Issues and Options

No

The Local Plan Review needs to consider existing and future needs for outdoor sport, based on the outputs from the recently commissioned outdoor sports facilities strategy (2020) and the review needs to give more prominence to encouraging development that makes provision for informal and formal sport and physical activity, to improve the health of the population and reduce the burden on the NHS.

There is an opportunity to think about the future of the town centre, given changes in retail habits. There is an opportunity to look at the town centre as a destination for social activity, including better facilities for formal and informal activity, better open spaces, facilities such as outdoor gyms, and better facilities for pedestrians and cyclists. Sport England has published 'Active Design' which seeks to make existing places more conducive to formal and informal activity through design, including improving networks for walking and cycling. We would welcome reference to this document in the revised document: https://www.sportengland.org/how-we-can-help/facilities-and-planning/design-and-cost-guidance/active-design

There is a definite need to improve footpaths and cycleways within Bedford Borough, to encourage more people to walk and cycle safely. I hope these comments are helpful, and can be given consideration.