5.18

Showing comments and forms 1 to 2 of 2

Object

Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation

Representation ID: 5534

Received: 06/09/2021

Respondent: EF Wootton and Son

Representation Summary:

While it is acknowledged that the Local Plan review and the Spatial Framework will be prepared in parallel, it is clear that the emerging vision is targeting a more advanced and robust form of growth. Therefore, for the Plan to be “positively prepared”, we would contend that the Local Plan Review should allow for some uplift whether that be 10 or even 20%. If the Spatial Framework is adopted at the same time as the plan, there is likely to be the added pressure to consider another urgent review to keep pace with the changing policy context, therefore allowing for some uplift would pre-empt this and help towards reducing the burden going forward.

This important point is supported by updated guidance in the revised National Planning Policy Framework (2021); and, while it is accepted that this Consultation was developed in advance of the publication of the revised Framework, we must highlight that under paragraph 22 it states that where Local Plans are to include new settlements or significant extensions to towns and villages, then it should be set within a vision which looks at least 30 years ahead. As the transitional arrangements at paragraph 221 of Annex 1 confirm this applies to plans that have not reached Regulation 19 stage; then, no matter which strategy is chosen, the Bedford Local Plan 2040, must expand its “vision” to set out how it will accommodate growth beyond 2040 and deliver on the ambitions of the Arc.

Object

Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation

Representation ID: 7518

Received: 03/09/2021

Respondent: Mr Jonathan Hambleton

Representation Summary:

The majority of housing development should be focussed around the urban area of Bedford / Kempston / Wixams / Stewartby in order to support the ailing town centre of Bedford. Making Bedford town centre a transport hub means people can exit to travel for retail and tourism options in Cambridge, Milton Keynes, Bicester and Oxford. It is unlikely to regenerate to retail aspect of the town centre and only increase the already challenging congestion roads/bridges in Bedford town centre.