The Draft Plan Strategy and Options and Draft Policies Consultation identifies 4 emerging preferred options for where development will be focused over the plan period. Wixams East would support the delivery of all 4 of these options. The sustainability appraisal shows that 2a performs better than the others because it concentrates most growth at rail-based locations at Stewartby/Kempston Hardwick. We are supportive of this conclusion. Options 2a is also not reliant on the creation of a new settlement which takes longer to deliver over the plan period due to the amount of infrastructure required from the outset.

L&Q Estates is promoting land to the East of Wixams which would support the delivery of Growth Strategy Option 2a. Please find enclosed our vision document for Wixams East (Site ID 3233) which provides more detail on how this site fits within the growth strategy.

Wixams East, whilst located within the Parish of Wilshamstead, is more spatially related to Wixams in terms of access to services and facilities. This site is therefore put forward as an extension to Wixams and would sit within the transport corridor - rail base growth villages in the growth strategy options.

Wixams East is proposed to accommodate 2,000 dwellings, a local centre and a new primary school. Access is proposed via two existing roundabouts along the A6. The proposed access strategy will also promote access to and from Wixams and the scheduled Wixams Station for all modes of transport with particular emphasis on walking and cycle. It is proposed that Wixams East will be an extension to Wixams and one community will be formed in the longer terms.

Wixams East will create new parks and spaces that will provide links to the surrounding countryside and provide extensive public open space. The most significant green infrastructure provision will be the creation of a new linear park. We will maximise the connection with the existing and new community to ensure that this regional park will be accessible via all modes of transport for the enjoyment for all. The linear park creates the opportunity to ensure long term biodiversity net gains through habitat enhancement and creation.