Issues and Options

No

We are required to assess the options against a background of considerable uncertainty. The pre-covid economic case can no longer be relied upon; in particular there is the probability of permanent changes in work and travel patterns, there are probable changes in the housing targets independently of any assessment of the above point and there is the clear possibility of a lengthy economic depression which will affect not just housebuilding rates but the deliverability of the necessary infrastructure upon which the plan must be based. There is also continued uncertainty over what is entailed in the “Oxford -Cambridge Arc” concept as well as the extent to which East -West Rail might play in terms of contributing to local transport infrastructure given that a station between Bedford and St.Neots/Tempsford currently plays no part in its planning. In summary, the objective of the new plan which is to “respond appropriately to longer term growth requirements” is something which cannot be met within the timescale set and we recommend that an amended timetable be sought. There also a need for design to be given a high priority (it shouldn’t just be where, it should also be what) and that this must be addressed during the preparation of this plan (either in the plan, or in a supplementary planning document). The planned growth must also support the regeneration of the town centre.

The Draft Vision states that Bedford will become greener and more sustainable. That aspiration needs to be met by a clear understanding that the previous plan’s strategy of allocating large estates to villages had the opposite effect as it has driven up car mileage: to the extent that this remains among the options this Draft Vision is just empty rhetoric.

I agree with this plan period

The Plan Period to 2040 is appropriate in the circumstances although because of the wide range of possible housing numbers, as referred to in Section 3, any period at this stage can only compound the uncertainty.

Brown – Urban based growth

Of the options for growth we recommend an emphasis on Option 1 to be supplemented by the organic expansion of village settlements in accordance with neighbourhood plans. Not only does planned urban expansion allow for higher density housing, which meets the needs of a large proportion of our residents – particularly the younger residents, it also enables greener transport options which will reduce car usage when compared to scattered housing estates. It may be bad drafting but the “Orange” option of northern station growth has two unmentioned adverse problems. The first is that East-West rail has significantly shortened journey times as an objective and they have no plans for a station between Bedford and St Neots/Sandy. The second is that that the area referred to as the “north of Bedford” is a network of villages set in a rolling landscape that is one of Bedford’s assets and which is wholly without the road infrastructure that significant development would require. As mentioned above it is also not a green option.

Infrastructure is must precede rather than follow development. Cheap public transport must be a priority and road networks and facilities designed accordingly.

As stated in the opening paragraph we regard this as baseless aspiration given the fundamental changes to work patterns now clearly in train.

The plan must respond to the economic situation facing the town centre, particularly given the impact of Covid, and development across the Borough must support, and not detract from, the economic success of the town centre.

As above. Given the variety of demographics with the Borough there must be good standards for large families and multigenerational homes as well as good standard of properties for first time buyers and renters as well as befits a county town and its surrounding villages rather than following minima set for London.

We need to be realistic about personal preference and practicality. It is naïve to believe that cycling will be taken up by more than a minority or as much more than a leisure pursuit. Only integrated and efficient public transport will make any significant change in travel patterns.