Support

Representation ID: 8514

Received: 02/09/2021

Respondent: Bedfordshire Police

Whilst we support the provisions in Policies TC2, TC5 and TC9 that state proposals in town centres
should not lead to anti-social behaviour or other problems, the issue of the night-time economy would
be better addressed through a dedicated policy on the topic due to the complex issues involved. We
propose the following for inclusion in the Local Plan:
Policy TC?? – Evening and Night-time Economy Development
Developments that will deliver a safe and socially responsible evening and night-time economy in
the Borough’s town centres will be encouraged. A balanced mix of uses will be supported including
late-night shopping, theatres, cinemas, galleries, museums, cultural activities, cafes, restaurants,
bars and clubs.
No development must, individually or cumulatively, create an unacceptable impact on neighbouring
uses or the surrounding area by reasons of noise pollution, light pollution, anti-social behaviour,
crime, disturbance, traffic, littering or other side effects.
Developments associated with the evening and night-time economy should also seek to ensure
activity during the daytime where possible to avoid the clustering of ‘dead’ frontages.
5
Proposals linked to the evening and night-time economy will be expected to contribute towards
public realm enhancements, infrastructure improvements and emergency services provision in
order to ensure safety and security. Contributions towards public transport, toilet facilities and CCTV
for the benefit of the evening and night-time economy will also be encouraged.
Owners and operators of evening and night-time economy development will be expected to take
part in active management measures to help the public and emergency services in partnership with
the Council and other stakeholders.
Planning decisions will include conditions and legal agreements to deliver the above and secure
closing times where appropriate.
Including the above policy in the new Local Plan will ensure that this type of development is located in
appropriate places in the Borough. At the same time it will guarantee that the well-documented
negative side-effects of this type of development will be carefully controlled and mitigated to the
maximum possible extent.
The proposed policy also establishes a solid basis upon which public sector agencies, private companies
and other stakeholders will work together to coordinate the active management of this type of
development in the town centres.
In the experience of BP and other Forces around the nation, if this type of good quality planning policy
is not implemented, then delivery of evening and night-time economy development will simply equate
to a rapid rise in crime and antisocial behaviour levels in direct proportion to the scheme(s) being
delivered. An outcome nobody wants.