Issues and Options

Yes

In general agree. However in parts of the Borough, in particular the edge of town, there is a loss in the sense of place and a need to protect it for the future. Overtime there has been an increase in urban sprawl and a coalescence of communities. Clapham has concerns about the creep of development from the town, prominent buildings on the ridge and infill development. Whilst it is accepted that growth is inevitable, policies need to be enhanced and strengthened to protect the uniqueness of the local areas throughout the Borough and so that any development becomes an integral part of the community and not just tacked on. Our communities need to be attractive, environmentally improved, and have a significance to local people. The plan focuses on the need for sustainability and this is to be welcomed. However, Bedford suffers from significant peak hour traffic on all the arteries of the town. It is hoped that the current infrastructure works will improve conditions, but they are addressing the situation that has developed over the last 20+ years and do not address the needs in the current Local Plan, let alone for the future, nor commuting into and around the town from the outlying communities and wider area. Polices need to be developed to address this, particularly with the arrival of EWR and the pressures that will bring. The Borough Council should consider the effect of EWR on issues such as community cohesion, landscape character, countryside access and visual amenity/tranquillity and should implement policies to address the need for supporting infrastructure and mitigation of the wider effects.

No issues with the overall draft vision. However there is concern that with EWR, Bedford Borough will become a dormitory for Cambridge, with increasing house prices, an influx of new people, sprawling growth and significant infrastructure pressures. The vision should therefore include mitigation of the impacts of EWR on rural communities. The framework for the Oxford – Cambridge Arc is likely to add to these pressures. The vision should emphasis Bedford as a discrete town of medium size linked by vibrant well connect communities including Clapham. The vision should not be inward looking but ensure that the surrounding communities are not forgotten in the drive to deliver a “Greater Bedford.”

I agree with this plan period

The plan period should be sufficient to dovetail with the timeframe of the Oxford-Cambridge Arc and to ensure Place Making can be developed and embedded. Too short a timescale will ensure piecemeal development and unbalanced communities with partially delivered infrastructure.

Nothing chosen

At this stage, it is not possible to offer a preference for any one particular option, as there is insufficient information provided to make an informed decision. However development where there are already excellent road links and a station would seem sensible. It is suggested a detailed constraints plan is provided detailing the various limitations to growth. This should not be limited to environmental matters, but should include information on the capacity of corridor movements and other infrastructure constraints such as water and energy provision, flooding and strategic gaps to avoid coalescence. This is important as communities such as Clapham are constrained by existing features, such as a flood plain, the proposed alignment of EWR and limited highway capacity. Consideration of constraints should be extended beyond the Borough boundaries as future growth areas may be best suited adjacent to or outside the immediate area. In the consideration of growth options, and the provision of necessary infrastructure to support particular scenarios, there needs to be some realism on what could be provided given the affordability and timescales for any provision. Consequently, although there is insufficient information to give a preferred option, there is some merit in the consideration of a new settlement, as the quantum of development may be sufficient to provide the required supporting infrastructure. Whilst it is appreciated the Borough Council is limited in time to take forward the new plan, it is requested that constraints information should be followed by a suitable workshop so that the key issues can be discussed and debated, and consensus reached with the parishes.

This is dependent on need, consideration of environmental impacts, and a suitable evidence base. With respect to transport, we would expect to see appropriate modelling taking place to test scenarios. Access into Bedford from the north is currently near impossible at peak times and without an EWR station to the North to relieve pressure, the existing road system will likely grind to a halt. Infrastructure plans also need to consider changes in travel and work practices post-Covid 19.

This depends on need, access to suitable markets, type of employment sites: distribution/logistics, service industry, high tech and the type of labour market required. Whilst it is suggested that the delivery of EWR will provide new opportunities for reversing current commuting flow, there may instead be significant out- commuting to Milton Keynes, Cambridge and other areas, with Bedford becoming a dormitory town. The provision of new sites would increase in-commuting but put further pressure on the highway network. New large scale employment sites should not be located in relatively isolated countryside and sensitive landscapes.

It is hoped that greater connectivity will transfer people movements from the car to the rail. However it is likely to encourage people who cannot afford to live in Oxford/Cambridge to move to Bedford and commute further to work. Therefore it may be essential to build on the service/leisure industry to capture spend in the local area.

The town centre suffers from a significant number of empty shops. The Borough Council needs to consider how it can move away from business rates to a form of sales tax, which will make the centre attractive and affordable for new enterprises. It may be worth considering developing a niche/unique market such as can be seen in places like Hay-on-Wye (books).

I agree

Yes. Developers have mainly a national focus dictated on profit and little consideration of local needs. Bedford is seeing greater climate impacts such as flooding, so additional guidance is required. It is suggested that a Citizens Assembly with leading experts and local knowledge is set up to discuss how we can respond to climate change

There is concern with ‘identity-kit’ style developments that have no relationship to the local surroundings. This is reducing the unique attractiveness of the area. Policy needs to be bespoke to enhance our local area and environment.