Support

Representation ID: 9995

Received: 29/07/2022

Respondent: Wates Developments

Agent: Boyer

3. VISION AND OBJECTIVES
3.1 Wates supports the vision identified at pages 11 and 12 of the Draft Local Plan. The vision sets out that, by the end of the Plan-period in 2040, the Bedford Borough will be greener, more sustainable, more attractive and more prosperous, as a place to live and work. Addressing climate change and adapting to and/or mitigating its impacts, is identified as a key cross-cutting element within the overall vision.
3.2 In relation to the vision (and also reflected in Theme 2: ‘More Accessible’), Wates note and agree that the Bedford Borough presents very significant opportunities for public transit-oriented development. The proposed vision clearly recognises this as providing an impetus for achieving genuinely sustainable growth.
3.3 The East West Rail project has the potential to spur local economic development and employment growth, by better integrating the Borough within a larger regional economy. This brings with it the potential to create new settlements (such as those proposed at Little Barford and Kempston Hardwick), alongside the opportunity to expand Wixams as a successful new town that will (by 2024) be served by a new train station.
3.4 The proposed vision (and Theme 1: ‘Greener’) also envisages the growth of the Forest of Marston Vale, recognising the potential for the community forest project to transform the landscape of the Borough. Wates is particularly supportive of this aspect of the vision, noting that Land South of Wixams has the potential to provide a significant contribution to the reforesting project, thereby helping to address climate change goals directly
3.5 In terms of the other themes and objectives identified at pages 13 to 15, it is welcome that the Draft Local Plan strives to fully address the level of housing need established through the Standard Method, with new homes to be provided through holistic ‘place-making’ strategies. Likewise, Wates supports the focus on improving accessibility and concentrating growth at key transport modes, and agrees that the approach will help the Borough to achieve of carbon neutrality and strategic biodiversity gains.
Compliance with the Tests of Soundness
3.6 For the reasons described above, the proposed vision and objectives are consistent with the economic, social and environmental aspects of sustainable development, as defined at NPPF paragraph 8. They also represent a positive and justified approach, as they aim to fully meet development needs (as per NPPF Section 5) and respond to the opportunities presented by future planned transport infrastructure (consistent with NPPF paragraph 73).

9.1 Wates considers that the Draft Local Plan’s proposed Vision and Spatial Strategy are well reasoned and supported by the evidence base. The aspiration to progress a strategy for growth that is centred on sustainable (transport-oriented) locations, has sustainability at its heart and is consistent with the NPPF. This approach is also supported by the Sustainability Appraisal, particularly when compared to the wide range of alternatives considered.