The purpose of this statement, prepared on behalf of Landcrest Developments Ltd (“Landcrest”), is to respond to the Local Plan 2040: Plan for Submission. Whilst Landcrest broadly support the vision and objectives for the Borough, there are areas of concern that may indicate the plan has not been positively prepared, justified or is effective as per paragraph 35 of the NPPF. These matters include the primary strategy of delivering new residential development in order to meet the new local housing need target of the LP2040 – particularly those proposed at Little Barford and Kempston Hardwick.
Such a strategy presents a multi-pronged aspect of understating the consequences of such a vision in the context of spatial development and temporal development within the borough. The matter is considered in further detail below as part of the representations on the spatial strategy-specific policies.
With regards to the other elements of the vision and objectives for LP2040, as set out above there is otherwise broad support. The development of the East West Rail will go a long way in providing connectivity, investment and growth across the borough and to other locations beyond thereby having a positive compounding effect in terms of its planning gain when considered in the context of benefits local growth. However, recent comments from the Transport Secretary indicate that the project should be cancelled, and accordingly there is no contingency or measures within the plan to accommodate for a potentially radical shift in how transport infrastructure in and across the borough will be utilised. In terms of environmental sustainability, Landcrest also share values on the role played by green infrastructure that aims to complement the natural environment whilst simultaneously creating vibrant, sustainable neighbourhoods.