2.1

Support

Representation ID: 3550

Received: 11/08/2021

Respondent: Ms Claudia Dietz

Promoting wide range of uses including housing of high quality design in the town centre is supported, together with encouraging and enhancing sustainable and healthy modes of travel with the appropriate infrastructure and facilities in place. This also applies to the promoting of more walkable neighbourhoods.
To create sustainable communities, I would support the vision/objective that concerns "Locally important green spaces and valued
local landscapes will be protected and enjoyed by all."
Greater emphasis is therefore required to ensure the new Local Plan will assist in "developing a strong and multi-functional urban and
rural green infrastructure network".

Object

Representation ID: 3591

Received: 14/08/2021

Respondent: Mrs Hayley Morphew

How on Earth can you propose that by building on rural greenfield "the borough will have become a greener, more sustainable, more attractive and prosperous place to live. Tackling climate change and adapting to and mitigating its effects will be at the heart of new development throughout the borough, including facilitating sustainable food production". It is almost laughable that you intend to replace wheat fields and arable landscapes with bricks and tarmac and then attempt to tackle climate change and facilitate sustainable food production. This is already occurring naturally, without your input, in our rural landscape.

Object

Representation ID: 3667

Received: 19/08/2021

Respondent: GB PC

Theme 1: Greener objectives are good
Theme 2: Accessible objectives may clash with obtaining sustainable passenger arrival by car connection to EWR at Midland Station
Theme 3: Prosperity objectives for town centre are vague
Theme 4: Better place objectives are vague for rural communities

Object

Representation ID: 3707

Received: 21/08/2021

Respondent: Mr Tony Ploszajski

There is considerable local opposition to the principle of a town centre railway hub for the East-West Rail, with the associated logistical and environmental challenges to constructing a line along proposed Route E over the hills to the north of Bedford. The wording of this element of the vision should reflect the potential for a re-think of the route, which could involve a station to the south of Bedford.

Support

Representation ID: 3808

Received: 26/08/2021

Respondent: Canal & River Trust

We are the charity who look after and bring to life 2000 miles of canals & rivers. Our waterways contribute to the
health and wellbeing of local communities and economies, creating attractive and connected places to live, work, volunteer and spend leisure time. These historic, natural and cultural assets form part of the strategic and local green-blue infrastructure network, linking urban and rural communities as well as habitats. By caring for our waterways and promoting their use we believe we can improve the wellbeing of our nation. The Trust is a statutory consultee in the Development Management process. Based on the information available we have the following general comments to make:

The Canal & River Trust strongly supports the proposed Bedford-Milton Keynes Waterway Park and is part of the
Consortium which was established in May 2010.
It is therefore encouraging to note that the provision of the Waterways Park is included as an integral part of the vision and objectives for the Local Plan. It will be important to ensure that this project is recognised as a strategic scale environmental project and that the proposed waterway is fully supported in the Local Plan.
Any development which is in close proximity to the proposed route of the Bedford Milton Keynes Waterway Park should not only safeguard the route but deliver or fund delivery of the relevant section as access routes to it, part of Green infrastructure or Environmental Net Gain requirements.

Object

Representation ID: 3812

Received: 26/08/2021

Respondent: Roxton Parish Council

The Local Plan states that EWR through Bedford will be complete and that it will attract connectivity, investment and growth. However, there is a very real danger that this could have a negative impact and make Bedford a dormitory town by providing fast transport links to employment in the neighbouring cities.

The statement about Riverside villages forming the backbone of the green and blue infrastructure is questionable when the intended route of EWR will destroy a number of those villages.

Transport policy suggests improvements to the overall movement of people with an integrated system which is good. However, the X5 from Roxton which allowed the transport of bicycles, buggies etc in the hold has been replaced by the 905 which does not provide those facilities.

RPC supports the intent that developments are sensitively planned to complement the borough’s natural environment. Planned developments such as EWR and the A428/Black Cat development require sensitive planning, as will other potential developments that result of these projects (additional service stations/area, warehouse and commercial developments). If these items are proposed they must be considered alongside the need to maintain the rural nature of the surrounding areas and the character of nearby villages.

Object

Representation ID: 3857

Received: 27/08/2021

Respondent: Oakley Neighbourhood Planning Group

River Great Ouse and valley should be specifically included in last paragraph of the Vision. River and its valley are most important environmental feature in the Borough and an area where substantial net environmental gain could be achieved quickly. It is important across the Borough, not just in Town Centre and lack of recognition of this raises concerns about development in or near the river valley. Protection and enhancement of River Great Ouse and valley across Borough should be one of key objectives in Local Plan 2040 and improvement in biodiversity a primary focus of its environmental and climate policies.

Support

Representation ID: 3889

Received: 28/08/2021

Respondent: Sir Graham Fry

I like the Vision.
But creating large new settlements in this parish would be inconsistent with it.
Greenfield land, used for food production, would be developed. There would be significant flood risks. Car use (eg to the new railway station and the centre of St Neots) would increase congestion and carbon emissions.
It would not help Bedford town centre because people here meet their needs in St Neots.
It would urbanise "areas of tranquil retreat", destroy the "unique local character" of this area, engulf its heritage and listed buildings, and threaten its natural environment (including rare plants, birds and invertebrates).

Object

Representation ID: 3915

Received: 28/08/2021

Respondent: Mrs MARGARET TURNER

"The borough's countryside, its intrinsic character and beauty including areas of tranquil retreat will be recognised."

Not if Dennybrook is given the go-ahead.

Support

Representation ID: 3976

Received: 29/08/2021

Respondent: Anne Dorber

The themes of being greener and more accessible are welcome, but require careful implementation with the majority of new homes close to railway stations, a vast improvement on the provision of safe cycle lanes and improved walking routes. The 'rail based growth' parishes focus is welcome.

Object

Representation ID: 4001

Received: 29/08/2021

Respondent: Mr Keith Turner

The borough's countryside, its intrinsic character and beauty including areas of tranquil retreat will be recognised ? Not if dennybrook goes ahead

Support

Representation ID: 4059

Received: 30/08/2021

Respondent: Ann Mills

Agreed, in principle.

Object

Representation ID: 4127

Received: 30/08/2021

Respondent: Mr paul giles

The Council’s statement would appear contradictory should the proposed new settlement of Dennybrook (land west of Wyboston site 977) or the other large sites in the parish be taken forward. Other large sites are 997 (Cobholden), 455 (Manor Farm), Flints Field (930) or 931 (Top Homes). The parish of Staploe is the epitome of intrinsic character and beauty, and it is considered that there are valued local landscapes that would be eroded by such urbanised development. Accordingly, the ‘draft vision’ can only be taken at face value if it is not upheld.

Object

Representation ID: 4164

Received: 30/08/2021

Respondent: Richard Baker

There are some fine words here, but I cannot see any connection between them and the actual Local Plan proposals. The overriding imperative is 'growth' - more jobs, more housing and BAU. How is the following objective commitment being operationalised: "Tackling climate change and adapting to and mitigating its effects will be at the heart of new development throughout the borough,"?

Object

Representation ID: 4195

Received: 30/08/2021

Respondent: Mrs Gail Browning

“The borough's countryside, its intrinsic character and beauty including areas of tranquil retreat will be recognised” – This will not be upheld if Dennybrook (977) is granted.

Object

Representation ID: 4251

Received: 30/08/2021

Respondent: Mr Fletcher Giles

"The borough's countryside, its intrinsic character and beauty including areas of tranquil retreat will be recognised."

Object

Representation ID: 4252

Received: 30/08/2021

Respondent: Mr Fletcher Giles

"The borough's countryside, its intrinsic character and beauty including areas of tranquil retreat will be recognised."

Not if Dennybrook is given the go-ahead.

Object

Representation ID: 4335

Received: 31/08/2021

Respondent: Miss Helen Leach

"The borough's countryside, its intrinsic character and beauty including areas of tranquil retreat will be recognised."

Object

Representation ID: 4337

Received: 31/08/2021

Respondent: Miss Helen Leach

"The borough's countryside, its intrinsic character and beauty including areas of tranquil retreat will be recognised."

Not if Dennybrook is given the go-ahead.

Object

Representation ID: 4366

Received: 31/08/2021

Respondent: Miss Helen Leach

"The borough's countryside, its intrinsic character and beauty including areas of tranquil retreat will be recognised."
Not if Dennybrook is given the go-ahead.

Object

Representation ID: 4368

Received: 31/08/2021

Respondent: None

You cannot create a "greener, more sustainable, more attractive and prosperous place to live" if you build on all the land. You might make a few developers and landowners prosperous but not the rest of us: we will all be living in a less green, less sustainable and less attractive place.

Support

Representation ID: 4401

Received: 31/08/2021

Respondent: Mrs Gerardine Meola

However, if Council allocates site 977 west of Wybston 2500 homes (2040) 10,000+ homes (2050) and in Duloe (no allocated growth) then it has failed the following in its Vision to:
become greener, more sustainable, more attractive
facilitate sustainable food production
avoid areas of high flood risk
development sensitively planned to complement the borough's natural environment
borough's countryside, its intrinsic character and beauty including areas of tranquil retreat will be recognised.
development will reflect each area's unique local character
valued local landscapes will be protected and enjoyed by all

Site 977 and Duloe are in open countryside not urban.

Object

Representation ID: 4427

Received: 31/08/2021

Respondent: Miss Andrea Witham

See above

Object

Representation ID: 4475

Received: 31/08/2021

Respondent: Mrs Lucy Crawford

The Council’s statement would appear contradictory should the proposed new settlement of Dennybrook (land west of Wyboston site 977) or the other large sites in the parish be taken forward. Other large sites are 997 (Cobholden), 455 (Manor Farm), Flints Field (930) or 931 (Top Homes). The parish of Staploe is the epitome of intrinsic character and beauty, and it is considered that there are valued local landscapes that would be eroded by such urbanised development. Accordingly, the ‘draft vision’ can only be taken at face value if it is not upheld.

Object

Representation ID: 4547

Received: 01/09/2021

Respondent: Mrs Kathryn Smith

See above

Object

Representation ID: 4565

Received: 01/09/2021

Respondent: Mrs Clare Buddle

The wording '...sustainable food production...' should be extended to read ‘…production, 20 Minute Neighbourhoods and increased green infrastructure, building on the good provision the borough already enjoys.’

Object

Representation ID: 4587

Received: 01/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Denis Ivins

uncertainties resulting from the timing of the emerging Oxford to Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework undermine the credibility of the draft plan

Object

Representation ID: 4639

Received: 01/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Melvyn Chase

The Council’s statement would appear contradictory should the proposed new settlement of Dennybrook (land west of Wyboston site 977) or the other large sites in the parish be taken forward. Other large sites are 997 (Cobholden), 455 (Manor Farm), Flints Field (930) or 931 (Top Homes). The parish of Staploe is the epitome of intrinsic character and beauty, and it is considered that there are valued local landscapes that would be eroded by such urbanised development. Accordingly, the ‘draft vision’ can only be taken at face value if it is not upheld.

Object

Representation ID: 4698

Received: 01/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Joshua Zwetsloot

This is an important statement for the Council. Staploe Parish Council recognise the growth challenges faced by the Council, specifically when attempting to align with the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. That said, the Council’s statement would appear contrary should the proposed new settlement of Dennybrook (land west of Wyboston site 977) or the other large sites in the parish be taken forward. Other large sites are 997 (Cobholden), 455 (Manor Farm), Flints Field (930) or 931 (Top Homes). The parish of Staploe is the epitome of intrinsic character and beauty, and it is considered that there are valued local landscapes that would be eroded by such urbanised development. Accordingly, the ‘draft vision’ can only be taken at face value if it is not upheld.

Object

Representation ID: 4749

Received: 01/09/2021

Respondent: Mr David Rawlins

This is an important statement for the Council. The growth challenges faced by the Council are acknowledged, specifically when attempting to align with the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. However, the Council’s statement will be negated should the proposed new settlement of Dennybrook (land west of Wyboston site 977) or the other large sites in the parish be taken forward. Other large sites being 997 (Cobholden), 455 (Manor Farm), Flints Field (930) or 931 (Top Homes). The parish of Staploe is entirely rural in nature, and it is considered that there are valued local landscapes that would be eroded by such urbanised development.