Comment

Bedford Borough Local Plan 2040 Plan for Submission

Representation ID: 10261

Received: 29/07/2022

Respondent: Central Bedfordshire Council

Representation Summary:

10. Site allocations
10.1 As noted above, CBC supports the use of urban, brownfield sites ahead of the allocation of greenfield sites. We therefore do not have any specific comments to make in relation to site allocations within the urban area of Bedford. We do, however, have comments in relation to the following proposed allocations.
Policy HOU12 - South of Bedford area
10.2 Central Bedfordshire Council objects to this proposal on the basis of our transport concerns as detailed above.
10.3 This is a significant expansion area to the south of Bedford which seeks to bring together and coordinate the delivery of various strategic sites. It is recognised that the area already contains a number of existing built areas and strategic allocations, however, the further expansion will likely have significant implications for Central Bedfordshire. Whilst it is a sensible approach to coordinate the delivery of growth in the area through this policy, we have signficant concerns about the overall impact of growth in this area on the road network, bearing in mind site allocations already committed within our own plan and therefore cannot support this proposal .These concerns are covered in detail in our review of the supporting transport modelling in sections 4 to 8 above.
10.4 It is noted that the Council proposes to prepare a Strategic Place Making Framework to guide development across the policy area which will be adopted as a Supplementary Planning Document. It is considered of paramount importance that if the proposed allocation is taken forward, Central Bedfordshire Council is engaged from the outset in the production of the Framework, to ensure that any impacts arising from the proposals on Central Bedfordshire residents, communities, serices and infrastructure, is identified and mitigation measures agreed prior to any development taking place.