Support

Representation ID: 5660

Received: 07/09/2021

Respondent: Hallam Land Management

Agent: David Lock Associates

Hallam Land Management considers that the draft vision remains constrained by the absence of a single preferred strategy option which is needed to inform a vision that is more spatially relevant and provides a meaningful context for the emerging themes, and objectives, which themselves deserve to be more spatial in focus in focusing future growth.

As stated in Hallam’s Response to the Growth and Spatial Strategy Options, a preferred strategy is required that includes a combination of the wider options presented as alternatives. A single themed option based on the variants of Option 2, is unlikely to realise each of the opportunities for sustainable development and investment. Similarly, a single theme places additional risks in relation to delivery of homes and infrastructure – the prospect of which has been given secondary rather than primary consideration, were a single theme to be advanced as a preferred option. Maximising and not just meeting basic delivery aspirations should be a leading factor in the identification of the preferred option.

Spatial elements of the vision are initially focused on Bedford Town Centre. As a development strategy emerges, we would expect the vision and themes and objectives to be more spatially relevant in setting out the priorities for growth at more well-defined locations across the Borough to provide an appropriate context for the development strategy, and policies for the distribution of housing growth, employment and more detailed policies.

The focus on sustainable neighbourhoods implies sustainable developments in Bedford and Kempston and in village communities but is not reflected in the preferred variants of Option 2. In particular Hallam considers that a focus on Bedford and Kempston should embrace related settlements adjacent to the town. Such a focus needs to be more holistic and not just about design, but also supporting development with adequate infrastructure development. As such, Hallam considers that the Vision should be that by the end of the plan period, major strides will have been made to greatly enhance the sustainability, infrastructure and quality of life of existing communities through the opportunities delivered for sustainable development in and at existing communities. The focus should, therefore, be on the creation of sustainable communities be it through a balanced focus of growth at existing settlements as well as any major planned expansion or new settlements – i.e. not just sustainable developments, that as a main focus risks undermining achieving the true sustainability potential of existing communities. Nor is it appropriate or sustainable that existing settlements should be left behind.