1.46
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 3607
Received: 15/08/2021
Respondent: Mrs Catherine Hill
Due to Covid 19 I do not believe that our parish council was held to account in the NDP. It does not always acts in the best interests of residents. There was not a thorough discussion with members of the parish, meetings were cancelled and communication was very difficult. The NDP serves their own purposes rather those of the whole community. Unlike other PC's they only put forward one site for development. I think that the declaration of interests should state where they live in relation to the sites that were put forward.
Due to Covid 19 I do not believe that our parish council was held to account in the NDP. It does not always acts in the best interests of residents. There was not a thorough discussion with members of the parish, meetings were cancelled and communication was very difficult. The NDP serves their own purposes rather those of the whole community. Unlike other PC's they only put forward one site for development. I think that the declaration of interests should state where they live in relation to the sites that were put forward.
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4367
Received: 31/08/2021
Respondent: Mrs Gerardine Meola
Support Neighbourhood Plans - their findings should be highly weighted in decision making.
Staploe Parish Council's emerging Neighbourhood plan clearly shows residents value rural life. It also shows that residents have indicated that they do not have a housing need.
Sites put forward in Duloe (Staploe Parish) are not in keeping with character of hamlet. No small development sites should be permitted.
It is my understanding that Bedford Borough has classed Staploe Parish and Duloe as not being subject to development allocations.
Support Neighbourhood Plans - their findings should be highly weighted in decision making.
Staploe Parish Council's emerging Neighbourhood plan clearly shows residents value rural life. It also shows that residents have indicated that they do not have a housing need.
Sites put forward in Duloe (Staploe Parish) are not in keeping with character of hamlet. No small development sites should be permitted.
It is my understanding that Bedford Borough has classed Staploe Parish and Duloe as not being subject to development allocations.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4573
Received: 01/09/2021
Respondent: Mr Stuart Ledwich
.
.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4579
Received: 01/09/2021
Respondent: Mr Denis Ivins
concerns about the share of the overall target of around 2,260 dwellings to be contributed by the Key Service Centres which should probably be reduced by at least half.
concerns about the share of the overall target of around 2,260 dwellings to be contributed by the Key Service Centres which should probably be reduced by at least half.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4725
Received: 01/09/2021
Respondent: Professor Michael Jeferson
As a general point, both the current draft plan and plans over the past decade have failed to prioritise new build housing for areas south of Bedford rather than to its north. This has become even more evident with the proposed Ox-Cam rail link, and heightened threats to villages north of the River Ouse and the beautiful landscapes which characterise much of North Bedfordshire. The decision to build 500 new houses by Mill Road, Sharnbrook, is a classic example of what should not be done given the fact that the A6 is already operating at full capacity. (2) In addition, it is questionable whether the Sharnbrook Transport Study is correct in claiming that the Mill Road Site 901 will be “mainly self-contained” (page 35).
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4804
Received: 01/09/2021
Respondent: Mr Andrew Murray
Local Plans should be formulated with the input from local communities
Local Plans should be formulated with the input from local communities
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 5204
Received: 03/09/2021
Respondent: Bedford Borough Council
If Neighbourhood plans go ahead and over 2000 dwellings are built, consideration to the local childcare infrastructure would need to be taken onto account. Additional childcare would be needed even in rural areas and work with Children services would be essential as the council has a Statutory duty to ensure sufficient childcare
If Neighbourhood plans go ahead and over 2000 dwellings are built, consideration to the local childcare infrastructure would need to be taken onto account. Additional childcare would be needed even in rural areas and work with Children services would be essential as the council has a Statutory duty to ensure sufficient childcare
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 5269
Received: 03/09/2021
Respondent: Mr Alan Dickinson
The concept of neighbourhood planning is supported.
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 5518
Received: 06/09/2021
Respondent: Mrs Clare Szczepanski
Neighbourhood Planning – Paragraphs 1.46 to 1.51
It is noted that Neighbourhood Planning has been largely successful in Bedford Borough, and that discussions with the parishes are ongoing as to whether this remains a tool that communities wish to use to allocate new development in the next plan period. Our client raises no objection to this approach, and would welcome the opportunity to engage with the Parish Council on the benefits the site can offer. However, if this method of allocation is chosen going forward, it is important that a clear policy structure is created to define the level of growth to be allocated by each community. We would also argue that should those plans not come forward in a timely manner, such as within 3 years of the adoption of the Local Plan 2040, the policy should allow for sites to come forward adjoining the Settlement Policy Areas, therefore the allocation policy will be deemed out of date for that Parish/Settlement for the purposes of Development Control
We are aware that the Parish Council is in the early stages of preparing a Neighbourhood Plan, and may do so in order to set out its preferences for development in the response to any strategy prepared by the Borough Council. Our client wishes to highlight that they would welcome the opportunity to meet and engage with the Parish Council on the opportunities their site can offer in respect of housing, informal open space provision and equipped play.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 5527
Received: 06/09/2021
Respondent: Mr Bernard Cornwell
Neighbourhood Planning – Paragraphs 1.46 to 1.51
It is noted that Neighbourhood Planning has been largely successful in Bedford Borough, and that discussions with the parishes are ongoing as to whether this remains a tool that communities wish to use to allocate new development in the next plan period. Our client raises no objection to this approach, and would welcome the opportunity to engage with the Parish Council on the benefits the site can offer. However, if this method of allocation is chosen going forward, it is important that a clear policy structure is created to define the level of growth to be allocated by each community. We would also argue that should those plans not come forward in a timely manner, such as within 3 years of the adoption of the Local Plan 2040, the policy should allow for sites to come forward adjoining the Settlement Policy Areas, therefore the allocation policy will be deemed out of date for that Parish/Settlement for the purposes of Development Control.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 5535
Received: 06/09/2021
Respondent: EF Wootton and Son
Paragraphs 1.46 to 1.51
It is noted that Neighbourhood Planning has been largely successful in Bedford Borough, and that discussions with the parishes are ongoing as to whether this remains a tool that communities wish to use to allocate new development in the next plan period. Our client raises no objection to this approach, and would welcome the opportunity to engage with the Parish Council on the benefits the site can offer. However, if this method of allocation is chosen going forward, it is important that a clear policy structure is created to define the level of growth to be allocated by each community. We would also argue that should those plans not come forward in a timely manner, such as within 3 years of the adoption of the Local Plan 2040, the policy should allow for sites to come forward adjoining the Settlement Policy Areas, therefore the allocation policy will be deemed out of date for that Parish/Settlement for the purposes of Development Control.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 5548
Received: 06/09/2021
Respondent: Mr R Pinfold
Agent: Phillips Planning Services
Neighbourhood Planning – Paragraphs 1.46 to 1.51
It is noted that Neighbourhood Planning has been largely successful in Bedford Borough, and that discussions with the parishes are ongoing as to whether this remains a tool that communities wish to use to allocate new development in the next plan period. Our client raises no objection to this approach, and would welcome the opportunity to engage with the Parish Council on the benefits the site can offer. However, if this method of allocation is chosen going forward, it is important that a clear policy structure is created to define the level of growth to be allocated by each community. We would also argue that should those plans not come forward in a timely manner, such as within 3 years of the adoption of the Local Plan 2040, the policy should allow for sites to come forward adjoining the Settlement Policy Areas, therefore the allocation policy will be deemed out of date for that Parish/Settlement for the purposes of Development Control.
Please find attached comments on the Local Plan on behalf of Mr R Pinfold regarding Site 743 (Land East of Box End Road, Bromham).
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 6258
Received: 10/09/2021
Respondent: Mr A Sarro
Agent: Phillips Planning Services
It is noted that Neighbourhood Planning has been largely successful in Bedford Borough, and that discussions with the parishes are ongoing as to whether this remains a tool that communities wish to use to allocate new development in the next plan period. Our client raises no objection to this approach, and would welcome the opportunity to engage with the Parish Council on the benefits the site can offer. However, if this method of allocation is chosen going forward, it is important that a clear policy structure is created to define the level of growth to be allocated by each community. We would also argue that should those plans not come forward in a timely manner, such as within 3 years of the adoption of the Local Plan 2040, the policy should allow for sites to come forward adjoining the Settlement Policy Areas, therefore the allocation policy will be deemed out of date for that Parish/Settlement for the purposes of Development Control.
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 6271
Received: 10/09/2021
Respondent: Mr Bernard Cornwell
Agent: Phillips Planning Services
It is noted that Neighbourhood Planning has been largely successful in Bedford Borough, and that discussions with the parishes are ongoing as to whether this remains a tool that communities wish to use to allocate new development in the next plan period. Our client raises no objection to this approach, and would welcome the opportunity to engage with the Parish Council on the benefits the site can offer. However, if this method of allocation is chosen going forward, it is important that a clear policy structure is created to define the level of growth to be allocated by each community. We would also argue that should those plans not come forward in a timely manner, such as within 3 years of the adoption of the Local Plan 2040, the policy should allow for sites to come forward adjoining the Settlement Policy Areas, therefore the allocation policy will be deemed out of date for that Parish/Settlement for the purposes of Development Control.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 6367
Received: 13/09/2021
Respondent: CPRE Bedfordshire
Para 1.46 to 1.51 – OBJECT
CPRE Bedfordshire supports and commends the Borough Council’s positive approach to Neighbourhood Planning.
We support what appears to be a recognition that current expectations for housing growth delivery on Key Service Centres and Rural Service Centres should not be added to in this plan. It is our view that the new housing to be delivered through Neighbourhood Plans for Local Plan 2030 in rural villages should be allowed to mature during the plan period to 2040.
We look forward to seeing the Borough Council continuing to demonstrate their support for
neighbourhood plans by determining future planning applications according to neighbourhood plan policies where these are in place.
However, we continue to hold major concerns about the 2030 plan target for 2,000 dwellings to be contributed by the Key Service Centres. We believe this should be reduced by at least 50%. Our views on this are explained further in our comments on paras 3.1.to 3.5
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 6380
Received: 13/09/2021
Respondent: Mr Sandy Gery
Agent: Phillips Planning Services
It is noted that Neighbourhood Planning has been largely successful in Bedford Borough, and that discussions with the parishes are ongoing as to whether this remains a tool that communities wish to use to allocate new development in the next plan period. Our client raises no objection to this approach, and would welcome the opportunity to engage with the Parish Council on the benefits the site can offer. However, if this method of allocation is chosen going forward, it is important that a clear policy structure is created to define the level of growth to be allocated by each community. We would also argue that should those plans not come forward in a timely manner, such as within 3 years of the adoption of the Local Plan 2040, the policy should allow for sites to come forward adjoining the Settlement Policy Areas, therefore the allocation policy will be deemed out of date for that Parish/Settlement for the purposes of Development Control.
We are mindful that Colmworth Parish did commence work on a Neighbourhood Plan, but failed to progress, with the last communication in early 2018 regarding a change in the Chair of the committee, and a statement that they would take advice as to whether it was worth proceeding with the preparation of a plan. It is assumed a decision was taken not to proceed, although we note that in the minutes of the Annual meeting that the Council retain finds for such a purpose.
We would simply highlight that given the projected growth required within the Borough, should the Council decide to allocate growth to this location, or encourage small scale provision to meet local needs, we would encourage the Parish to revisit the opportunity presented by the Neighbourhood Plan process. There are many smaller parishes in Bedford that have benefited from this process. If the Parish do take this view our client would welcome the opportunity to discuss their vision and how his sites might assist in their realisation.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 6642
Received: 14/09/2021
Respondent: Bedford Borough Councillor
1.46 – 1.51:
The continued commitment to neighbourhood planning is welcomed but the potential for growth that suits the locality and which does not strain the local infrastructure needs more fully to be explored without forcing smaller communities to undertake the lengthy and resource intensive formalities entailed in preparing neighbourhood plans. We remain of the view that the potential for small scale developments is greater than assumed in this draft 2040 plan and should be more fully taken into account. It is our experience that rural communities understand the need for natural growth which, if properly accounted for, lessens the need for large and inappropriate developments in the larger villages. We refer to this further below.
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 6654
Received: 14/09/2021
Respondent: Bedfordshire Great Ouse Valley Environmental Trust
1.46 - 1.48
For those parishes which have submitted their local NDPs and identified sites for development, it would be difficult to ask parishes to revise these figures for housing growth. We would strongly oppose any plans for such changes especially if these changes are without the consent of the parishes.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 6655
Received: 14/09/2021
Respondent: Bedfordshire Great Ouse Valley Environmental Trust
1.46 - 1.48
For those parishes which have submitted their local NDPs and identified sites for development, it would be difficult to ask parishes to revise these figures for housing growth. We would strongly oppose any plans for such changes especially if these changes are without the consent of the parishes.
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 7152
Received: 17/09/2021
Respondent: Mr Richard Hull
Agent: Phillips Planning Services
Neighbourhood Planning – Paragraphs 1.46 to 1.51
It is noted that Neighbourhood Planning has been largely successful in Bedford Borough, and that discussions with the parishes are ongoing as to whether this remains a tool that communities wish to use to allocate new development in the next plan period. Our client raises no objection to this approach, and would welcome the opportunity to engage with the Parish Council on the benefits the site can offer. However, if this method of allocation is chosen going forward, it is important that a clear policy structure is created to define the level of growth to be allocated by each community. We would also argue that should those plans not come forward in a timely manner, such as within 3 years of the adoption of the Local Plan 2040, the policy should allow for sites to come forward adjoining the Settlement Policy Areas, therefore the allocation policy will be deemed out of date for that Parish/Settlement for the purposes of Development Control.
Oakley have successfully prepared a Neighbourhood Plan under the Local Plan 2030, and taken this through to being “made”. The adopted Neighbourhood Plan allocated up to 40 dwellings over 2 identified sites. However, it is recognised that this plan will cover between 2019 and 2030, and therefore in line with the Local Plan 2040 review, there is potential for the Parish to consider future site allocations through a Neighbourhood Plan review.
In this regard our client would welcome the opportunity to meet with the Parish to discuss the potential of his site at Lovell Road and how it can build on the objective of the existing Neighbourhood Plan. The site can deliver up to 20 dwellings on a site already surrounded by development and as an extension to the existing development built on the neighbouring land. The site would deliver housing without resulting in any adverse impact on the historic core of the village, and as such would be a logical selection.
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 7177
Received: 17/09/2021
Respondent: The Palmer Family Trust
Agent: Phillips Planning Services
Neighbourhood Planning – Paragraphs 1.46 to 1.51
Neighbourhood Planning – Paragraphs 1.46 to 1.51
Please add your comments in the box below, and continue on an additional sheet if necessary.
It is noted that Neighbourhood Planning has been largely successful in Bedford Borough, and that discussions with the parishes are ongoing as to whether this remains a tool that communities wish to use to allocate new development in the next plan period. Our client raises no objection to this approach, and would welcome the opportunity to engage with the Parish Council on the benefits the site can offer. However, if this method of allocation is chosen going forward, it is important that a clear policy structure is created to define the level of growth to be allocated by each community. We would also argue that should those plans not come forward in a timely manner, such as within 3 years of the adoption of the Local Plan 2040, the policy should allow for sites to come forward adjoining the Settlement Policy Areas, therefore the allocation policy will be deemed out of date for that Parish/Settlement for the purposes of Development Control.
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 7415
Received: 03/09/2021
Respondent: Axiom Great Barford Limited
Agent: Axiom Great Barford Limited
Should any of the Neighbourhood Plans currently at examination not progress as expected, including the Great Barford Neighbourhood Plan, it is essential that the starting point for the development strategy is the allocation of land within those settlements identified for growth in the adopted Local Plan. This should be the baseline position, from where further decisions are made on the apportionment for growth.
This is in accordance with policy 4S of the Local Plan 2030 where the Council has made a commitment to allocate sites through the Development Plan process, should Neighbourhood Plans not deliver in a timely manner.
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 7538
Received: 21/09/2021
Respondent: Bates Bros (Farms) Limited
Agent: Phillips Planning Services
It is noted that Neighbourhood Planning has been largely successful in Bedford Borough, and that discussions with the parishes are ongoing as to whether this remains a tool that communities wish to use to allocate new development in the next plan period. Our client raises no objection to this approach, and would welcome the opportunity to engage with the Parish Council on the benefits the site can offer. However, if this method of allocation is chosen going forward, it is important that a clear policy structure is created to define the level of growth to be allocated by each community. We would also argue that should those plans not come forward in a timely manner, such as within 3 years of the adoption of the Local Plan 2040, the policy should allow for sites to come forward adjoining the Settlement Policy Areas, therefore the allocation policy will be deemed out of date for that Parish/Settlement for the purposes of Development Control.
In respect of our clients’ sites at School Lane, Roxton, we are aware that during the progression of the Local Plan 2030, the parish decided not to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan and instead left the process of allocating land to the Borough via the Local Plan. This approach was successful, with a site being identified, in line with the preferences of the Parish Council, this passed through examination without issue, with the planning application coming forward reasonably swiftly.
Considering the success of the previous approach, if growth is allocated to Roxton, this may again be the preferred approach, but we would take this opportunity to highlight that should Roxton wish to prepare its own Neighbourhood Plan, our clients would welcome the opportunity to engage with the Parish to discuss the potential of the site.
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 7931
Received: 20/09/2021
Respondent: Pavenham Parish council
As noted above, Pavenham Parish Council is currently preparing its Neighbourhood Plan. The Plan, in draft form, has already been very helpfully reviewed by officers of the Borough Council. The Parish Council’s proposed policies will be entirely in line with the overarching Local Plan, both 2030 and hopefully, subject to timing, the emerging 2040 Plan. The Parish Council would, however, wish to draw the Borough Council’s attention to the fact that, with a view to protecting the Parish from what could potentially be a grab for development sites within the Parish boundary, and noting that the Borough Council in its emerging 2040 draft Plan proposes to retain its 2030 allocation for the Parish – namely a nil allocation – the draft of the Neighbourhood Plan as it currently stands, allocates two sites for residential development - subject to compliance with policy considerations and conditions for residential development totalling nineteen units – sixteen on one site, three on the other.
1.3 In this context, paragraphs 1.48 and 1.49 of the Consultation document are welcomed and in this context the Parish Council would wish formally to record its thanks for the constructive advice and assistance that it has received from officers of the Borough Council in relation to our draft Plan.
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 8064
Received: 03/09/2021
Respondent: Wilshamstead Parish Council
The Neighbourhood Plan for Wilstead is being prepared to be in general conformity with the adopted Bedford Borough Local Plan 2030.
The Neighbourhood Plan has been in preparation since 2017 and has undergone extensive consultation with the community and stakeholders. The Draft Submission Neighbourhood Plan has undergone formal consultation from April to June 2021 and the comments received are currently being assessed and the final Submission Neighbourhood Plan is being prepared.
The Neighbourhood Plan includes policies to retain and protect the rural character of the Parish, to safeguard open spaces and prevent coalescence with Wixams, to ensure that new development is sensitively designed, and that housing is suitable, to retain historic features and community facilities, to encourage local businesses and to tackle parking and traffic issues.
Almost all of the sites identified within the village under the “Call for Sites” process have been listed as Important Green Spaces within the draft Neighbourhood Plan and the NP Team would be extremely concerned if any of these were suggested for development.
In addition, a large number of other neighbouring sites have been identified as important to maintain as “Strategic Gaps” to prevent coalescence with neighbouring communities. Comments against individual sites will be shown against all sites in our response to the “Site Assessment” document.
It is envisaged that the Neighbourhood Plan will be submitted to the Borough Council for publication and examination later in 2021. Referendum is likely to take place in early 2022 with the Neighbourhood Plan being made (adopted) shortly thereafter.
No housing allocations are being proposed in the Neighbourhood Plan, partly because the Local Plan 2030 did not require any allocations to be made, and partly because Wilstead has been subject to recent housing developments (over 100 houses). During consultation, residents reacted strongly against the notion of allocating any new developments of 10 houses or more, probably because of the existing level of new housing and a number of planning appeals that had been lodged in the Parish over recent years.
The NP Team recognises that it is important to monitor the Neighbourhood Plan and check that progress is made towards meeting its objectives and policies and to respond to changes in the planning policy background. The NP Team will consider
• if progress is being made to achieve the vision and the objectives of the Plan,
• if progress is being made towards the implementation of the policies in the Plan,
• if financial contributions available to the community arising from development are being targeted towards the identified plans and projects,
• if the Plan remains based on the most up to date information,
• if the Plan is being taken into account by Bedford Borough Council when determining planning applications.
The NP Team will seek to work in partnership with Bedford Borough Council to liaise on future development of the Parish and will monitor progress on the Local Plan review and will consider whether to review the Neighbourhood Plan in line with the emerging Local Plan Review 2040.
If the emerging Local Plan is likely to require Wilstead Parish to accommodate further housing development in the period from 2030 to 2040, the NP Team would prefer this requirement to be dealt with locally through a review of the Neighbourhood Plan which would allow much more local and focussed input from residents as to the location and type of development.
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 8090
Received: 02/09/2021
Respondent: G Morroll
Agent: Phillips Planning Services
It is noted that Neighbourhood Planning has been largely successful in Bedford Borough, and that discussions with the parishes are ongoing as to whether this remains a tool that communities wish to use to allocate new development in the next plan period. Our client raises no objection to this approach, and would welcome the opportunity to engage with the Parish Council on the benefits the site can offer. However, if this method of allocation is chosen going forward, it is important that a clear policy structure is created to define the level of growth to be allocated by each community. We would also argue that should those plans not come forward in a timely manner, such as within 3 years of the adoption of the Local Plan 2040, the policy should allow for sites to come forward adjoining the Settlement Policy Areas, therefore the allocation policy will be deemed out of date for that Parish/Settlement for the purposes of Development Control.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 8490
Received: 27/09/2021
Respondent: Gladman Developments Ltd
The consultation document in sections 1.46 to 1.51 notes that several of the borough’s parish councils have played a significant role in progressing commitments for housing growth in the 2020 – 2040 plan period, with ten local communities choosing to prepare neighbourhood plans when given the opportunity in 2017. The context for neighbourhood plans that have been prepared to date is the spatial strategy and housing requirement contained in the adopted Local Plan 2030. The process of preparing a new local plan that takes into account the housing requirement derived from the standard method in national planning guidance for the period 2020 to 2040 will therefore necessitate the full reconsideration of the spatial strategy and the sustainable contribution that neighbourhood areas can make towards meeting development needs.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 8828
Received: 29/09/2021
Respondent: Rosconn Strategic Land
Agent: Phillips Planning Services
Neighbourhood Planning – Paragraphs 1.46 to 1.51
3.7. Neighbourhood Planning has been very successful in Bedford Borough, and has been embraced by many Parish Councils. On several sites we have seen Parish Councils being proactive in their engagement with developers and making informed decisions in bringing forward proposals for development in line with the requirements of the Bedford Local Plan 2030; or indeed providing development for their community in line with Local Housing Needs Survey.
3.8. This has been the case with our client’s site at Hill Farm, Sharnbrook, and on this basis, could continue to be a useful tool in delivering growth in the villages.
3.9. However, it is also important to ensure that, where strategic growth is considered, this growth is ideally identified and allocated in the Local Plan 2040. Alternatively as with the previous Local Plan 2030, growth identified in the Local Plan could be secured through the site allocation process delegated to local communities through the creation of a Neighbourhood Plan, or indeed the review, of an existing one.
3.10. We recognise that some Parish Council’s and the communities they represent, who have, or are in the process of delivering large scale growth, may be reluctant to consider enlarged allocations, going forward to 2040. However, we would encourage the Borough Council to continue to review the potential of growth of the Key Service Centres, and to consider the opportunity to build upon the infrastructure that existing allocations will deliver.
3.11. Our clients are strongly advocating that further development can be delivered in Sharnbrook, and that the remaining capacity of approximately 250 dwellings could make a meaningful contribution towards housing delivery in the next plan period.
3.12. The site at Hill Farm, Mill Road has been independently assessed as part of the Neighbourhood Plan process, and the site has been considered as sustainable and suitable to accommodate the expansion of the village; avoiding the constraints found within or to the west of the village. In her report, the Examiner noted that the site at Hill Farm had performed strongly in respect of the effect of development on ‘Biodiversity’, the ‘Historic Environment’, ‘Landscape’ and ‘Transport’. The conclusion was that the site’s allocation was soundly based.
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 8857
Received: 29/09/2021
Respondent: Woodland Manor Hotel
Agent: Phillips Planning Services
It is noted that Neighbourhood Planning has been largely successful in Bedford Borough, and that discussions with the parishes are ongoing as to whether this remains a tool that communities wish to use to allocate new development in the next plan period. Our client raises no objection to this approach, and would welcome the opportunity to engage with the Parish Council on the benefits the site can offer. However, if this method of allocation is chosen going forward, it is important that a clear policy structure is created to define the level of growth to be allocated by each community. We would also argue that should those plans not come forward in a timely manner, such as within 3 years of the adoption of the Local Plan 2040, the policy should allow for sites to come forward adjoining the Settlement Policy Areas, therefore the allocation policy will be deemed out of date for that Parish/Settlement for the purposes of Development Control.