Support

Representation ID: 7163

Received: 17/09/2021

Respondent: Davison & Co (Barford) Ltd

Agent: Phillips Planning Services

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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, particularly in Great Barford, where our client’s control land suitable for a further 92 dwellings, within easy access of a major junction onto the A421, and close to the high frequency bus route provided by the X5 linking between Milton Keynes, Bedford and Cambridge.