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Representation ID: 8437

Received: 27/09/2021

Respondent: wrenbridge land ltd

Agent: Rapleys

21. The Government has identified the Oxford - Cambridge Arc as an economic growth corridor that is
fundamental to the future economic success of the United Kingdom. This recognition has been identified in
publications for several years and is further emphasised in the latest February and July 2021 publications.

22. It has set out a clear ambition to build upon the emerging successes evident within the Arc to ensure that it becomes globally significant (a UK version of ‘Silicon Valley’). The Government recognise that central to this ambition is the delivery of the economic growth supported by sustainable transport-led infrastructure and the provision of homes. This view is shared by Bedford Borough, as evidenced by The Oxford-Cambridge Arc:
Government Ambition and Joint Declaration issued in March 2019.
23. The need for this Local Plan review is in large part due an acknowledgement that recently adopted Local Plan 2030 does not appropriately respond to the longer-term growth requirements of the Arc. It is therefore of
critical importance that the key objective underpinning the Local Plan Review is supporting economic growth
that is significant in both a national and international context. Every aspect of the Local Plan Review should
acknowledge and be driven by this ambition.
24. Whilst the emerging preferred strategy with its focus on the East West Rail corridor and the potential for new
settlements alongside its new stations is reflected, in part, with this emerging OxCamb Arc ambition, the
Local Plan does not go far enough – it ignores the principle of a new settlement on anything but the East West Rail corridor, missing the obvious ‘opportunity area’ that is presented by the comprehensive CGV proposal to
provide a sustainable development based around a railway station and existing high quality economic hub
that can act as a catalyst for levelling up, not only within the more rural areas of Bedford Borough itself, but
also extend its influence northwards into the Northamptonshire fringe areas of the Arc.
25. The evidence base that has been submitted to BBC is extensive and comprehensive, identifying that CGV is
sustainable and deliverable and, when coupled with the steer of OxCamb Arc, is a justifiable addition for
inclusion within the BBC Local Plan development strategy. Any outstanding matters (targeted submissions)
needing clarification can readily be addressed in lead up to the publication of the Regulation 19 plan later in
2022. CGV should, therefore, be recognised as an allocation within the Regulation 19 plan.