Bedford Town Centre.
No. However, we fully agree that it is critical that appropriate support is given to Bedford Town Centre to allow it to continue to thrive and provide the urban hub of the Borough. It is important that a large proportion of growth is allocated from sites in close proximity to Bedford Town Centre.
8.1 We do not have any further views on Bedford Town Centre.
See Q5 and Q7 above. By moving the railway station to a more accessible location and creating a best-in-class transport hub and infrastructure there will be less traffic brought into the town centre and people would be able to move easily between the rail and bus stations, the hospital and town centre without need for cars or taxis. Only when you make it easy to move around will people ditch their cars, park on the outskirts of town making the centre a more pleasant and desirable environment. Increase footfall and the retail and leisure will return and grow.
Please see Oakley NDP comments.
Pavenham PC recognises the very realistic approach that the BC is taking to what should in reality be viewed as the regeneration of the Town centre. The Parish Council fully supports the Council’s aspirations for the Town Centre as detailed in the Council’s Vision Statement. As the Consultation paper acknowledges, proposals for the Town Centre are at a very early stage but Pavenham PC would offer the following comments – i) The regeneration of the Town Centre is critical for the future of the entire Borough. Whilst the Vision, the development of the “Arc” and the inevitable increase in housing provision point to a potentially economically positive future for the Borough – central to that future and at the core of all of the Council’s aspirational policies is the health and vitality of the Town Centre and its environment. This extends to amenity, appearance, safety and a host of other elements already recognised by the Borough Council. At the end of the day, the Borough Council’s objective must be to create a “new” Town Centre that is welcoming and a pleasure to visit. ii) The concept of the “old” Town Centre has gone and Pavenham PC fully supports the Borough Council’s recognition of this fact. iii) At the same time the Parish Council appreciates that with the Government’s relaxation in Permitted Development rights under the GPDO and the rationalisation of the Use Classes Order – town centre uses will need to be monitored very carefully and the Parish Council urges the Borough Council to take a very strict approach to the regeneration of the Town Centre, in terms of a robust Master Plan which looks to the future – and not the past.