Support

Representation ID: 8586

Received: 27/09/2021

Respondent: Elstow Parish Council

The Parish Council has provided feedback to the specific development options, it is also very
mindful that the areas east of the A6 and south of the A421 are not truly reflected in terms of
their landscape value. Given their location, and proximity within the Greensand Ridge and
South Eastern River Valley. Whilst they are located near to transport links this must not be an
automatic assumption that they are suitable for substantial development. These areas in and
around Elstow deserve to be viewed and valued as unique and valuable in their rural setting
between the River Valley and Greensand Ridge.
An area such as this which includes copious amounts of ancient rural landscape includes many
important historical and natural features which are protected rightly so to enable them to be
preserved as they are of such a special heritage value. Items range from remains of medieval
field systems, villages, water courses and listed buildings and provide a beautiful contrast to,
the view from the Greensand Ridge. Naturally large scale development in these two sensitive
areas would irreversibly alter the rural character and unique landscape setting of the Eastern
Clay Vale villages (5E in the Landscape Character assessment).
Any such development within this area, would also clearly be in contradiction to the Landscape
Management Guidelines 5E.1.31 through to 5E.1.40 and Development Guidelines 5E.1.41-51.
These guiding principles set out conserving the open large scale setting of Cardington Airship
sheds, preserving the clear views and visual relationship with the Mid Greensand Ridge, as well
as conserving the dispersed pattern of settlements. Particular attention should be given to this
as an important factor to prevent the merger of villages and coalescence.
Elstow Parish Council feel this area should continue to provide an open, agricultural setting to
Bedford and contrast to the Greensand Ridge as stated in the landscape strategy for this area.
This reinforces the Parish Council’s selection of Option 2c as the preferred option as it seeks for
growth closer to new train stations. Thus preserving the unique character and rural nature of
the southern and eastern parishes like Elstow that would then be protected.