Object

Representation ID: 5896

Received: 08/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Tom Tagg

I reiterate my response to the 2020 consultation: I object to the process that BBC are using for this consultation:
The NPPF describes the Local Plan as being drawn up in consultation with the community. Simply publishing massive volumes of information on-line for members of the general public is totally insufficient. This discriminates against those who are unable to access or use online information and the consultation is therefore unfair and undemocratic. In the specific case of my parish (Staploe), broadband is not even available to many residents, so they are unable to take part in the process. Parishioners are therefore excluded from the BBC consultation process.
It should also be noted that the residents of Staploe parish have NO REPRESENTATION by a Borough Councillor. Our Borough Councillor, Tom Wootton, is conflicted regarding the proposed site at Dennybrook (site 977) as his family is offering land to the developers! I therefore request that an alternative Borough Councillor is permitted to represent Staploe and to vote on the matter in Tom Wootton’s place.
I attended the drop-in session on 11/08/21 – what a disappointment – hidden in the depths of the Howard Centre, hardly visible to anyone and just a display of the leaflet (which is incorrect and misleading) that was sent to my house. How was this intended to engage with the wider public to get their feedback? Surely a location outside in the centre of Bedford would have been far more effective? I hope that the BBC representatives recorded my comments?