Object

Representation ID: 5895

Received: 08/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Tom Tagg

I reiterate my response to the 2020 consultation: I object to the basis of the scope of the Local Plan review for the following reasons:
1. Nothing has changed since the adoption of the last plan – HMG have not carried out their consultation for the Ox-Cam Arc, so there is no spatial strategy for the Arc.
2. East West Rail best route alignment and station locations have not been decided and the preferred route is under challenge.
3. Completely inaccurate and outdated 2014 housing data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) is being used rather than the more recent, accurate and appropriate 2018 data.
4. BBC are using demographic information in its Housing Strategy based upon the 2011 census not the 2021 census.
This is all essential information for planning housing development.
It is therefore clear that it is not possible for BBC to meaningfully advance this Local Plan review as there are too many unknowns at this time. To do so will be a potential waste of time and tax-payers money and some or all of the work will have to be repeated when these major issues become clearer.
Alternatively BBC are likely to make incorrect decisions and locate developments in the wrong parts of the borough. As BBC state: “… many important strategic
decisions that will affect the scale and form of growth in and close to Bedford Borough in the medium and longer term are likely to be made in the next few years.” – these are major decisions that will have a lasting impact on the borough and the lives of the residents forever.
The Review and consultation should be postponed until the regional planning context is clearer and an extension to the January 2023 submission date be sought, until reliable information and proper consultation can be held.
BBC also note that “…some local authorities in the Arc have adjusted their local plan production timetables so that planning activity follows the development of the Arc Spatial Framework in order to create a more joined up process.” Why have BBC not done this to have a more efficient and effective planning process and Plan?