Support

Representation ID: 8969

Received: 03/09/2021

Respondent: East West Railway Company Limited

Agent: Mrs JANE PARKER

EWR Co welcomes the four emerging, proposed growth strategy options (2a, 2b, 2c and 2d) identified in
the consultation draft Bedford Local Plan 2040. These growth options are focused on the existing urban
areas and the A421 corridor and are proposed to be aligned with the possible new railway stations
proposed by EWR Co at the non-statutory round of public consultation earlier this year.
The emerging growth strategy options will assist and support EWR Co to meet the Department for
Transport’s Strategic Objectives for East West Rail which are as follows:
• Improve east-west public transport connectivity by providing rail links between key urban areas
(current and anticipated) in the Oxford-Cambridge Arc.
• Stimulate economic growth, housing, and employment through the provision of new, reliable, and
attractive inter-urban passenger train services in the Arc.
• Meet initial forecast passenger demand.
• Consider and plan for future passenger demand, making provision where it is affordable.
• Contribute to improved journey times and inter-regional passenger connectivity by connecting with
north-south routes and routes beyond Oxford and Cambridge.
• Maintain current capacity for rail freight and make appropriate provision for anticipated future growth.
• Provide a sustainable and value for money transport solution to support economic growth in the area.
In respect of the emerging strategy growth options, EWR Co comments as follows:
Growth around Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick
EWR Co supports the growth around Kempston Hardwick and Stewartby as part of growth options 2a, 2b,
2c, and/or 2d.
EWR Co is currently considering two service concepts for the way services will be configured along the
Marston Vale Line once EWR trains are operating. These are to retain and modify the existing ‘all-stations’
train service and introduce limited-stop EWR services (concept 1); or focused services on a smaller
number of consolidated stations to allow an increased number of stopping services (concept 2).
Concept 1 would retain the existing service (in a modified form) and introduce limited-stop Oxford –
Cambridge services. The existing hourly stopping service would continue to serve all Marston Vale Line
stations, with a new limited-stop EWR service calling at two stations – Woburn Sands and Ridgmont – four
times an hour. No changes are currently proposed to the location of the existing Stewartby and Kempston
Hardwick stations in this Concept.
Concept 2 would provide improved services focused on a consolidated number of stations. Stewartby
station would be relocated to a site in the vicinity of the current Broadmead Road level crossing and would
provide access to the railway for the users of the current Stewartby and Kempston Hardwick stations. The
precise location of the new station has not been determined yet but will include associated infrastructure
such as car parks and access roads.
The new station would be well placed to provide access to the railway from both the existing and new
residential areas at Wootton, the West side of Bedford, and the former Stewartby Brickworks site, and
thereby taking pressure off the road network linking these areas to Bedford station. This presents an
opportunity for a partnership with Bedford Borough Council and developers to ensure integrated transport
plans that encourage active travel and reduce traffic are incorporated.
Given the current position, EWR Co would like to be satisfied that any proposed land allocations coming
forward in the Local Plan do not preclude the proposed location under Concept 2 for the relocated
Stewartby station should this concept be selected. It therefore welcomes ongoing discussions with the
Council and advises that the emerging local plan strategy options, policies and proposals retain sufficient
flexibility to ensure that the final preferred strategy growth option aligns with the EWR options that are
ultimately preferred.
Strategic Growth in Bedford Urban Area
EWR Co is supportive of all strategy growth options that propose development in and around Bedford
Urban area. However, the addition of the proposed residential development would result in additional traffic
which would be best served by some upgrades to the east-west and north-south road connectivity near
Bedford station. Easing traffic and improving active travel connectivity into Central Bedford and Bedford
station would complement EWR Co’s aspirations in Central Bedford for first mile / last mile provisions.
EWR Co aspires to enable sustainable transport through new and improved pedestrian and cycle links as
part of its proposals, and therefore supports Bedford Borough Council's provision of new housing in the
locality, welcoming the opportunity to work together on a joined-up approach.
Bedford Station Proposals
Having regard to EWR Co’s preferred solution for the upgrade of the railway and improvements to the
existing Bedford station to the north of Ford End Road, it is recommended that Policy S10 in the existing
Local Plan be reviewed through the local plan review process and be strengthened to facilitate and support
improved pedestrian and cycling linkages in the vicinity of Bedford Station.
An alternative solution for a new station south of Ford End Road is also being considered. Policy 12 of the
existing Local Plan may need to be reviewed should this concept be selected.
Further detail on these proposals was presented as part of the Non-Statutory Consultation and can be
found in the Consultation Technical Report at section 8.4.
Relocation of Bedford St Johns Station
Option 1 proposes a new station a short distance to the West of the existing station site. Option 2 proposes
a new station to the South of the existing station. Both options are shown on Figure 1. Further detail on
these proposals was presented as part of the Non-Statutory Consultation and can be found in the
Consultation Technical Report at section 8.3.
New policy in the emerging Local Plan 2040 will be required to support the delivery of Option 1 if it is
selected. This new policy would need to focus future development in the area to the north-east of the
proposed rail alignment which would continue to support the Council’s aspirations to secure improvements
to the wider public realm and improved pedestrian and cycling connections to the town centre. Policy 14
of the adopted local plan proposes that land to the south of the river is developed for residential uses and
a mix of retail, business and community uses to support a new neighbourhood.
Option 2 is less advantageous in supporting development in the emerging local plan. However, should the
relocation of St John’s station to the south of the existing station emerge as EWR Co’s preferred option,
then land for the relocated St Johns station will need to be safeguarded in a new and/or amended local
plan policy and on the revised proposal map.
EWR Co therefore recommends that Bedford Borough Council includes a policy supporting EWR Co’s
proposals to enhance the rail network in Bedford in the emerging Local Plan, in particular proposals for
improvements to Bedford station to increase network capacity and to improve the design and quality of
facilities. The local plan’s proposals should retain sufficient flexibility at this early stage to allow for EWR
Co emerging proposals. In due course a policy will be required to safeguard land for the provision of a
relocated Bedford St Johns station in the Local Plan 2040. The policy requirement should require that any
development coming forward within the safeguarded area does not prejudice the delivery and
implementation of EWR Co’s proposals.