Support

Representation ID: 10043

Received: 28/07/2022

Respondent: The Southill Estate

Agent: Carter Jonas LLP

SUPPORT

Policy DS2(S) contains the spatial strategy for PSBLP, which seeks to focus development within the urban area, selected strategic locations adjacent to the urban area, and at growth locations within the East West Rail/A421 Corridor. The preferred spatial strategy is explained in the Development Strategy and Site Selection Topic Paper, which is based on Option 2b. The key parts of the preferred spatial strategy are set out in Paragraph 5.3 of the Topic Paper, which in summary concentrates growth in the urban area and in the A421 Corridor, at strategic employment sites well related to the strategic road and rail network, and in locations that would support strategic green infrastructure projects in the South of Bedford Area. The preferred spatial strategy is consistent with national policy contained in the NPPF in terms of sustainable transport objectives. Paragraph 105 of the NPPF expects the planning system to actively manage patterns of growth to support the delivery of sustainable transport objectives, with significant development directed to locations that are or can be made sustainable. Paragraph 106 expects planning policies to include the following: to support a mix of uses across an area; to minimise journeys within larger scale sites; to align strategies for sustainable transport and development patterns; to provide for attractive and well-designed walking and cycling networks; and to provide for any large public transport projects such as East West Rail.

The two promoted developments by the Southill Estate, which are identified as draft allocations in PSBLP, at Abbey Field West of Elstow (Policy HOU 5) and Pear Tree Farm Elstow (Policy EMP 5) are consistent with the preferred spatial strategy and with national policy relating to sustainable transport. The promoted developments are in accessible locations, and are well related to the urban area, to other proposed strategic developments, and to proposed transport infrastructure projects in the A421 Corridor including East West Rail. The promoted developments include policy requirements for pedestrian and cycle connections with the surrounding area and existing networks. The promoted developments also include policy requirements for the delivery of open space and green infrastructure, and for connections to green corridors in the South of Bedford Area.

The spatial strategy contained in Policy DS2(S) is supported, and no changes are required.