Object

Representation ID: 9592

Received: 29/08/2022

Respondent: Urban & Civic plc

Legally compliant? Not specified

Sound? No

Duty to co-operate? No

U&C recognise that in the Central Area (as defined in the Emerging Plan), no existing or potential location for strategic growth can be considered in isolation. All options relate to, or are dependent upon, the same elements of strategic infrastructure investment to a greater or lesser degree. Furthermore, the advantages arising from investment have potential to be supercharged, to the benefit of existing and new communities, if planned comprehensively. This applies especially to energy, green infrastructure, biodiversity, water conservation and sustainable modes of transport.
Our representations in September 2020 (Issues and Options) recognised the challenge of moving ahead with the Bedford Borough Local Plan, given a lack of strategic context. We were nevertheless firm in calling for: ‘more than just effective cross boundary relationships. It is now time for effective joint planning to establish a framework to meet short term needs and deliver long term potential.’ U&C were hopeful that Policy 1 of the Adopted Local Plan, which refers to strengthening cross boundary relationships but also hints at a possible joint plan, was not a hollow prospect. U&C has been and is supportive of and has lobbied for strategic growth to be locally led through effective collaboration.
The Submission Plan does not address this challenge and opportunity.
While the Borough Council’s commitment to respond positively to strong economic, social and environmental drivers within the Central Area is evident in the opening pages of the emerging Plan, the translation of that ambition into policy does not address cross-boundary issues and does not adequately address significant delivery issues, which are clearly identified within the evidence base, published in support of the Plan. These shortcomings are not confined to the proposals for two new settlements, assumed to come later in the plan period (although they are not subject to any policy controls on timing), but it is in respect of these proposals that U&C now focuses its objection. These allocations present greatest risk to coordinated development within the Central Area, threaten to frustrate or delay development in adjoining areas and do not adequately address wider cumulative impacts.