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New searchThe general proposed scope of the plan appears to cover the main matters which would be anticipated to be included within the Local Plan Review. However, given that one of the background requirements for the review relates to providing for long term growth (in particular in relation to delivery within the Oxford to Cambridge Arc), it is considered that the scope should explicitly reference this matter. We welcome the inclusion of employment growth in the scope of the Local Plan Review as this was not included in the Local Plan 2030, and this is crucial for the economic growth of the Borough, particularly as we try to bounce back from the impacts of the Covid 19 crisis.
The Draft Vision does not mention employment other than attracting high tech employment in the context of East-West Rail. The Vision should also include a desire to facilitate all types of employment in the Borough as a whole and to enable existing sites to expand. Although referencing East-West Rail and improved connectivity to Oxford and Cambridge, it is considered that the vision should include and elaborate on how it will have supported and contributed to the ambitious growth objectives within the Oxford to Cambridge Arc.
As has been set out, the examination of the 2030 Local Plan established that the requirements for this ‘immediate’ review is to address the development ambitions of the Oxford – Cambridge Arc and to maintain adequate house building rates in the context of the Inspectors noting that the 2030 Local Plan relied on Neighbourhood Plan housing sites. Although it is acknowledged that it will challenging, it would appear logical to suggest that the plan period should correspond with the growth ambitions of the Oxford – Cambridge arc, and accordingly it is considered that the plan period should be extended to 2050.
The Dispersed Growth option allows growth to be distributed proportionally throughout the Borough. We agree that the majority of development will still be focused around Bedford but growth will also be allocated proportionally in other settlements. This will ensure that no particular area will be overburdened with development whilst enabling the benefits of development to be shared throughout the Borough. This will help to increase and maintain the vitality of settlements in the rural area. We disagree that this strategy would not facilitate employment growth provided this is directed to the most appropriate locations. This would also provide new rural employment opportunities and facilitate the expansion of existing sites.
Infrastructure including high speed broadband and connectivity by road and rail are considered key considerations in the delivery of employment growth in Bedford Borough.
It is considered that the location of new employment sites should correspond to the development strategy, ensuring that they are in accessible locations and well associated to the locations of growth. The Council should also look for opportunities for existing employment sites to expand. This is an efficient way to increase economic growth and productivity and to provide more job opportunities and training. The Council should create planning policies which support the growth of existing businesses including those located within the rural area. These objectives are set out in Section 6 of the NPPF. Our client’s site at Land At Keysoe Road, Thurleigh which has been submitted through the Call For Sites process, is one such site which is available for expansion. This site is located in an established commercial area adjacent to Thurleigh Airfield and a demolition and reclamation yard. The site is previously developed, and can accommodate up to an additional 9ha of land for B1, B2, and B8 uses. The NPPF supports the use of previously developed land in the rural area for employment purposes and states that opportunities should be encouraged where they exist (Paragraph 84). Our clients site at Land South Of Goldington Road is also available for expansion. The site measures 14.3 ha and can accommodate mixed use development as well as a recreation and open space opportunity.
Providing growth along and around the strategic connections between Oxford and Cambridge (e.g. A421 and East-West Rail) are considered key to acting as draws into the Borough and increasing the value of its economy.
No further views are held on this matter.
It is considered that the provision of guidance for developers on how to respond to climate change would be useful in providing clarity on the expectations of the Council on this matter. It is considered that any guidance should focus on matters of planning rather than duplicating requirements covered by alternative regimes such as Building Regulations.
It is considered that the Council is best placed to determine whether there is evidence that house building within the Borough is required to go beyond new national house building standards.
