Object

Representation ID: 3510

Received: 27/07/2021

Respondent: Vibeke Tilbury

1. I think the Plan has to include the two new settlements, rather than continue to extend the built environment around Bedford. Thus I am not in favour of Option 2a. This does assume that the new East-West Station will also have a link down to London. It also assumes that these will not just be housing estates but have the full range of amenities required to enjoy life (shops, schools, pharmacy, village hall, playgrounds, open spaces, cycle tracks).
2. I am in favour of developing brown-field sites in the Bedford area and believe a lot could be done to change old empty shops in the town centre into affordable housing. These new flats need to be built to a high standard and take full advantage of natural light, ideally with balconies.
3. You should be concentrating on starter homes to help the large number of youngsters who are finding it very difficult to get on the housing ladder.
4. No more in-filling of gardens should take place if you really want to improve the natural environment. In my area of Putnoe the amount of garden is continuously decreasing as people build in their gardens. More of the current Bedford open spaces should have areas transformed into wild meadows (this will save on Council labour costs as less mowing is required).