Issues and Options

We would love all the above to be put into policies that would enable it to happen.

Difficult to comment on this as the government policies are a moving feast.

No

All development policies should conform to clear standards on climate change, biodiversity net gain and environmental net gain. Review also needs to consider how to incorporate the requirements of the Environment Bill currently going through Parliament

Ouse River Valley should be included in the vision and a net gain in the natural environment should be included in addition to a net gain in biodiversity and reducing the carbon footprint.

I agree with this plan period

2040 is acceptable as an end date for the Plan. A statutory spatial strategy should be agreed before development begins on the Oxford/Cambridge arc and 2018 ONS data should be used to calculate housing need. 2018 data would reduce the number of new houses to be built from around 1,300 p.a. to around 800 p.a. and therefore represents a “meaningful” change under PPG 2a-016-20150227, paragraph 16. The need to use the latest available information was highlighted by the Inspectors of Central Bedfordshire Local Plan and if Bedford BC continues to use the standard method, they could be open to Judicial Review.

Brown – Urban based growth , Yellow – A421 based growth , Pink – Rail growth

Of the 6 options suggested by Bedford BC, a combination of brown (urban), yellow (A421) and pink (rail growth) is preferred. Considering the 2018 ONS data, the current target of around 900 homes p.a. should be reviewed. The change in work/transport patterns should be considered and net zero around connectivity and transport should be explained. Criteria surrounding A6 congestion and environmental impacts, including air pollution, should also be published. Bedford BC should complete Wixams as soon as possible rather than pausing development as with land in Central Bedfordshire, 6,000 more homes could be provided.

Growth should improve the quality of life and so segregated cycle paths, green space standards, quality housing layouts, adequate water resources & water treatment facilities and high quality employment rather than warehousing should be included. Renewable energy facilities should be provided and the move to electric vehicles supported. Housing & public buildings should be energy efficient and existing housing should be retrofitted to these standards. As more housing in the town centre is likely following the closure of retail units, it is important that these houses are converted to a high standard. Soft infrastructure e.g. doctor’s surgeries and sufficient hospital beds also needs to be put in place.

Brownfield sites should be prioritised and employment should be accessible by walking/cycling & public transport. There should be design standards for commercial sites to improve sustainability e.g. solar panels on warehouses and these standards should cover landscaping, green space and biodiversity. The Local Plan would need to link in with the Town Centre Strategy

The attractiveness of Bedford should be increased by enhancing the river areas, particularly to the east and west of the town centre e.g. buildings and accessible public spaces should provide safe access to and should face onto the river. Cycleways within and into the town should be improved and walks in the rural area should be better signposted. Cultural and leisure sites and activities should be promoted and the tourism centre enhanced. Cambridge spin out businesses could be encouraged to locate in Bedford rather than Cambridgeshire villages given improved connectivity through the arc. Public transport links to and parking at the train station should also be improved.

Events and activities in Bedford should be better and more widely publicised. Closure of retail chains provides an opportunity for small businesses and these should be encouraged by better publicity in the rural areas as well as the town.