Object

Representation ID: 8750

Received: 29/09/2021

Respondent: Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Agent: Barton Willmore

3.4 Whilst the delivery of EWR is mentioned at paragraph 3.22 as one of five actions within the sub-national transport strategy, there is no acknowledgement in the Draft Plan of the significant implications that the implementation of the project will have on some sites within the Borough. Whilst we appreciate that EWR remains an emerging proposal, with the April - June 2021 consultation including some ‘Preferred Options’ for the route, the ramifications of the project’s delivery will be significant for many landowners, operators and residents in the Borough. Even if the detailed locations and sites for change remain too uncertain to specify on a Policies Map at this stage, we believe that the land use


planning implications of the EWR project should at least be acknowledged in the emerging Local Plan 2040.

3.5 There is much uncertainty regarding the EWR project, and considerable opposition within some groups. Whilst there is a danger of any comments being politicised, and the Local Plan should remain focused on committed schemes, we believe that the Draft Plan should make acknowledgement of the EWR project and set out the Council’s objectives at the local level.

3.6 It is important that strategic-level plans, including new infrastructure and transport projects, support the delivery of healthcare and facilitate good access to healthcare services. The Trust is seeking to work closely with Bedford Borough Council to ensure the establishment of both an integrated sustainable transport strategy for the Hospital and a shared vision for the ‘Land south of the River’ (designated for future redevelopment under Local Plan Policy 14). Likewise, the Trust is seeking to engage with the EWR Company, to ensure that the EWR project will deliver local benefits in addition to strategic opportunities.