Comment

Bedford Borough Local Plan 2040 Plan for Submission

Representation ID: 10049

Received: 28/07/2022

Respondent: Howbury Hall Estate

Agent: Phillips Planning Services

Representation Summary:

The plan to 2040 does not seek to direct any new development to the Boroughs smaller settlements / villages but rather seeks to rely upon existing allocated sites in the plan to 2030 and development coming forward through neighbourhood plans.

This element of the plan is unsound as it will not be ‘effective’ (paragraph 35 of the NPPF) in ensuring that a reasonable mix of housing sites are delivered across the plan as a whole. It will similarly ensure that little or no housing comes forward within or adjoining the villages.

The NPPF, paragraph 79 states:

“79. To promote sustainable development in rural areas, housing should be located where it will enhance or maintain the vitality of rural communities. Planning policies should identify opportunities for villages to grow and thrive, especially where this will support local services. Where there are groups of smaller settlements, development in one village may support services in a village nearby”

The failure to distribute some small scale growth to the villages runs contrary to paragraph 79 and will reduce choice and flexibility in the housing market.