Object

Representation ID: 5517

Received: 06/09/2021

Respondent: Mrs Clare Szczepanski

The Vision sets out general planning aims, and we have no particular comments to make on the Borough becoming more sustainable, the delivery of good design, or improved transport options etc. However, it is surprising that the Vision does not make any stronger statements on growth, where it will be located, or make a commitment to delivering the required number of new dwellings, and employment land as identified in the remainder of the Draft Plan.

Given the emerging focus on the delivery of the Oxford - Cambridge Arc as identified in the document, and the current consultation on priorities for the Spatial Framework, it seems a missed opportunity for the plan not to take a lead in setting out a how it could play an important role in delivering the vision. The statement at paragraph 1.11 appears to read as “we will do what have to”, rather than seeking to embrace the ambitions that Government has for development within the Arc.

In particular it would seem sensible for the plan to make some provision for the possibility of an uplift in housing and employment growth that may emerge through the preparation of the Arc’s Spatial Framework. The current consultation on “Creating a Vision for the Oxford-Cambridge Arc”, states that the Government is:

“concerned about the affordability and availability of housing in the Arc, and what this will mean for the Arc’s communities, economy and environment. Development of new homes is already happening in the Arc, but in the main centres this has not kept up with need. We also know people are being priced out of the area, increasing the need to make more polluting journeys for work and leisure, and making home ownership less likely for many.”
Our emphasis

At paragraph 5.8 of the consultation, it adds:

“In parallel to the development of the Spatial Framework, the government is also exploring options to speed up new housing and infrastructure development in the Arc to help meet its ambitions, where evidence supports it. This includes examining (and where appropriate, developing) the case for new and/or expanded settlements in the Arc, including options informed by possible East West Rail stations between Bedford and Cambridge and growth options at Cambridge itself.
Our emphasis


While it is acknowledged that the Local Plan review and the Spatial Framework will be prepared in parallel, it is clear that the emerging vision is targeting a more advanced and robust form of growth. Therefore, for the Plan to be “positively prepared”, we would contend that the Local Plan Review should allow for some uplift whether that be 10 or even 20%. If the Spatial Framework is adopted at the same time as the plan, there is likely to be the added pressure to consider another urgent review to keep pace with the changing policy context, therefore allowing for some uplift would pre-empt this and help towards reducing the burden going forward.

This important point is supported by updated guidance in the revised National Planning Policy Framework (2021); and, while it is accepted that this Consultation was developed in advance of the publication of the revised Framework, we must highlight that under paragraph 22 it states that where Local Plans are to include new settlements or significant extensions to towns and villages, then it should be set within a vision which looks at least 30 years ahead. As the transitional arrangements at paragraph 221 of Annex 1 confirm this applies to plans that have not reached Regulation 19 stage; then, no matter which strategy is chosen, the Bedford Local Plan 2040, must expand its “vision” to set out how it will accommodate growth beyond 2040 and deliver on the ambitions of the Arc.