Support

Representation ID: 7896

Received: 24/09/2021

Respondent: Home Builders Federation

2. We agree with the Council that the minimum number of homes that the Council should be planning for per annum is 1,275. As the Council note this has reduced slightly on the basis of the latest available data and as such officers will be aware that a further assessment of the Borough’s local housing needs will be required prior to submission in the summer of next year. In addition, the Council will need to consider, as set out in paragraph 2a-010 of PPG, whether there is sufficient housing being provided in this plan to support the future economic growth of Bedford given the likely impact of the Arc Spatial Framework during the plan period. The Council state that due to the timescales for the preparation of the local plan 2040 the Council will not be able to take account of the Oxford Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework. Whilst the timescales do not align it will be important for the Council to recognise the Government’s drive to support the Arc in delivering substantial economic growth. Bedford is a key part of the Arc, with the Government already investing in major new rail link that will provide improved connections between Bedford, Oxford, Cambridge, and Milton Keynes. The Council will need to consider the likely impacts of economic growth arising from such improvements on population growth and housing needs in Bedford.