Object

Representation ID: 7428

Received: 03/09/2021

Respondent: Thakeham

The site was put forward with the potential to support 400 new residential dwellings north of Bushmead Road, in close proximity to Eaton Socon and A1 motorway.
2a. Within or adjoining site of nature conservation importance
It is acknowledged that the site sits within a SSSI impact risk zone. However, there are a number of physical barriers between the SSSI and this site, including the A1 motorway, the River Great Ouse, and the settlements of Eaton Ford and Eaton Socon. Accordingly, the provision of housing in this location would be of minimal risk to the SSSI.
2c. Potentially able to achieve a net gain in biodiversity?
Although no information was provided within the Call for Sites submission, we can confirm that at Thakeham we seek to deliver 20% biodiversity net gain across all our sites, and this site would be no different. Biodiversity and environmental improvements are key components of Thakeham’s place-making approach.
3a. Proposing a renewable energy scheme or extra energy efficiency standards?
Although the call for sites form did not include a specific answer, we can confirm that all Thakeham houses will be carbon neutral in production and zero carbon in lifetime use. PV panels will also be included within the development.
4a. Likely to impact on designated or non-designated heritage assets or their settings?
The assessment suggests there is potential for development of the site to harm heritage assets. However, the closest heritage asset is the Grade II listed house on Duloe Road which sits 550 metres to the north. This can be easily mitigated through screening.
8b. Within the existing settlement form?
Although the site lies more than 0.5 miles from any defined settlement boundary within Bedford district, it does lie less than 200 metres from the settlement boundary of Eaton Socon in Huntingdonshire.
Highways Comments
The comments identify that Bushmead Road forms part of the National Cycle Network, providing a low traffic route into Eaton Socon. Thakeham would look to connect this cycle network throughout our site, to provide a safe cycle route for all residents.
The comments note that there are bus stops in close proximity to the site. Despite current poor service frequency, Thakeham would seek to liaise with the bus companies to seek to increase these to support our development proposals.
Thakeham acknowledges that the current state of Bushmead Road may provide challenges to creating a new access to the site. However, this parcel is no longer provided in isolation, and when considered as part of the wider development opportunity that Thakeham are proposing, we would suggest Bushmead Road could provide cycle access only along the National Cycle Network, with other vehicular access provided at more suitable locations across the wider site.
Environmental Health
Comments suggest noise from A1 as a risk. However, this can be mitigated through bunds and noise attenuation walls, as provided to the east of the A1 in Eaton Socon and St Neots. Furthermore, proposed development can be designed to ensure appropriate orientation of buildings to further mitigate noise impacts.
Conclusion
In light of the above comments, we believe that these sites can be delivered within the plan period. They are available, deliverable within the plan period, are an appropriate location for sustainable housing development, and are viable as part of the wider scheme set out within our Vision Document.
This site will deliver a sustainable community of circa 2,500 units that are carbon neutral in construction and zero carbon in lifetime use.
We trust that these representations will be useful, and we would be grateful for confirmation of receipt. In the meantime, please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any queries or require any further information.