Comment

Bedford Borough Local Plan 2040 Plan for Submission

Representation ID: 10000

Received: 29/07/2022

Respondent: Michelle Gwyther

Representation Summary:

I am unable to access the public consultation system and wish to provide my views and ask some questions in relation to the local plan 2040. My views and questions are focused on paragraphs 4.9 and 4.10 and Policy EMP5 – Elstow and Pear Tree Farm.
My comments
1) 4.77 states “The newly opened station at Wixams will support expansion of the established new settlement in proximity to further innovation-based employment provision at Pear Tree Farm. Given the significant delays in the building of the Wixams station and still no guarantee of this being built, why is the Wixams station being given such significance to what happens at Pear Tree Farm? It may well be another 10 – 15 years before this train station comes to fruition.
2) 4.91 states a ‘high value business park with primarily research and development space”. What % of this will be research and development and what percentage will be warehouse and distribution. This percentage should be more explicit. It could be 51% research and 49% warehouse and still be true to be ‘primarily research’.
3) Why is a research and development space being considered when there are so many vacant buildings in the area between Priory Marina and the A421? Why is warehouse and distribution space required when there is significant development on the Wixams sites already?
4) Where is the identified research which states this research and development and warehouse and distribution space is required? Why would a train station be the sole reason for this to be located nearby?
5) Are we clear we can find the people to be employed at these locations given the mass migration of individuals and falling populations and identified in the 2021 census? Can this research also be shared please to state why all of employment sites across the whole local plan is required.
6) EMP5 stated “30% land to be added to Marston Vale”. That benefits Marston Vale but what about the deforestation and loss of hedges in Elstow? There is to be a wildlife survey. This will show a significant Montjac and Chinese Water deer population, stoats in the brook which runs south of Pear Tree Farm, rabbits and foxes. This is without the significant Red Kite population seen above the skies. Where and how will these be relocated and to a location where they can survive? Please don’t say to Marston Vale as that is the only place we will be able to go to in order to see some trees.
If something has to go in this area I would have a preference for housing rather than an industrial estate.