Issues and Options

I agree

Bedford BC should produce further guidance for developers on how to respond to climate change and climate change measures in commercial, business and public estate premises in addition to housing. Quantified targets should be introduced for biodiversity & environmental net gain and for climate change measures. Cambridgeshire has agreed to a doubling of land managed for nature and Bedford BC should do so and, in addition, follow the Nature’s Arc guidance produced by Wildlife Trusts, RSPB & the Woodland Trust. Sustainable housing standards should also be enforced.

Higher standards should be implemented so that better quality homes in better quality developments encourage people to live and work in the Borough. Housing should be varied and include more contemporary design and should be large enough to enable working from home. High water efficiency standards should be introduced as the east is one of the driest areas of the country.

Safe, segregated cycle routes should be built and sustainable transport should be more beneficial and an easier choice for individuals rather than using a person’s own car. Bedford BC should examine schemes in other parts of the country e.g. in Bristol there are charging points and a car at the end of streets and residents join a car club to make use of them. EEH Transport Strategy aims to create transport hubs and one should be implemented at Bedford station so electric cars & bikes and cycles can be hired. Such hubs would also encourage economic growth in the area. Bus timetables should be linked to train timetables so waiting is reduced to 15 minutes and bus fares should be cheap enough for residents to want to use them. Buses should also be electric and appropriate sizes for village roads.

It will be important to consider the provisions of the Environment Bill currently going through Parliament and the Local Nature Recovery Strategies it establishes. Land managed for nature should be doubled and the Great Ouse Valley given Conservation Area status. Quantifiable targets on biodiversity and environmental net gain should be introduced. Green infrastructure standards should be linked to health benefits and should include minimum walking distances from housing. Policies should be included on air & water quality and tranquility/noise. There should be public consultation on housing standards and strategies.

Green infrastructure standards should be linked to health - see Question 12. Health issues and benefits should be addressed and promoted in the public estate and schools. Local food production and reduction of food miles should be encouraged. Programmes to support whole family health should be pursued.