Local Plan 2040 Draft Plan - Strategy options and draft policies consultation

Object

Representation ID: 3812

Received: 26/08/2021

Respondent: Roxton Parish Council

The Local Plan states that EWR through Bedford will be complete and that it will attract connectivity, investment and growth. However, there is a very real danger that this could have a negative impact and make Bedford a dormitory town by providing fast transport links to employment in the neighbouring cities.

The statement about Riverside villages forming the backbone of the green and blue infrastructure is questionable when the intended route of EWR will destroy a number of those villages.

Transport policy suggests improvements to the overall movement of people with an integrated system which is good. However, the X5 from Roxton which allowed the transport of bicycles, buggies etc in the hold has been replaced by the 905 which does not provide those facilities.

RPC supports the intent that developments are sensitively planned to complement the borough’s natural environment. Planned developments such as EWR and the A428/Black Cat development require sensitive planning, as will other potential developments that result of these projects (additional service stations/area, warehouse and commercial developments). If these items are proposed they must be considered alongside the need to maintain the rural nature of the surrounding areas and the character of nearby villages.

Object

Representation ID: 3813

Received: 26/08/2021

Respondent: Roxton Parish Council

Theme 4 Mentions high quality health and social care. It is imperative to improve these services as currently they are inadequate for the Bedfordshire villages. We know for example in the Roxton area that our local surgeries are already overcrowded even before the 90 houses in Great Barford and forthcoming 50 in Roxton.

Any housing quantity plan must consider the impact on local infrastructure and facilities. RPC would like to see more publicised supporting evidence and consultation of local people and Parish Councils when developers state that existing facilities and infrastructure have available capacity to cope with growth. Such statements do not always match the evidence available in the local communities on a day to day basis.

Object

Representation ID: 3814

Received: 26/08/2021

Respondent: Roxton Parish Council

RPC suggests new shops, schools etc should be delivered within existing local centres in new developments.

Support

Representation ID: 3815

Received: 26/08/2021

Respondent: Roxton Parish Council

Of the options presented, RPC prefers Option 2a.

Object

Representation ID: 3816

Received: 26/08/2021

Respondent: Roxton Parish Council

RPC suggests the requirement to deliver 10% of new housing on smaller site should be reduced to 5%.

Object

Representation ID: 3817

Received: 26/08/2021

Respondent: Roxton Parish Council

Until sites are allocated in a sensible consistent manner no comment can be made.

Object

Representation ID: 3818

Received: 26/08/2021

Respondent: Roxton Parish Council

With respect to “managing the night-time economy to reduce disturbance”; RPC recognises while these policies are directed towards town centre developments, RPC is aware of two recent planning applications for commercial activities (app ref: 20/02961/MAF & app ref: 21/00869/M73A). Both applications would/could result in 24hrs commercial activities introducing noise and light pollution in a rural setting. Such applications should be controlled by condition to limit the disturbance they cause on neighbouring residential properties.

Object

Representation ID: 3819

Received: 26/08/2021

Respondent: Roxton Parish Council

RPC believes the existing encampment at Kelpie Marina adequately supports the demand for G&T pitches in the area around Roxton.

Support

Representation ID: 3820

Received: 26/08/2021

Respondent: Roxton Parish Council

RPC has no comments to make.

Support

Representation ID: 3821

Received: 26/08/2021

Respondent: Roxton Parish Council

RPC has no comments to make.