Object

Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation

Representation ID: 4493

Received: 31/08/2021

Respondent: Mrs Kathryn Smith

Representation Summary:

Because our hamlets are not even classed as a small settlement in the Local Plan 2030 definition (6.21) we are therefore defined as open countryside for planning purposes. Therefore I strongly object to the suggestion that the Staploe parish sites are brownfield sites or under utilised land. It is extremely misleading to describe the area as such, as respondents to the plan clearly would automatically propose development on brownfield or under utilised land over greenfield or open countryside sites. This description clearly compromises the validity of the consultation. Any development here would not benefit Bedford and adversely affect St Neots.

Full text:

Because our hamlets are not even classed as a small settlement in the Local Plan 2030 definition (6.21) we are therefore defined as open countryside for planning purposes. Therefore I strongly object to the suggestion that the Staploe parish sites are brownfield sites or under utilised land. It is extremely misleading to describe the area as such, as respondents to the plan clearly would automatically propose development on brownfield or under utilised land over greenfield or open countryside sites. This description clearly compromises the validity of the consultation. Any development here would not benefit Bedford and adversely affect St Neots.