3.1
Support
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 3496
Received: 26/07/2021
Respondent: Accessibility Bedford
Option 2c has least impact on the village of Wootton – which has been impacted by over-development in recent years. Also, if adopted, the emerging Wootton Neighbourhood Plan is likely to advocate development of up to only 105 houses up to 2030.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 3541
Received: 08/08/2021
Respondent: Mr Mark Hilliard
I don't believe the latest government revisions - which significantly increase the housing targets for the council are a suitable base for decisions around housing requirements. Time is needed to reassess the housing pressures in a post covid and post Brexit world. The council is already committed to supporting a major expansion of the housing needs, any upward movement in the targets could lead to inappropriate and unsuccessful new developments
I don't believe the latest government revisions - which significantly increase the housing targets for the council are a suitable base for decisions around housing requirements. Time is needed to reassess the housing pressures in a post covid and post Brexit world. The council is already committed to supporting a major expansion of the housing needs, any upward movement in the targets could lead to inappropriate and unsuccessful new developments
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 3571
Received: 11/08/2021
Respondent: Mr Roland Hartley
Local Plan 2040
I will probably not be around in 2040 but I do think something must be done.
The climate and planet are being destroyed by humanity.
The world’s biodiversity is being forced into extinction.
Does anybody have a plan for that? The simple answer is NO!
Human over population is destroying everything in it’s path.
Electric vehicles are the way forward we are told but where is the electricity being generated for these new cars? If Hydrogen is used to power cars, then do we understand how volatile Hydrogen is? If the Hydrogen cars only emit water then will we cause the world’s water levels to increase?
Now to housing and your 2040 plan!
These new houses will need heating and at present this contributes to global warming by burning more fossil fuels. The new houses are too close together causing problems with parking and noisy neighbours. Every month we see crime figures for Shortstown and Wixams going through the roof. Why is this? We are forcing people to live too close together because the population is exploding. These new housing estates are concrete wastelands with no trees or greenery for any biodiversity.
New houses need infrastructure. More roads, hospitals, surgeries, schools, shops and work opportunities. More fields and farms will be taken for building houses for the exploding population. That will lead to shortages in food supply.
Water and waste infrastructure needs more water abstraction from rivers and water aquafers. Waste needs more water treatment capacity. This will impact on biodiversity.
I have underlined the fact that Human overpopulation is killing the planet and all creatures on it and we need to address all things not just the need to build houses. It is not that simple.
There is no mention in your plan 2040 to cover the population exploding. It is a major concern!
You may want to consider the “Cree Indian Prophecy”. “Only after the last tree has been cut down,the last fish has been caught, and the last stream poisoned, will we realize we CANNOT EAT MONEY”.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 3625
Received: 16/08/2021
Respondent: Great Barford Neighbourhood Plan Group
Standard method numbers are challenging., The world has changed, where are all the people coming from post Brexit and Covid?
Standard method numbers are challenging., The world has changed, where are all the people coming from post Brexit and Covid?
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 3669
Received: 19/08/2021
Respondent: GB PC
The government standard method places challenging demand on the Borough. With culture change Post Brexit and Covid, where are all the people coming from?
The government standard method places challenging demand on the Borough. With culture change Post Brexit and Covid, where are all the people coming from?
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 3764
Received: 23/08/2021
Respondent: Mr Graham Mills
1,275 new dwellings each year is a major increase on the number on the Local Plan 2030 and it is unsustainable in Bedford Borough without very substantial infrastructure investment. The road network around Bedford, especially the single carriageway bypass to the west and northwest. The A6 towards Rushden is completely congested and over-capacity during weekdays for travel to/from work and schools. Parking at Bedford station is completely inadequate - often there are no spaces to park there from 8:30am onwards on weekdays, in normal pre-pandemic conditions.
1,275 new dwellings each year is a major increase on the number on the Local Plan 2030 and it is unsustainable in Bedford Borough without very substantial infrastructure investment, over and above what's already planned. The road network around Bedford, especially the single carriageway bypass to the west and northwest, is totally inadequate, there is no bypass linking the north of Bedford to the east, other than through the town or via small villages. The A6 towards Rushden is completely congested and over-capacity during weekdays for travel to/from work and schools. Parking at Bedford station is completely inadequate - often there are no spaces to park there from 8:30am onwards on weekdays, in normal pre-pandemic conditions. Drivers are reverting to using minor roads through villages and residential areas to avoid the congestion on the trunks roads around and through Bedford. This needs to be dealt with by a major programme of junction improvements and dual carriageway upgrades to all of the A roads linking Bedford and its villages to its neighbouring towns and cities.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 3858
Received: 27/08/2021
Respondent: Oakley Neighbourhood Planning Group
Housing requirement of 1275 p.a. is too high. Figures from Lichfields Planning Consultancy show that Bedford BC figures are much higher than those for surrounding Local Authorities – copy attached - and one of the highest outside the London Metropolitan Area. Bedford BC should produce a further calculation based on up to date ONS data which would result in c. 900 homes p.a.
Housing requirement of 1275 p.a. is too high. Figures from Lichfields Planning Consultancy show that Bedford BC figures are much higher than those for surrounding Local Authorities – copy attached - and one of the highest outside the London Metropolitan Area. Bedford BC should produce a further calculation based on up to date ONS data which would result in c. 900 homes p.a.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 3917
Received: 28/08/2021
Respondent: Mrs MARGARET TURNER
A 36% increase in housing stock in Bedford over the next 20 years is unreasonable and will have a detrimental affect on the Borough's character, much of which is rural. The council should continue to object to such large increases
A 36% increase in housing stock in Bedford over the next 20 years is unreasonable and will have a detrimental affect on the Borough's character, much of which is rural. The council should continue to object to such large increases
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 3961
Received: 29/08/2021
Respondent: Mr paul giles
due to the change in circumstances of jobs working from home and housing needs the method of calculating is no longer relevant.
due to the change in circumstances of jobs working from home and housing needs the method of calculating is no longer relevant.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 3963
Received: 29/08/2021
Respondent: Mr Mark Potts
I believe that dependence on new settlements is a risky strategy they are
inevitably built out towards the end of the plan period, and potentially beyond and therefore we do
not believe there should be too much dependence on large new settlements Where they
are to be built we believe they should be within walking distance of sustainable transport options.
Bedford Borough Council are considering new settlements and their plan has not yet reached the
regulation 19 stage so if they do consider new settlements they should be planning at least 30 years
ahead according to the NPPF.
I believe that dependence on new settlements is a risky strategy they are
inevitably built out towards the end of the plan period, and potentially beyond and therefore we do
not believe there should be too much dependence on large new settlements Where they
are to be built we believe they should be within walking distance of sustainable transport options.
Bedford Borough Council are considering new settlements and their plan has not yet reached the
regulation 19 stage so if they do consider new settlements they should be planning at least 30 years
ahead according to the NPPF.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4003
Received: 29/08/2021
Respondent: Mr Keith Turner
A 36% increase in housing stock in Bedford over the next 20 years is unreasonable and will have a detrimental affect on the Borough's character, much of which is rural. The council should continue to object to such large increases
A 36% increase in housing stock in Bedford over the next 20 years is unreasonable and will have a detrimental affect on the Borough's character, much of which is rural. The council should continue to object to such large increases
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4060
Received: 30/08/2021
Respondent: Ann Mills
Local Plan 2030 proves more than enough new housing to meet the needs of local people and new residents moving from elsewhere.
Local Plan 2030 proves more than enough new housing to meet the needs of local people and new residents moving from elsewhere.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4082
Received: 30/08/2021
Respondent: Mr Paul Irish
The growth required for the Oxford Cambridge Arc is simply too high and far greater than national averages. Bedford Borough Council should push back on these ridiculously high targets with fanciful growth estimates
The growth required for the Oxford Cambridge Arc is simply too high and far greater than national averages. Bedford Borough Council should push back on these ridiculously high targets with fanciful growth estimates
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4126
Received: 30/08/2021
Respondent: Mr paul giles
The current figures result in a 36% increase in the housing stock of the Borough in the space of 20 years which we believe is unreasonable and will profoundly affect the character of the Borough; large areas of which are currently rural. We believe the Borough Council should continue to campaign against such large increases.
The current figures result in a 36% increase in the housing stock of the Borough in the space of 20 years which we believe is unreasonable and will profoundly affect the character of the Borough; large areas of which are currently rural. We believe the Borough Council should continue to campaign against such large increases.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4209
Received: 30/08/2021
Respondent: Mrs Chris Bend
The Mayor states "Whilst I disagree with the methodology we have no choice but to plan for this level of growth". BBC is led by Liberal Democrats. Surely you should be standing up to the Conservative Government and its use of outdated ONS data and the standard method algorithm? It is already difficult enough to get a NHS dentist or an appointment with GP. Bedford's target for new homes to be delivered each year appears to be significantly higher than any of the surrounding local authorities especially Northants. 266% higher than Wellingborough and 180% higher than East Northants. Please object!
The Mayor states "Whilst I disagree with the methodology we have no choice but to plan for this level of growth". BBC is led by Liberal Democrats. Surely you should be standing up to the Conservative Government and its use of outdated ONS data and the standard method algorithm? It is already difficult enough to get a NHS dentist or an appointment with GP. Bedford's target for new homes to be delivered each year appears to be significantly higher than any of the surrounding local authorities especially Northants. 266% higher than Wellingborough and 180% higher than East Northants. Please object!
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4254
Received: 30/08/2021
Respondent: Mr Fletcher Giles
A 36% increase in housing stock in Bedford over the next 20 years is unreasonable and will have a detrimental affect on the Borough's character, much of which is rural. The council should continue to object to such large increases
A 36% increase in housing stock in Bedford over the next 20 years is unreasonable and will have a detrimental affect on the Borough's character, much of which is rural. The council should continue to object to such large increases
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4340
Received: 31/08/2021
Respondent: Miss Helen Leach
A 36% increase in housing stock in Bedford over the next 20 years is unreasonable and will have a detrimental affect on the Borough's character, much of which is rural. The council should continue to object to such large increases.
A 36% increase in housing stock in Bedford over the next 20 years is unreasonable and will have a detrimental affect on the Borough's character, much of which is rural. The council should continue to object to such large increases.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4376
Received: 31/08/2021
Respondent: None
Why don't you stand up to the government over this nonsense? Or is that you are just happy to toe the line and allow our town, our countryside and our environment to be destroyed? Why did you sign-up to the Oxford Cambridge Arc in the first place? Your motives are really questionable - including about the East West rail link and the location of new stations. You use the phrase "joined-up thinking" but you seem incapable of putting it into practice.
Why don't you stand up to the government over this nonsense? Or is that you are just happy to toe the line and allow our town, our countryside and our environment to be destroyed? Why did you sign-up to the Oxford Cambridge Arc in the first place? Your motives are really questionable - including about the East West rail link and the location of new stations. You use the phrase "joined-up thinking" but you seem incapable of putting it into practice.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4408
Received: 31/08/2021
Respondent: Wayside Farm Park Resident's Association
The current and proposed infrastructure will not support development on this scale.
The current and proposed infrastructure will not support development on this scale.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4429
Received: 31/08/2021
Respondent: Miss Andrea Witham
I understand that the Borough is building houses at more than three times the national average. The Council needs to update the formula for assessing housing needs to take account of the most recent ONS data from 2018, rather than the 2014 data.
I understand that the Borough is building houses at more than three times the national average. The Council needs to update the formula for assessing housing needs to take account of the most recent ONS data from 2018, rather than the 2014 data.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4476
Received: 31/08/2021
Respondent: Mrs Lucy Crawford
The current figures result in a 36% increase in the housing stock of the Borough in the space of 20 years which I believe is unreasonable and will profoundly affect the character of the Borough; large areas of which are currently rural. I believe the Borough Council should continue to campaign against such large increases.
The current figures result in a 36% increase in the housing stock of the Borough in the space of 20 years which I believe is unreasonable and will profoundly affect the character of the Borough; large areas of which are currently rural. I believe the Borough Council should continue to campaign against such large increases.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4548
Received: 01/09/2021
Respondent: Mrs Kathryn Smith
The government figures result in a 36% increase in housing in the Borough in the space of 20 years which is unreasonable and will profoundly affect the character of the Borough changing the face of the landscape , large areas of which are currently rural. BBC should continue to campaign against such large increases.
The government figures result in a 36% increase in housing in the Borough in the space of 20 years which is unreasonable and will profoundly affect the character of the Borough changing the face of the landscape , large areas of which are currently rural. BBC should continue to campaign against such large increases.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4589
Received: 01/09/2021
Respondent: Mr Denis Ivins
The houses expected appear excessive for an area of Bedford's size
The houses expected appear excessive for an area of Bedford's size
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4641
Received: 01/09/2021
Respondent: Mr Melvyn Chase
The current figures result in a 36% increase in the housing stock of the Borough in the space of 20 years which I believe is unreasonable and will profoundly affect the character of the Borough; large areas of which are currently rural. I believe the Borough Council should continue to campaign against such large increases.
I have severe Parkinson’s and cannot type easily. Please duplicate all of Lucy Crawford’s responses for my views. Her email address is Lucy_crawford@hotmail.com and she lives at 33, Staploe PE19 5JA
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4699
Received: 01/09/2021
Respondent: Mr Joshua Zwetsloot
The current figures result in a 36% increase in the housing stock of the Borough in the space of 20 years which we believe is unreasonable and will profoundly affect the character of the Borough; large areas of which are currently rural. We believe the Borough Council should continue to campaign against such large increases.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4750
Received: 01/09/2021
Respondent: Mr David Rawlins
I understand that the Borough is building houses at more than three times the national average. The Council needs to update the formula for assessing housing needs to take account of the most recent ONS data from 2018, rather than the 2014 data.
I understand that the Borough is building houses at more than three times the national average. The Council needs to update the formula for assessing housing needs to take account of the most recent ONS data from 2018, rather than the 2014 data.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4885
Received: 02/09/2021
Respondent: Ms Tara Skey
The current figures result in a 36% increase in the housing stock of the Borough in the space of 20 years which we believe is unreasonable and will profoundly affect the character of the Borough; large areas of which are currently rural. We believe the Borough Council should continue to campaign against such large increases.
The current figures result in a 36% increase in the housing stock of the Borough in the space of 20 years which we believe is unreasonable and will profoundly affect the character of the Borough; large areas of which are currently rural. We believe the Borough Council should continue to campaign against such large increases.
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 4996
Received: 02/09/2021
Respondent: Rainier Developments Limited (Bromham)
Agent: Marrons Planning
As the consultation acknowledges, the figure of 1,275 dwellings per year is the Local Housing Need and is the starting point. It is also the minimum number of homes needed in accordance with national policy (paragraph 61). The Council need to consider whether a higher figure is necessary in order to address the worsening issue of affordability (with average house prices 8.4 times average earnings), or in order to respond to unmet needs that may arise from neighbouring areas or from the Greater London authorities.
As the consultation acknowledges, the figure of 1,275 dwellings per year is the Local Housing Need and is the starting point. It is also the minimum number of homes needed in accordance with national policy (paragraph 61). The Council need to consider whether a higher figure is necessary in order to address the worsening issue of affordability (with average house prices 8.4 times average earnings), or in order to respond to unmet needs that may arise from neighbouring areas or from the Greater London authorities.
However, more fundamentally, it needs to consider whether delivering the bare minimum number of homes is sufficient to match the intention for Bedford Borough to be at the heart of a national economic priority area as set out within the Oxford-Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework. In order to become one of the most prosperous, innovative and sustainable economic areas in the world, and make a major contribution to national economic recovery, the area will require labour and those people will require affordable homes unless unsustainable patterns of commuting are to prevail. The economic potential of the Arc will not be achieved, or not achieved in a sustainable way, by providing the minimum number of homes needed.
In this regard, it is questioned whether the forecast growth in jobs of 13,200 over the plan period within the LHNA (using the 2019 EEFM data) is now accurate in light of the Government’s intended strategy. The Council should review the LHNA and its anticipated job growth to assess whether there is a need to uplift the local housing need to meet the future needs of jobs and workers.
Further, the planned investment in East-West Rail, in addition to the proposed investment in sustainable infrastructure within the Arc Spatial Framework, similarly provides a strong case for a higher housing need figure than the standard method in order to satisfy the future demand that it will drive for people to live in and around Bedford. Support for a higher figure in this context is set out within the NPPG (Paragraph: 010 Reference ID: 2a-010-20201216).
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 5007
Received: 02/09/2021
Respondent: Rainier Developments Limited (Roxton)
Agent: Marrons Planning
As the consultation acknowledges, the figure of 1,275 dwellings per year is the Local Housing Need and is the starting point. It is also the minimum number of homes needed in accordance with national policy (paragraph 61). The Council need to consider whether a higher figure is necessary in order to address the worsening issue of affordability (with average house prices 8.4 times average earnings), or in order to respond to unmet needs that may arise from neighbouring areas or from the Greater London authorities.
As the consultation acknowledges, the figure of 1,275 dwellings per year is the Local Housing Need and is the starting point. It is also the minimum number of homes needed in accordance with national policy (paragraph 61). The Council need to consider whether a higher figure is necessary in order to address the worsening issue of affordability (with average house prices 8.4 times average earnings), or in order to respond to unmet needs that may arise from neighbouring areas or from the Greater London authorities.
However, more fundamentally, it needs to consider whether delivering the bare minimum number of homes is sufficient to match the intention for Bedford Borough to be at the heart of a national economic priority area as set out within the Oxford-Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework. In order to become one of the most prosperous, innovative and sustainable economic areas in the world, and make a major contribution to national economic recovery, the area will require labour and those people will require affordable homes unless unsustainable patterns of commuting are to prevail. The economic potential of the Arc will not be achieved, or not achieved in a sustainable way, by providing the minimum number of homes needed.
In this regard, it is questioned whether the forecast growth in jobs of 13,200 over the plan period within the LHNA (using the 2019 EEFM data) is now accurate in light of the Government’s intended strategy. The Council should review the LHNA and its anticipated job growth to assess whether there is a need to uplift the local housing need to meet the future needs of jobs and workers.
Further, the planned investment in East-West Rail, in addition to the proposed investment in sustainable infrastructure within the Arc Spatial Framework, similarly provides a strong case for a higher housing need figure than the standard method in order to satisfy the future demand that it will drive for people to live in and around Bedford. Support for a higher figure in this context is set out within the NPPG (Paragraph: 010 Reference ID: 2a-010-20201216).
Object
Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation
Representation ID: 5019
Received: 02/09/2021
Respondent: Rainier Developments Limited (Wootton)
Agent: Marrons Planning
As the consultation acknowledges, the figure of 1,275 dwellings per year is the Local Housing Need and is the starting point. It is also the minimum number of homes needed in accordance with national policy (paragraph 61). The Council need to consider whether a higher figure is necessary in order to address the worsening issue of affordability (with average house prices 8.4 times average earnings), or in order to respond to unmet needs that may arise from neighbouring areas or from the Greater London authorities.
As the consultation acknowledges, the figure of 1,275 dwellings per year is the Local Housing Need and is the starting point. It is also the minimum number of homes needed in accordance with national policy (paragraph 61). The Council need to consider whether a higher figure is necessary in order to address the worsening issue of affordability (with average house prices 8.4 times average earnings), or in order to respond to unmet needs that may arise from neighbouring areas or from the Greater London authorities.
However, more fundamentally, it needs to consider whether delivering the bare minimum number of homes is sufficient to match the intention for Bedford Borough to be at the heart of a national economic priority area as set out within the Oxford-Cambridge Arc Spatial Framework. In order to become one of the most prosperous, innovative and sustainable economic areas in the world, and make a major contribution to national economic recovery, the area will require labour and those people will require affordable homes unless unsustainable patterns of commuting are to prevail. The economic potential of the Arc will not be achieved, or not achieved in a sustainable way, by providing the minimum number of homes needed.
In this regard, it is questioned whether the forecast growth in jobs of 13,200 over the plan period within the LHNA (using the 2019 EEFM data) is now accurate in light of the Government’s intended strategy. The Council should review the LHNA and its anticipated job growth to assess whether there is a need to uplift the local housing need to meet the future needs of jobs and workers.
Further, the planned investment in East-West Rail, in addition to the proposed investment in sustainable infrastructure within the Arc Spatial Framework, similarly provides a strong case for a higher housing need figure than the standard method in order to satisfy the future demand that it will drive for people to live in and around Bedford. Support for a higher figure in this context is set out within the NPPG (Paragraph: 010 Reference ID: 2a-010-20201216).