Comment

Representation ID: 10048

Received: 28/07/2022

Respondent: Howbury Hall Estate

Agent: Phillips Planning Services

The Spatial Strategy is considered logical in its approach. It is clearly appropriate to deliver the bulk of the new development requirements within the urban area, on the edge of the urban area and along the East West Rail / A421 corridor.

The A421 is the main east west route and links Bedford with the A1 to the east and M1 to the west. It has been and is the subject of further investment in the plan period.
In this regard the strategy it is supported by the Howbury Hall Estate.

We do however raise concern regarding that the apparent lack of provision for at least some small scale development in and around some of the Boroughs more sustainable villages.

Whilst the Council considers that some development in the rural area will come forward organically within settlements and / or through neighbourhood plans, experience to date with this strategy in the 2030 plan is that this has not been delivered. Many villages have proposed neighbourhood plans, sought designation of a neighbourhood plan area but progress has then slowed or ceased.

When querying the progress of Neighbourhood Plans a frequently used response from various Parish Clerks has been that they are under no pressure to progress and produce a plan as the Borough plan does not specifically require them to do so. Further, if a plan is progressed it is unlikely to include any development proposals, again as there is no requirement to do so.

A complete lack of development in the villages leads to their stagnation. Housing prices rise and there is little or no chance for younger people to access housing in those areas. Local shops and services gradually fail through lack of use.