Issues and Options

Yes

The scope of the local plan review is broadly supported. There is particular support for the need to consider the role of Bedford Town Centre in particular as to how the town centre functions as a residential, transport, employment, retail, leisure and cultural destination and how it can contribute to the delivery of housing numbers through good quality and well designed development and regeneration. Raising design quality in new developments is supported, the Council should give consideration to the role that design codes could play in raising the quality of development. Any approach taken on design codes should not stifle but encourage innovation in housing design. A move towards a policy position that facilitates the creation of new homes that meet the National Space Standards would be supported. In relation to the proposal to introduce a policy on self and custom build opportunities, there is also a need to consider the role of Modern Methods of Construction and how the planning system can facilitate its growth. MMC could play an important role in accelerating housing delivery across Bedford Borough. The need to control food outlets at locations such as near schools is supported. This should be run alongside a clear strategy to support the provision of community gardens and community orchards and opportunities for exercise to encourage healthy eating and healthy lifestyles. There should be a consideration within the review as to how climate change is to be addressed. Part of this issue relate to housing design standards. The decisions taken should consider the financial considerations of standards, e.g there are relatively small increases in cost to move from current Buildings Regulations to AECB Silver Standard but to move to full Passiv Haus the change is significant and the impacts on viability and therefore delivery would need to be considered. A clear steer should be given in the review on the requirements emerging from the Environment Bill, this is particularly important in relation to the approach to be taken to Biodiversity Net Gain.

The vision is broadly supported but is currently silent on the delivery of affordable housing and creating a housing tenure mix that meets the needs of the community. It is recognised that housing is referenced but there should be specific mention that this needs to include affordable housing which reflects local need.

I do not agree with this plan period

Given the reliance on strategic infrastructure there is a case to have a strategic plan that runs to 2050. A longer outlook would provide an opportunity to plan strategically for how the area will develop in the long term and would possibly aid decisions around infrastructure investment.

Nothing chosen

In terms of the potential growth we support the “Urban based growth” option. In relation to the urban area of Bedford bpha is investing extensively in our tower blocks within Bedford town centre. More information on this can be viewed on our website at : https://www.bpha.org.uk/about-us/regeneration/ Through land assembly and joint working, we consider that our existing blocks at Greyfriars could be included in a comprehensive housing-led regeneration of the area which could bring significant benefits to the town centre. bpha is keen to continue to work with Bedford Borough Council on assets within Bedford in order to facilitate a joined up approach to creating a strong affordable housing offer that meets the needs of the community. At Rushden and St Neots future developments would require strong integration into the town centres. In terms of the other options at Tempsford where East West Rail is proposed to meet the East Coast Main Line this could provide an opportunity to develop a new settlement at a sufficient scale with good transport links. Whilst a dispersed approach to major housing growth is not supported it is important that there is a supply of affordable housing within villages which could include exception sites.

At a strategic level it is important that East West Rail is developed in it’s entirety. It is also important the route provides fast inter urban travel between Oxford – Milton Keynes – Bedford – Cambridge. Whilst a connection to the East Coast Mainline at Tempsford would be supported additional stops should be approached with caution due to the impact on overall journey times. It is important there is investment in urban movement this should include pedestrian, cycle and bus provision. There should be a review of how highway space is in allocated within the town centre and opportunities to improve the public realm developed. In addition to East West rail consideration should be given to public transport links from settlements surrounding Bedford to create better options for accessing Bedford town centre. Alongside housing growth within the town there should be investment in schools, health services and existing and new public open space.

In terms of capitalising on improved public transport links and also to re-purpose the town centre consideration should be given to the role that the town centre could play as a employment destination.

Look at focussing housing and employment opportunities in and close to Bedford town centre. Bedford Station is likely to be in a unique position, mid distance between London, Cambridge and Oxford. There is a need to provide a housing offer, leisure and cultural opportunities to make it a place that people choose to live and thrive.

There needs to strong investment within the public realm of the town centre. In order to increase activity there is a need to encourage the opportunity for employment and housing opportunities within the town centre. There should be support to develop a diverse cultural/interesting retail offer. In order to grow successfully the town needs to be an interesting place to live. Investment in the riverfront and open spaces are important to make the town centre an attractive place to live and work. In terms of the implementation of such a strategy the Council should use the powers of Compulsory Purchase available to it where appropriate.

I agree

See answer to question one in relation to Climate Change.

There should be some control on the size of housing units coming forward in the town centre to ensure that the National Space Standards are met. There is evidence from Bedford and elsewhere of management issues where you have large numbers of small housing units being developed and limited amenity space. Much of this has come through the unwelcome office to residential Permitted Development Rights changes.