Comment

Representation ID: 9208

Received: 23/06/2022

Respondent: Mr Anthony Roche

There are many welcome developments in the revised plan and it is pleasing to note that the current document appears to have been developed with greater strategic vision related to the wider infrastructure needs of the Borough, recognising that Bedford is now a substantial commuter location largely serving London employment needs. The additional developments are also back-end weighted and phased so that they can only take place when the new infrastructure is in place.
Particularly welcome is to note that the additional development is focused into the existing urban area or in specific new settlements that will be served by major roads and railway stations that have capacity to carry the additional traffic. This, in conjunction with the plans to increase the amount of housing in the town centre, through the conversion / replacement of buildings no longer needed as shops or business premises is an essential step to enable a vibrant town centre for all residents of the Borough to enjoy and use.

Bedford Borough is at last starting to address the fundamental challenges of a growing town, including its rural locations. It is however a major strategic challenge for the Borough Council to ensure that the development of the Oxford/ Cambridge Arc does not become predominant and disproportionate in the determination of the expansion of the Borough.