Comment

Representation ID: 10050

Received: 28/07/2022

Respondent: Howbury Hall Estate

Agent: Phillips Planning Services

It is considered that the ‘Vision’ set out at paragraph 2.1 of the Plan is in the most part a positive narrative which seeks to summarise the way in which the policies within the draft plan will impact the borough in the coming plan period.

The Howbury Hall Estate supports the Vision in this regard.

The Estate does however seek to raise two points:

Firstly, there is only a quite incidental reference to the Oxford to Cambridge Growth Arc where East / West Rail is mentioned rather than any specific commentary upon the important role that Bedford will play as a sustainable settlement located centrally within it.

Policies within the plan, particularly those related to employment and housing growth do place more emphasis on this aspect which we submit should be included in the Vision.

Secondly the Vision notes that in the period to 2040 the plan and its proposals will:

“…..have a positive impact on the local economy attracting high tech employment sectors, creative industries and supporting existing retail centres.”

Whilst again this is supported as set out in our separate representations regarding the Spatial Strategy and proposed allocation at Water End / St Neots Road (EMP6), it is considered that it is important that the plan does not turn entirely turn its back on those areas of the local economy which have proved successful historically in this area and which can complement and deliver a mix of jobs an prosperity alongside the aspiration to attract the high tech and creative industries to the area.