Comment

Plan for submission evidence base

Representation ID: 10219

Received: 29/07/2022

Respondent: Anwyl Land

Agent: Fisher German LLP

Representation Summary:

1. Introduction
1.1 This representation has been prepared on behalf of Anwyl Land in respect of their land interests at Kennel Hill, Sharnbrook as illustrated on Figure 1 below – the site is edged red. This site is an omission site in the emerging Bedford Local Plan 2040. The site is considered suitable for
allocation in the scenario that further housing sites are required to enable the Local Plan to be found sound (as we consider to be the case as set out within these representations).
SEE ATTACHMENT

1.2 The site has been previously promoted through the various stages of the adopted Local Plan, Neighbourhood Plan and was included as a preferred site as part of the Council’s 2017 consultation paper. Technical documents to support the allocation of the site were submitted, including highways and landscape, demonstrating the sites acceptability and deliverability.
Despite this however, the adopted Plan opted to defer allocations to subsequent Neighbourhood Plans, which would deliver the housing targets set out in the Local Plan. For Sharnbrook, the Local Plan allocated 500 dwellings to be delivered through the Neighbourhood Plan.
1.3 Sharnbrook is designated in the Local Plan as a Key Service Centre, which are described as settlements “which contain a good range of services and are well connected to larger town centres by regular public transport. They provide a strong service role for the local community and surrounding area”.
1.4 The Sharnbrook Neighbourhood Plan Examiner’s Report was published on the 19th July 2021. This concluded that the Plan could proceed to referendum subject to modifications, despite significant concerns relating to the deliverability of the Plan’s key allocation (Hill Farm) and limited evidence to support that the housing requirement could be met having regard for the Plan’s short period up to 2030. The allocation at Hill Farm is predicated on delivery of significant improvements to the junction at the A6, with no confirmation from County Highways that the proposed Neighbourhood Plan allocation is deliverable.
1.5 A referendum on the Neighbourhood Plan was held in October 2021. The Plan passed the referendum with 457 votes in favour and 80 against, with a 30% turnout. Following this result, the Plan was formally made by Bedford Borough Council in November 2021.
1.6 A planning application has been submitted on the Plan’s primary allocation, a strategic scale development isolated from Sharnbrook to the east, for up to 500 dwellings and other community infrastructure (ref: 22/01037/MAO). Key consultation responses are yet to be received for this application at time of writing, including highways.
1.7 This representation follows policies in the order that they appear in the consultation document.

Attachments: