Issues and Options

Yes

We support the strong local need for infrastructure development before occupation of housing, strongly support biodiversity and environmental sustainability, and would support local policies to push as hard as legally possible for sustainable housing and the support of local energy generation and green transport. In addition, we would support specific policies and requirements for the provision of the following: a) sufficient affordable housing, b) meaningfully affordable housing, c) environmentally sustainable communities and green housing, d) sufficient upfront infrastructure including, but not limited to: a. education provision, b. health services, c. sustainable transport, d. full-fibre broadband, and e. other infrastructure capacity.

I agree with this plan period

We support the local plan review period as proposed.

Nothing chosen

It should be made clear that no single way forward would deliver enough housing to satisfy the Conservative Government’s imposed target. However, a mix of the options, preserving the distinctiveness of our rural communities whilst sharing development fairly between different areas will be of critical importance. Urban and brown field sites should, where possible, be prioritised.

Please see our previous comments regarding infrastructure and different types of infrastructure.

We welcome the success of the Liberal Democrat led authority in securing the route of East West Rail going through Bedford’s main railway station. We urge the authority to continue to support this investment despite apparent opposition from the Conservatives.

We support greater flexibility around use of buildings within the town centre, whilst seeking to preserve the feel and accessibility of the town centre, as well as enhancing the environment.

I agree

Questions 9, 10 and 11 Yes, we support new planning standards and guidance for developers on how to respond to climate change. These standards should support local and renewable energy generation, connectivity – including at every opportunity the building in of full-fibre broadband capacity, and sustainable transport links and green corridors. We should support sustainable modes of transport and accessible transport but note that the local authority should seek to secure sufficient funding to support this from central government. We note in this context the 38% cuts (Institute of Fiscal Studies) in local government funding from central government over the last 10 years.

We note the inaccurate briefing by a local MP which suggests that as part of a local plan the Local Authority would ‘build houses’ directly. We recommend the local authority write to consultation respondents concerned about this housing process to clarify the Government targets and policies with which we are required to comply. We would also recommend that the Borough write to local Conservative MPs to inform them of their Government’s policy, copying in Parish Councils and Borough Councillors. We would also like to take this opportunity to put on record our huge concerns in relation to Conservative Government proposals for the weakening of local communities’ and councils’ planning powers, the ongoing reductions in financial support for local authorities, and their desire to facilitate poor-quality and unaffordable housing. These plans should be resisted and as a champion of parish councils and the rural and urban parishes and town councils, Bedford Borough Council should continue to fight these proposals. We would also specifically advocate for the protection of recreation, leisure and sporting infrastructure including, but not limited to, the Bedford River Valley Park, Great Denham Golf Course, and the central place of the River Great Ouse in our Borough, as well as the surrounding rural area and rural communities.