1.1
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 3425
Received: 30/06/2021
Respondent: Mr christopher white
I am against building on green belt and Oxford to Cambridge Arc plan. To much housing in to smaller space.
I am against building on green belt and Oxford to Cambridge Arc plan. To much housing in to smaller space.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 3431
Received: 09/07/2021
Respondent: Mr Phillip Watson
This is a mockery of democracy.
You have no intention of listening to anyone except the house-builders.
Green considerations ? You have just given planning permission on a near perfect wildlife oasis in Wootton, rejecting calls for a green space facility ? How can we ever trust a word you say !
This mockery adds insult to injury.
Just slap whatever concrete you feel like all over whatever land you want. We can't stop you.
This is a mockery of democracy.
You have no intention of listening to anyone except the house-builders.
Green considerations ? You have just given planning permission on a near perfect wildlife oasis in Wootton, rejecting calls for a green space facility ? How can we ever trust a word you say !
This mockery adds insult to injury.
Just slap whatever concrete you feel like all over whatever land you want. We can't stop you.
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 3447
Received: 11/07/2021
Respondent: Mr Sanjeev Jacob
You sent the Local Plan 2040 to me with 4 options. On this website it is not at all clear how I can respond to your plan regarding those 4 options. It seems the Govt. with the support of the Council is hell bent on ripping up our green and pleasant land and replacing it with bricks, mortar and concrete. Of all the options available I find Option 2c the least disagreeable.
You sent the Local Plan 2040 to me with 4 options. On this website it is not at all clear how I can respond to your plan regarding those 4 options. It seems the Govt. with the support of the Council is hell bent on ripping up our green and pleasant land and replacing it with bricks, mortar and concrete. Of all the options available I find Option 2c the least disagreeable.
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 3514
Received: 28/07/2021
Respondent: Mr Edmunds Adko
Having studied the Local 2040 Plan, I'm convinced that the right strategy is already in motion.
Although I'm not commenting on any specific Policy or Strategy, as a local resident, I support whatever decision is selected or chosen.
I wholeheartedly commend everyone who is or has been involved in the process.
Best wishes all and good luck with the process. Thank you.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 3589
Received: 14/08/2021
Respondent: Mrs Hayley Morphew
The antithesis between development and maintaining the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside is obvious. Rural areas must be maintained as such - we all have a choice when we decide where to put down our roots. For those of us that opted for a peaceful, idyllic way of life away from the noises and pollutions of a town or city, the threat of vast urbanised expansion within these rural hamlets will have detrimental mental and physical impacts. Life-savings have been spent to purchase dream homes & lifestyles. These dreams are being shattered by flawed proposals.
The antithesis between development and maintaining the intrinsic character and beauty of the countryside is obvious. Rural areas must be maintained as such - we all have a choice when we decide where to put down our roots. For those of us that opted for a peaceful, idyllic way of life away from the noises and pollutions of a town or city, the threat of vast urbanised expansion within these rural hamlets will have detrimental mental and physical impacts. Life-savings have been spent to purchase dream homes & lifestyles. These dreams are being shattered by flawed proposals.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 3660
Received: 18/08/2021
Respondent: Mr Stuart Ledwich
These are very rural areas and whilst I accept the need for more housing, building on these areas that are unable to support it is madness.
These are very rural areas and whilst I accept the need for more housing, building on these areas that are unable to support it is madness.
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 3786
Received: 25/08/2021
Respondent: Mr Ian Nicholls
As it stands the local plans are largely dictated by national demands, in this case the emerging policies for the OxCam Arc, so as stated if this is not completed any vestige of local control will be lost.
As it stands the local plans are largely dictated by national demands, in this case the emerging policies for the OxCam Arc, so as stated if this is not completed any vestige of local control will be lost.
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 3788
Received: 26/08/2021
Respondent: Mrs Gerardine Meola
Do not want speculative development.
Do not want speculative development.
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 3837
Received: 26/08/2021
Respondent: The Coal Authority
The Coal Authority is a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Department of Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy. As a statutory consultee, the Coal Authority has a duty to respond to planning applications and development plans in order to protect the public and the environment in mining areas.
As you are aware, Bedford Borough Council lies outside the defined coalfield and therefore the Coal Authority has no specific comments to make on your Local Plans / SPDs etc.
In the spirit of ensuring efficiency of resources and proportionality, it will not be necessary for the Council to provide the Coal Authority with any future drafts or updates to the emerging Plans. This letter can be used as evidence for the legal and procedural consultation requirements at examination, if necessary.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 3882
Received: 28/08/2021
Respondent: Sir Graham Fry
This procedure makes no sense. The key element of the Oxford/Cambridge Arc is the proposed new railway. It would be far more sensible to consider the location of new developments after the route of the railway and the location of new stations has been decided, not before. Otherwise, there is a real risk of reaching faulty conclusions.
This procedure makes no sense. The key element of the Oxford/Cambridge Arc is the proposed new railway. It would be far more sensible to consider the location of new developments after the route of the railway and the location of new stations has been decided, not before. Otherwise, there is a real risk of reaching faulty conclusions.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 3951
Received: 29/08/2021
Respondent: Mr Mark Potts
I believe that the Issues and Options consultation was invalid. It represented
growth in our parish as “urban growth” showing our whole parish as brown – urban land on
brownfield or under utilised land. This is profoundly untrue. Our parish is entirely rural and classed
as open countryside and is all utilised as high quality agricultural land (grade 2).
We would also call into question the effectiveness of the issues and options consultation as only
0.12% of the population responded.
A rail based growth strategy policy may be required if growth is to be located around rail
I believe that the Issues and Options consultation was invalid. It represented
growth in our parish as “urban growth” showing our whole parish as brown – urban land on
brownfield or under utilised land. This is profoundly untrue. Our parish is entirely rural and classed
as open countryside and is all utilised as high quality agricultural land (grade 2).
We would also call into question the effectiveness of the issues and options consultation as only
0.12% of the population responded.
A rail based growth strategy policy may be required if growth is to be located around rail
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4039
Received: 30/08/2021
Respondent: Ann Mills
Local influence on development
Local influence on development
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4091
Received: 30/08/2021
Respondent: Debbie Irish
I do not accept that the UK government ARC concept should be accepted as it is and the BBC have simply accepted it to the detriment of the people of North Beds they are meant to be representing. The government itself is reviewing the arbitrary nature of the concept and the soundbites provided by the likes of Lord Adonis. Before rolling over and accepting the plans, as your preamble strongly implies, we should be taking a much more local stance and genuinely thinking of what is needing locally. We will become a laughing stock if we keep naively saying yes.
I do not accept that the UK government ARC concept should be accepted as it is and the BBC have simply accepted it to the detriment of the people of North Beds they are meant to be representing. The government itself is reviewing the arbitrary nature of the concept and the soundbites provided by the likes of Lord Adonis. Before rolling over and accepting the plans, as your preamble strongly implies, we should be taking a much more local stance and genuinely thinking of what is needing locally. We will become a laughing stock if we keep naively saying yes.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4133
Received: 30/08/2021
Respondent: Richard Baker
The main objective of the Local Plan, in the light of the climate emergency, should be decarbonisation and sustainability not 'growth'.
The main objective of the Local Plan, in the light of the climate emergency, should be decarbonisation and sustainability not 'growth'.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4221
Received: 30/08/2021
Respondent: None
The Oxford Cambridge Arc should be scrapped. No council should accept being bullied into a rushed response because of this ridiculous scheme.
The Oxford Cambridge Arc should be scrapped. No council should accept being bullied into a rushed response because of this ridiculous scheme.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4288
Received: 31/08/2021
Respondent: Miss Andrea Witham
Consultation process inadequate, flawed and undemocratic.
Extension to plan needed because of EW rail uncertainties.
2018 housing needs figures (showing lower level of housing requirement) should be used instead of 2014
This may not be the correct section in which to mention the following but I want these comments to be taken into account.
Throughout this consultation you have effectively restricted replies to 100 words. However, during the course of this 'process' residents (often elderly, or with poor internet connection or not confident IT users) have been bombarded with references to documents, sometimes very lengthy and highly technical, amounting to many hundreds of pages, which we are supposed to read and assimilate whilst, at the same time, carrying on with our normal and often busy lives. And the online consultation is not user friendly either.
I assume that the whole purpose is to obfuscate and confuse.
We need an extension to this plan because of impending East West rail route decisions, the delays in the Oxford Cambridge Arc process, the potential introduction of development corporations, the difficulty in consulting and public engagement due to the Covid pandemic and the potential changes in the housing need calculations. The Bedford Borough Council needs to prepare twin track local plans for presentation based on the 2014 vs 2018 housing need figures as the 2018 figures would not necessitate a significant new settlement.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4729
Received: 01/09/2021
Respondent: Mr David Rawlins
Consultation process flawed and undemocratic.
Extension to plan needed because of EW rail uncertainties.
2018 housing needs figures (showing lower level of housing requirement) should be used instead of 2014
I work full time, and get up at 0500 most days to commute to London and I have family commitments. Like many of my neighbours, I have been overwhelmed by the huge quantity of supporting documents linked to this consultation. If I have reproduced comments made by others it is because I have read, understood and agree with them and you should consequently take my submission into account. Please note that many neighbours have been demoralised by the quantity of material, the complexity of the online form and have consequently have ‘given up’ on this consultation.
An extension to this plan is required because of impending East West rail route decisions, the delays in the Oxford Cambridge Arc process, the potential introduction of development corporations, the difficulty in consulting and public engagement due to the Covid pandemic and the potential changes in the housing need calculations. The Bedford Borough Council needs to prepare twin track local plans for presentation based on the 2014 vs 2018 housing need figures as the 2018 figures would not necessitate a significant new settlement.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4797
Received: 01/09/2021
Respondent: Mrs Caroline Brady-Watts
Wilstead should not be a Key service centre
Housing allocation should cover all of Bedfordshire,not just south of Bedford
Why is Bedfordshire allocation of houses higher than other local authorities
Small villages should not be targets for large allocation of housing
I believe Wilstead should not be a key service centre,it does not have a GP surgery,small local school,limited shops
And is the only area where 2Key service centres are next to each other.
We should not be looking at being allocated 500 houses
The village only has less than 1000 houses ,including mobile home site
This would ruin the village identity,larger villages or towns would be able to cope with this better
It seems most of the housing allocation is been given to south of Bedford,it should be allocated more fairly.
This would include north of Bedford,in area likely to be covered by new rail stations.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4870
Received: 02/09/2021
Respondent: Mrs Lucy Crawford
This is a test
This is a test
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4896
Received: 02/09/2021
Respondent: Mrs Lucy Crawford
this is a test
this is a test
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4945
Received: 02/09/2021
Respondent: Mrs Jacqueline Smith
Urban development is more sustainable than rural.Renhold is a small group three settlement with very limited facilities. It would be better to build on brown field sites than to destroy the countryside.
Urban development is more sustainable than rural.Renhold is a small group three settlement with very limited facilities. It would be better to build on brown field sites than to destroy the countryside.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 5070
Received: 02/09/2021
Respondent: Mr Dave Watts
It beyond me why Bedfordshire county council would allow 500 houses to be built in the small village of Wilstead ,
when there are so many large developments that they could be easily added on to ,where they have the infrastructure in place , but from Bedfordshire CC previous form ,,I’m sure it will pass !!
It beyond me why Bedfordshire county council would allow 500 houses to be built in the small village of Wilstead ,
when there are so many large developments that they could be easily added on to ,where they have the infrastructure in place , but from Bedfordshire CC previous form ,,I’m sure it will pass !!
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 5133
Received: 03/09/2021
Respondent: Mr Trevor Monk
Why are the council not objecting to this, the area is OVER DEVELOPED, this will cause lots of future issues in the area, an area that is mainly rural and yet, with these extra plans is being ripped apart and HUGE developers companies are making a fortune out of it, that is wrong and it just looks like all those in power are pandering to big companies and not the people that actually votes them into power.
Why are the council not objecting to this, the area is OVER DEVELOPED, this will cause lots of future issues in the area, an area that is mainly rural and yet, with these extra plans is being ripped apart and HUGE developers companies are making a fortune out of it, that is wrong and it just looks like all those in power are pandering to big companies and not the people that actually votes them into power.
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 5253
Received: 03/09/2021
Respondent: Mr Jetinder Dhaliwal
Because if we don't have a view on the plan or have an agreed plan then the government will likely grant any developer permission wherever they want to build. As stated in the supporting documentation pack, this is likely to be in the rural areas, damaging those to a greater extent and having a knock on to services in Bedford.
Because if we don't have a view on the plan or have an agreed plan then the government will likely grant any developer permission wherever they want to build. As stated in the supporting documentation pack, this is likely to be in the rural areas, damaging those to a greater extent and having a knock on to services in Bedford.
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 5267
Received: 03/09/2021
Respondent: Mr Alan Dickinson
support the need for a Local Plan covering the period up to 2040
However, given the uncertainties outlined in this section, notably the forthcoming Oxford- Cambridge Arc housing requirements, the changing Strategic Framework numbers (likely to be affected by the census results, reduced immigration and a declining birth rate, together with the “levelling up” policy)
The assumptions about completion in the plan period, if at all, of the East-West rail development and the Black Cat improvements may also prove unrealistic in the light of constrained government finance.
It is important therefore that the plan is reviewed regularly and revoised as necessary as assumptions change
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 5470
Received: 06/09/2021
Respondent: Mr Stuart Ledwich
Staploe Parish Council believe that Bedford Borough Council should request an extension to this plan in view of the importance of the East West rail route decisions, the delays in the Oxford Cambridge Arc process, the potential introduction of development corporations, the difficulty in consulting and public engagement due to the Covid pandemic and the potential changes in the housing need calculations. We believe that Bedford Borough Council should prepare twin track local plans for presentation based on the 2014 vs 2018 housing need figures. Use of the latter would not necessitate a significant new settlement.
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 5515
Received: 06/09/2021
Respondent: Avison Young
National Grid assets within the Plan area
Following a review of the above Development Plan Document, we have identified one or more National Grid assets within the Plan area.
Details of National Grid assets are provided below (see attached).
A plan showing details and locations of National Grid's assets is attached to this letter. Please note that this plan is illustrative only.
Please also see attached information outlining further guidance on development close to National Grid assets.
Further advice
National Grid is happy to provide advice and guidance to the Council concerning their networks. If we can be of any assistance to you in providing informal comments in confidence during your policy development, please do not hesitate to contact us.
To help ensure the continued safe operation of existing sites and equipment and to facilitate future infrastructure investment, National Grid wishes to be involved in the preparation, alteration and review of plans and strategies which may affect their assets. Please remember to consult National grid on any Development Plan Document (DPD) or site-specific proposals that could affect National Grid's assets. We would be grateful if you could check that our details as shown below are included on your database
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 5885
Received: 08/09/2021
Respondent: Mrs Julie Vesely
This comment is coming from a business owner and its not at all about greed. In fact it is likely to be thrown in the bin as it hasn’t been answered in the right format.
The whole process for commenting on everyone’s future is far too complex and confusing.
It doesn’t allow simple folk with busy lives, trying to earn a living a chance to voice their concerns.
When a problem is so big, the only way to deal with it is to stop and deal with the basics first.
If we have learned nothing about the Covid pandemic, we should have leant that to increase building and squashing people together is wrong!
Rather than increasing capacity for more housing and growth, we should be looking at reducing any added impact to our planet.
First & foremost our planet should come first. We should be actively making steps to reverse the impact now as any plans for the future are futile.
This in a nutshell is all that needs to be said other than to deal with issues under your noses right this minute.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 5895
Received: 08/09/2021
Respondent: Mr Tom Tagg
I reiterate my response to the 2020 consultation: I object to the basis of the scope of the Local Plan review for the following reasons:
1. Nothing has changed since the adoption of the last plan – HMG have not carried out their consultation for the Ox-Cam Arc, so there is no spatial strategy for the Arc.
2. East West Rail best route alignment and station locations have not been decided and the preferred route is under challenge.
3. Completely inaccurate and outdated 2014 housing data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) is being used rather than the more recent, accurate and appropriate 2018 data.
4. BBC are using demographic information in its Housing Strategy based upon the 2011 census not the 2021 census.
This is all essential information for planning housing development.
It is therefore clear that it is not possible for BBC to meaningfully advance this Local Plan review as there are too many unknowns at this time. To do so will be a potential waste of time and tax-payers money and some or all of the work will have to be repeated when these major issues become clearer.
Alternatively BBC are likely to make incorrect decisions and locate developments in the wrong parts of the borough. As BBC state: “… many important strategic
decisions that will affect the scale and form of growth in and close to Bedford Borough in the medium and longer term are likely to be made in the next few years.” – these are major decisions that will have a lasting impact on the borough and the lives of the residents forever.
The Review and consultation should be postponed until the regional planning context is clearer and an extension to the January 2023 submission date be sought, until reliable information and proper consultation can be held.
BBC also note that “…some local authorities in the Arc have adjusted their local plan production timetables so that planning activity follows the development of the Arc Spatial Framework in order to create a more joined up process.” Why have BBC not done this to have a more efficient and effective planning process and Plan?
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 5899
Received: 08/09/2021
Respondent: Mr Tony Sanders
I have a number of concerns and feel this is not being handled well.
1. The concept of decimating countryside, replacing food crop fields with housing and businesses and that of
turning villages into towns (also with insufficient infrastructure) I find distressing.
2. Accordingly, I believe no greenfield site should be touched at all, anywhere, until all brownfield sites are fully
utilized.
3. The creation of new villages and the expansion of existing villages is environmentally far more damaging than the increase in size of the existing town (as noted in your Sustainability Appraisal) because the new people
attracted will travel from the villages to towns in order to use the facilities that don’t (and can’t) exist in villages.
4. I chose to live in a village. Where do I have to move to in the UK to remain in one where there are not constant
threats turn the village into a town?
5. This plan seems to have surfaced in order to support the flawed East-West rail project.
6. The letter that was delivered with 4 ‘favoured’ options is designed to take attention away from limiting the further developments to the existing town by leaving that option out.
7. The ‘call for sites’ contains the plots of land that the landowners would like to be developed in order to achieve massive property value gains – they are NOT those that are best for the benefit of the population of the areas.
8. The origin of this new plan I believe has been concocted before the effects of Brexit and Covid-19 – both of which have reduced the previously projected requirements for development. A significant number of people have left the UK (hence the current staff shortages in drivers and carers for example) and many will now work from home.
I am very disheartened by this plan, following so soon after the 2030 plan, which I’d expected to be the end of the bad changes being made to my village. I have worrying about expansion plans now, including those threatened to be built in the beautiful countryside here, for well over 4 years and feel that moving into this region was probably a mistake.