Issues and Options

Yes

The proposed scope of the Local Plan Review is very extensive and is supported. The inclusion of matters such as addressing climate change improving quality of developments and repurposing (diversification) of the town centres are all welcome. This Council’s particular interest is in the development of a new spatial strategy and the six alternative potential growth strategies that are proposed

The vision appears to be quite extensive. It is noted that this focuses upon east/ west connections; e.g. east/ west rail (with A421 corridor) and green infrastructure opportunities; particularly the Bedford to Milton Keynes Waterway Park and Forest of Marston Vale. The vision appears to have an overwhelming southern focus. It does not address opportunities that could be opened up through enhanced north/ south connections; e.g. along the Midland Mainline/ A6 corridor. It is noted that further consideration is being given to opportunities in the northern parts of the Borough; e.g. related to the strategic growth proposals at towns in close proximity to the Borough Boundary – Rushden, St Neots and Wellingborough, but it is emphasised that any such proposals should be properly supported through significant infrastructure provision.

I do not agree with this plan period

It is proposed that the Bedford Local Plan could have a 2050 end date (rather than 2040); to correspond with the emerging Oxford to Cambridge Arc growth/ spatial strategy. This would also be consistent with other emerging Local Plan Reviews within the Oxford-Cambridge Arc; e.g. West Northamptonshire Strategic Plan, which will set out a spatial vision for the future of the area extended up to 2050.

The following priorities for East Northamptonshire Council should be noted: • Upgrades to the A6, particularly if new development is proposed at one or more of the potential new settlements (red option), or if new urban focused growth is to come forward as an extension to Rushden (brown option); • Delivery of a new rail station, either at Sharnbrook (red option) or Wymington (brown option); in addition consideration should be given to the opportunity for park and ride to serve the wider area; • Delivery of enhanced green infrastructure connections between the rural hinterland of the Borough and the local Rushden/ Souldrop green infrastructure corridor (North Northamptonshire Joint Core Strategy 2011-2031, Figure 17/ Policy 19).

If the Local Plan is to proceed with the red or brown options, new employment should be delivered in line with proposed Rushden/ St Neots urban extensions or the chosen new settlement(s) to provide sustainability.

Any of the yellow, pink and orange approaches, all of which focus upon the A421 and east/ west rail corridor, could potentially secure benefits arising from this key element of the Oxford to Cambridge Arc.

I agree

The prominent inclusion of climate change within the Local Plan vision is supported, although specific policies to address this will need to be deliverable; i.e. aspirational but achievable.

Seeking Local Plan standards that go above and beyond the “baseline” requirements of the Building Regulations through the Local Plan could be supported, although it is emphasised that in all cases these are negotiable as part of viability assessments.

Bedford Borough is well served by strategic transport corridors, with the A421/ east west rail corridor, and A6/ Midland Mainline corridor. It is noted that the proposed Plan vision highlights the opportunities that the new east/ west rail route will offer, in association with the Oxford to Cambridge Arc. However, East Northamptonshire Council would also highlight the potential for enhanced connectivity along the north/ south A6/ Midland Mainline corridor.

Close engagement and working with the relevant stakeholders (Natural England, Environment Agency and the Wildlife Trust) is critical to maximise opportunities for securing net biodiversity gain and/ or the protection of sensitive natural environmental assets in association with new developments. In particular understanding the future impact of development in the north of the Borough in relation to the Upper Nene Gravel Pits Special Protection Area/ Ramsar site will be critical.