Object

Representation ID: 8909

Received: 30/09/2021

Respondent: Bedfordia Developments Ltd and Bedfordshire Charitable Trust Ltd

Agent: DLP Planning Limited

Section 2 (Draft Vision) – Comment
2.8 The recognition of tourism and recreation as part of the Council’s Vision to 2040 is supported in principle as is recognition that enhancement to the Borough’s green infrastructure network and natural environment are key components of this offer. The delivery of new multi-functional green spaces and Country Parks is also appropriate in principle as a means of securing these benefits.
2.9 The principle of these objectives is supported but is reliant on flexibly supporting diverse opportunities for development across the settlement hierarchy. There are a substantial number of centres where the level of development identified is sufficient to secure the opportunities identified.
2.10 This is reinforced by the ‘Themes’ underpinning the Plan (notably Theme 1 ‘Greener’ and Theme 4 ‘Better Places’). However, we consider that the approach to the preparation of strategy options and in-particular focusing potential benefits on large-scale strategic growth in the Milton Keynes-Bedford Waterway south of the town (and at existing commitments in Brickhill) means that the Vision is not effective and not positively prepared.
2.11 This principally results from the failure to identify a contribution from any village-related growth outside of the ‘east’ and ‘south’ corridor parishes as part of the Council’s Preferred Options. This fails to recognise that at locations in the north of the Borough the aims of the Council’s Vision can be secured sustainably through appropriate village extensions, complemented by opportunities for rural recreation and tourism such as our client’s land at Radwell Lakes.