Comment

Bedford Borough Local Plan 2040 Plan for Submission

Representation ID: 9376

Received: 29/07/2022

Respondent: Huntingdonshire District Council

Representation Summary:

Huntingdonshire District Council's observations on the proposed development strategy. HDC note the reason for pursuing option 2bi over option 2a but still express concern over the deliverability of HOU19.

Full text:

We note that delivery of the spatial strategy (option 2bi) is to a significant degree dependent upon delivery of major transport infrastructure, specifically the A428 and East-West Rail. Whilst the Oxford to Bedford section of the East-West Rail scheme is either already in delivery or has a high degree of certainty there is no confirmed route yet for the final section between Bedford and Cambridge. This is the more challenging section and concern is expressed over the flexibility and resilience of the spatial strategy should this final section be delayed beyond the promoted completion date of 2030 or not forthcoming during the lifetime of this plan. While development strategy option 2a performs better than the others against three sustainability objectives, it has not been taken forward in the submission Local Plan due to delivery risks. HDC note the reason for pursuing option 2bi over option 2a but still express concern over the deliverability of HOU19.