Question 12
As per the response to question #1 current policies do not look to protect and enhance the River Great Ouse and Valley Area which is a serious omission. The importance of access to quality Open Green Space and Countryside in terms of the positive contribution to health and wellbeing does not seem to have been considered.
Within Natural England letter dated 07 August 2019 (Our Ref: 291131) in response to the Bedford Borough Local Plan 2030 Habitats Regulations Assessment Addendum, we voiced our concerns regarding the following circumstance. If the review of the local plan policy doesn’t take place to the required timeframe (three years), the local plan policies in relation to the natural environment may also be considered to be out of date (as written in Policy 1 of the Local Plan 2030). We advised that a commitment to ensuring the impacts on the natural environment, particularly European sites are also considered as part of any review. We note that our suggested wording to this effect was not captured within Policy 1. Considering that this review is not only being put forward to comply with the 2019 NPPF, but also to allocate 35% more housing, we remain of the opinion that a commitment towards ensuring that environmental impacts are considered, is essential.
We welcome references to environment-led regeneration (in relation to the Forest of Marston Vale) and references to natural capital in relation to trees, but could include more recognition of the value of nature to the economy of the Borough more widely, including reduced costs to the NHS through increased activity, access to greenspace etc., role of the green economy. They could also consider how policies relating to green and blue infrastructure can result in an overall increase in natural capital. This might include making use of data from the Local Natural Capital Plan work to identify opportunities for environmental enhancement and improvement. The current flood risk policy does provide a good policy position to manage flood risk within the borough. However, several developments within flood risk management will need to be taken into account with the revised Local Plan. This includes, but not necessary limited to: New climate change allowances for planning are due to be released late 2020 Environment Agency Flood Risk Management Strategy Defra Flood Risk Management Policy Position New Guidance on Flood Emergency Planning in Local Plans. New Best Practice Guide for creating SFRAs We recommend that the flood policy is reviewed alongside those being proposed to manage the impact of climate change as they are intrinsically linked.
It is not considered that existing planning polices fail to cover important national or local issues on the protection and enhancement of the natural environment.
It is not considered that existing planning polices fail to cover important national or local issues on the protection and enhancement of the natural environment.
It is not considered that existing planning policies fail to cover important national or local issues on the protection and enhancement of the natural environment.
This form is submitted on behalf of 3 landowners who are currently promoting sites in Neighbourhood Plans in the Borough. It is not considered that existing planning polices fail to cover important national or local issues on the protection and enhancement of the natural environment.
This form is submitted on behalf of 3 landowners who are promoting opportunity sites in the Borough: It is not considered that existing planning polices fail to cover important national or local issues on the protection and enhancement of the natural environment.
This form is submitted on behalf of 4 landowners who are promoting sites available for self-build dwellings: It is not considered that existing planning polices fail to cover important national or local issues on the protection and enhancement of the natural environment.
This form is submitted on behalf of 15 landowners who are promoting small sites in the rural area: It is not considered that existing planning polices fail to cover important national or local issues on the protection and enhancement of the natural environment.
It is not considered that existing planning polices fail to cover important national or local issues on the protection and enhancement of the natural environment.