Support

Representation ID: 10045

Received: 28/07/2022

Respondent: The Southill Estate

Agent: Carter Jonas LLP

The PSBLP identifies four themes to deliver the Vision, which are as follows: greener; more accessible; more prosperous; and better places. The four themes are consistent with national policy and the sustainable development objectives contained in the NPPF. The Southill Estate owns two parcels of land that are identified as draft allocations in PSBLP, which would contribute towards the delivery of all four themes.

The greener theme refers to development integrating with the surrounding landscape and multi-functional green infrastructure. The promoted development at the Abbey Field West of Elstow site (Policy HOU 5) includes policy requirements for the delivery of open space, connections to an existing green corridor, and other green infrastructure. The promoted development at the Pear Tree Farm Elstow site (Policy EMP 5) includes policy requirements for contributions towards the Forest of Marston Vale, and the delivery of a green corridor and landscaping. Therefore, these two promoted developments would contribute towards the greener theme.

The more accessible theme refers to reducing congestion and encouraging travel by sustainable modes of transport. The promoted developments at Abbey Field West of Elstow and Pear Tree Farm Elstow include policy requirements for pedestrian and cycle connections with the surrounding area and existing networks. The promoted developments are in close proximity to one another, with one for residential use and the other for employment uses. The promoted developments are well related to the urban area, to other proposed strategic developments, and to proposed transport infrastructure projects. The promoted development would provide an opportunity for current and future residents to live close to work, and would make it more likely that travel for regular day to day journeys would be by sustainable modes of transport rather than the private car. Therefore, the promoted developments would contribute towards the more accessible theme.

The more prosperous theme refers to supporting a stronger local economy and delivering high value jobs. The promoted development at the Pear Tree Farm Elstow site is within the South of Bedford Area and is specifically identified as a draft allocation for a high value science and innovation park. As such, the promoted development would directly contribute towards the more prosperous theme.

The better places theme refers to meeting housing needs. The promoted development at Abbey Fields West of Elstow is for residential development, and would provide a mix of house types, sizes and tenures including affordable housing. The site is included in the housing trajectory for PSBLP, and it contributes towards the housing supply during the plan period. Therefore, the promoted development would contribute towards the better places theme. As set out in the Southill Estate’s representations to Policy HOU 5, the site could accommodate more dwellings and could be delivered much earlier than currently indicated in the housing trajectory. If the requested changes to Policy HOU 5 are made the promoted development would make a greater contribution towards the better places theme, and provide more housing earlier in the plan period.

The promoted developments at Abbey Fields West of Elstow and at Pear Tree Farm Elstow could contribute towards the delivery of all four themes. The four themes are all supported, and no changes are required.