Comment

Plan for submission evidence base

Representation ID: 10096

Received: 28/07/2022

Respondent: Wilshamstead Parish Council

Representation Summary:

In light of the disproportionate strategic growth being focused on the south of Bedford area, Wilstead Parish Council feel it is important to comment on the subsidiary policy document, South of Bedford Policy Area Topic Paper.
Paragraph 3.1 states that “following consultation on the local plan strategy in the summer of 2021 a development strategy based on option 2b has been chosen as the preferred option”. Option 2b showed only 1,500 houses shared between Wootton, Kempston Rural, Elstow, Wilstead, Shortstown and Cotton End. The new draft Plan is therefore not based upon Option 2b as there are now 3,100 houses proposed in Wilstead and Shortstown alone.
Paragraph 4.3 makes no reference to the planted community woodland which covers an expansive area situated at Duck End in Wilstead parish, this appears an omission and the Parish Council joins with Elstow Parish Council in seeking the same level of designation for this woodland as any others mentioned. It is particularly concerning that development under HOU16 is proposed right alongside it.
Map 5 shows an extensive flood zone classified as 3a going right through the HOU16 Land at “East of Wixams” (i.e. North Wilstead) , which reads therefore that the flood implications in this area are currently very high. This would not be expected for an area allocated for 1,800 houses.
Maps 8 and 9, along with the accompanying Paragraphs in this part of the document are confusing. It is difficult to understand the point of all the different mapping particularly as the fields North of Wilstead are shown with no combined environmental biodiversity opportunity which is clearly incorrect.
Map 11 key Item 5 – Elstow South. This states that there is an application for infill. Subsequently in Appendix A it states that “This is an old brick pit for which a final restoration scheme is currently being considered which involves the filling of the site to original ground levels and restoration primarily to agriculture.” This sounds to be a plan despite the considerable objections raised by Elstow and Wilstead Parish Councils to the application based upon the enormous water expanse at this location which if it were no longer to be there would impact the local watercourse network management hugely and is already a site of environmental value and great recreational activity (course fishing).

SECTION 9 : MARSTON VALE SUPPLEMENTARY PLANNING DOCUMENT

The Parish Council support the principles within the Developing in the Forest of Marston Vale Supplementary Planning Document which is the planning policy document being prepared by both Central Bedfordshire and Bedford Borough Council local authorities.

The Parish Council also feel it is important to emphasise that tree planting should be within the open space aspects of development sites and remain on site for the benefit of those living at the development.

Attachments: