Object

Representation ID: 5855

Received: 08/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Norman Hoy

I believe that dependence on new settlements is a risky strategy as they are inevitably built out towards the end of the plan period, and potentially beyond and therefore we do not believe there should be too much dependence on large new settlements Where new settlements are to be built we believe they should be within walking distance of sustainable transport options ie. Little Barford.
The plan period may be dependent on how strategic growth is applied within the current draft Local Plan. It states within Paragraph 22 of the National Planning Policy framework (NPPF) that ‘Strategic policies should look ahead over a minimum 15 year period from adoption…’. However, the same paragraph goes on to state that ‘Where larger scale developments such as new settlements or significant extensions to existing villages and towns form part of the strategy for the area, policies should be set within a vision that looks further ahead (at least 30 years), to take into account the likely timescale for delivery.’ It should be pointed out that Paragraph 221 of Annex 1 to the NPPF notes that ‘For the purposes of the policy on larger-scale development in paragraph 22, this applies only to plans that have not reached Regulation 19 of the Town and Country Planning (Local Planning) (England) Regulations 2012 (pre-submission) stage at the point this version is published…’. On the basis that BBC have not yet reached the Regulation 19 stage, the Council may need to consider looking beyond the current plan period (2040) should there be the introduction of new settlements, for example.
In addition, the Oxford-Cambridge Arc identifies a delivery period of 2050. BBC consider that the draft Local Plan aligns with the Arc in terms of growth and infrastructure, though the two are currently misaligned in terms of timescales. It may be feasible, for example, for a dispersal development strategy to be applied which would align better with the timescales identified within the current draft Local Plan, and therefore accord with policies 22 and 221 of the NPPF. However, large urban extensions and new settlements may need to look beyond 2050, and this would align better with the Arc.
100 word summary
I believe that dependence on new settlements is a risky strategy as they are inevitably built out towards the end of the plan period, and potentially beyond and therefore we do not believe there should be too much dependence on large new settlements Where new settlements are to be built we believe they should be within walking distance of sustainable transport options ie. Little Barford.
Bedford Borough Council are considering new settlements and their plan has not yet reached the regulation 19 stage so if they do consider new settlements they should be planning at least 30 years ahead according to the NPPF.