Object

Representation ID: 6069

Received: 09/09/2021

Respondent: Countryside Properties

Agent: Phillips Planning Services

3.11. We support the proposed growth along the A421 corridor. This accords with the Government’s strategy of delivering a growth corridor between Oxford and Cambridge which includes the building of one million high quality new homes, and over one million new jobs across the corridor by 2050, in order to maximise the areas economic potential.

3.12. However, although the four growth options being consulted upon all include the A421 corridor, only Option 2d includes the eastern parishes and fully explores the potential of this corridor and its settlements to accommodate growth. We contend that the eastern parishes should be included in the selected growth strategy otherwise an important part of the Oxford To Cambridge arc, namely the villages around the Black Cat interchange, will be left out. The eastern area of the corridor includes several sustainable settlements including Key Service Centres, all with good links onto the A421 and the A1. Allocations should be made across the entire corridor to ensure its economic potential is maximised.

3.13. We therefore raise objection to Growth Options 2a, 2b, and 2c as they have omitted a crucial part of the A421 corridor, and wish to elevate option 2d as the preferred option for growth to maximise the delivery of new homes through the sites allocated in the current local plan

3.14. In respect of those options reliant on the delivery of either one or two new settlements, our clients would argue that the Borough should be cautious in relying upon such a strategy to meet the required delivery rates for housing. As the Borough Council know from their experience with the Wixams, new settlements are difficult to deliver and take time to start making a contribution. New settlements can be part of the strategy, but a realistic view, a cautious view should be taken on the rate of growth these proposals can deliver, and plan accordingly.

3.15. In contrast urban and village extensions with one landowner and direct access to the existing highway network can deliver much quicker within the plan period, but are big enough to deliver new infrastructure in the form of schools and community facilities. Our client’s land in Great Barford offers that potential, is large enough to accommodate new strategic growth while having the land to deliver the necessary infrastructure. It can also build upon the current release of land at Great Barford West, as well as take advantage of the ability of the existing Primary School to accommodate expansion. A further 500 dwellings would take the education requirement at Primary level to a 3-form entry. We would argue there is sufficient capacity to achieve that and a 3 form entry primary school is of an appropriate size to deliver high quality education provision.

3.0 - Growth Option 2d
3.16. Of the selected growth options, our client’s support growth Option 2d which seeks to distribute growth along the entire A421 corridor. This option will contribute towards the Governments strategy of delivering a growth corridor between Oxford and Cambridge.

3.17. Great Barford is the largest settlement in the eastern parishes, and a Key Service Centre and it would therefore be logical that it be proportionally allocated the larger share of the identified growth.

3.18. We would also state that the quantum of development identified in option 2d is too low and would not fully utilise sustainable sites available within the eastern parishes, particular in Great Barford, where our client’s control land suitable for a further 500 dwellings or more and directly adjoining the high frequency bus route provided by the X5 linking between Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge. Countryside have experience of procuring new bus services and routes through direct engagement with bus providers such as Stagecoach and First.