Object

Representation ID: 8749

Received: 29/09/2021

Respondent: Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Agent: Barton Willmore

3.3 We note that the presentation of the four growth options (Options 2a-2d) is followed by the ‘Transport Strategy’ at paragraphs 3.18-3.25. There is no section of the Chapter that addresses wider infrastructure needs and specifically what infrastructure is required to support the proposed growth (as in third bullet point). In addition to transport, we consider that there should be a consideration of what other infrastructure is needed to support growth during the plan period, including healthcare infrastructure and the specific development of the Bedford Hospital North and South Wing sites. Indeed, it is worth acknowledging that whilst the development of both sites will be undertaken in line with the clinical strategy and to ensure the ongoing provision of excellent healthcare within a high quality hospital environment, the redevelopment of parts of the wider South Wing site is likely to be necessitated by the proposed East West Rail (EWR) project.