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Representation ID: 8227

Received: 26/09/2021

Respondent: Sharnbrook Parish Council

In respect of the Local Plan 2040 review, this Council considers that all options would be acceptable, with a preference for Option 2a as giving the best results for Bedford Borough given the figures that BBC must work with. This option offers a range of housing and employment which is crucial in any plan, along an already proven highway network and potential new rail line upgrade. The Council recognises the potential of a new settlement, however, as such development of large settlements as described would be as a useful addition to the housing stock. Our observation is that it would be quite distant from the town centre and therefore may cause some lack of cohesion within the Borough. Further, it does bring into question the issue around deliverability. We accept this should be tested through the Plan process.

With regard to future development in the villages north of Bedford, development should be kept away from the A6 and north Bedfordshire villages, as the current infrastructure is already at capacity and there are no proposals to improve this under the current proposals, which is regrettable. Whilst we accept that all communities need some development over time, an allocation of 500 dwellings in Sharnbrook through our Neighbourhood Plan and LP2030 was, as we have previously stated, based on flawed methodology. While the Parish has worked hard to accommodate the requirement through the Neighbourhood Plan, any further development in the foreseeable future would be unacceptable. Any future development in villages should be considered very carefully, and not be imposed within the next term of the Local Plan, ie, after 2040, if not even later. Growing organically is far better for residents, allowing facilities to develop to cope with their needs and wants, rather than forcing an arbitrary number or percentage of growth. No community should be forced to grow by more than 10% in any decade to allow for cohesion and planning of facilities to meet the requirements of any area. SPC is glad to note that there has been no proposal to allocate housing in Sharnbrook or other North Bedfordshire villages, however it should not be overlooked in terms of the provision of facilities where they are required