Object

Representation ID: 10352

Received: 29/07/2022

Respondent: Bedfordia Developments Ltd and Bedfordshire Charitable Trust Ltd

Agent: DLP Planning Limited

Legally compliant? No

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? No

Reference sites 839 / 832

This representation relates to Land East of Station Road, Oakley. This representation should be read alongside previous Regulation 18 consultations (Representation ID: 7450 / Site IDs: 839 / 832) (Appendix 1) and Indicative Masterplan Proposals (Appendix 2). This Statement should also be read alongside the overarching Spatial Strategy and Legal Compliance Representation Report covering our clients’ wider interests and accompanying representations forms.
1.3 Consideration is given to the development potential of our clients’ land at Oakley, and these representations provide a response in respect of the draft policies relating to the spatial strategy and scale and distribution of housing of housing provision.
1.4 We object to a number of the draft Policies contained within the publication version of the Bedford Local Plan 2040 and consider that in their current form, they would not be found sound at Examination. Further, as outlined within these representations, we do not consider that the Sustainability Appraisal has been prepared in line with the requirements of the SEA regulations and thus do not consider the Plan as drafted is legally compliant.
In-keeping with the approach of our clients at previous consultation stages these representations should be read in parallel with those prepared on behalf of the Meridian Academies Trust (MAT) which seek recognition within the plan-making process of the significant increase in the pupil roll be accommodated through the expansion of Lincroft Academy. These representations support the proposed reclassification of Oakley as a Key Service Centre and endorse the further assessment of potential benefits that would result from the reconfiguration of the current land uses East of Station Road.
1.6 Further to representations to the last consultation stage, heads of terms are agreed between the two parties, as landowners, to deliver a ‘land swap’ and enable provision of the ‘one-site’ solution and additional improvements outlined here. The final detail of this agreement is capable of completion within a short timeframe.
1.7 MAT has continued to progress the proposed 'land swap' due to the uncertainties generated by the failure of the Local Plan process to recognise the requirements for expansion of Lincroft Academy and the significant funding gap that needs to be addressed to secure the minimum increase in capacity that is necessary.
1.8 Furthermore, even where there is an acceptance of the need for expansion of Lincroft Academy from Bedford Borough Council there is no guarantee of funding from alternative sources such as the ESFA in relation to replacing existing out-dated facilities.
1.9 Were the funding gap for these minimum requirements to be filled this would not in any case ‘complete the picture’ in terms of making best use of MAT’s interests. This is specifically in terms of delivering additional benefits from relocation of the existing playing pitches for both Lincroft Academy and Oakley Primary Academy as well as the wider community.
1.10 Negotiations have therefore been continued to provide a potential alternative source of funding to address the funding gap and to confirm the feasibility of securing additional benefits beyond the minimum requirements identified. We reiterate the availability of land East of Station Road and as per the representations submitted previously, we believe that this is a matter where Bedford Borough Council would ordinarily welcome further engagement and assessment of the site option in light of known educational and infrastructure requirements.