Support

Representation ID: 4871

Received: 02/09/2021

Respondent: Kirstin Rayner

Option 2b offers expansion of the urban area south of Bedford, to tie in with planned infrastructure improvements and good transportation links, being less constrained by complexities of existing development and the river/floodplain. The option also provides a mix of development between the existing urban areas of Bedford/Kempston and the planned new settlement which is likely to be south of St Neots.

The Little Barford proposed new settlement not only links with the planned Black Cat to Caxton Gibbet improvement plan, but also has potential to provide a location [an] East West Railway station, encompassing not only housing but employment opportunities. This is my preferred option.

Options which add further development pressure on Bedfordshire’s rural settlements, without significant infrastructure investment are not sustainable and will create higher carbon living, creating further congestion and environmental damage which cannot be mitigated.