Support

Representation ID: 7874

Received: 23/09/2021

Respondent: Central Bedfordshire Council

CBC welcome the positive approach to employment provision within Bedford Borough – however, confirmation is sought if the 8,642 jobs is the total for the plan period (2020-2040) and, if so, what is the breakdown between ‘B’ and ‘non-B’ jobs?

The high-level approach set out within the consultation material for the provision of employment land seems appropriate, however, clarification is sought to the statement at para 6.9 of the consultation document that ‘Once a strategy is chosen, appropriate sites for allocation will be identified in the plan for submission’. The consultation document sets out a strategy and does not consult on alternative options, CBC would be keen to understand what alternative strategies for employment provision are therefore also being considered.

In relation to the approach set out in the consultation document, the concept of providing 3 new business parks alongside smaller allocations across the Borough seems logical. However, CBC consider that additional provision for strategic warehousing should not be ruled out at this stage, and perhaps further assessment of demand is required. A strategy to provide higher skilled jobs cannot be used to rule out making provision for other uses where there is a clear need identified. It is noted one of the reasons for ruling out this provision is due to what is termed as ‘the already extensive opportunities for new warehousing and distribution facilities’ in nearby local authorities, such as CBC. Recent evidence produced to inform the latest CBC examination hearings, updating the employment supply and demand data, identified a much bigger and more localised demand for strategic warehousing than seen previously. Reliance on CBC to continue to meet this demand moving forward is not an appropriate strategy, particularly as CBC are yet to start work on a Local Plan review.

CBC appreciates that BBC are at the early stages of the review process and that sites for future delivery of growth are still being identified and considered – CBC looks forward to further discussions with BBC as part of the site selection process and consideration of any cross-boundary implications for Central Bedfordshire and our residents.

Lastly, given the Ox/Camb Arc Spatial Framework, it is important to understand what flexibility Bedford Borough has to address an emerging strategic plan for the area.