Bedford Borough Local Plan 2040 Plan for Submission

Comment

Representation ID: 9809

Received: 25/07/2022

Respondent: Pertenhall & Swineshead Parish Council

This consultation on the draft Local Plan 2040 relates to the changes made in updating the recently adopted Local Plan 2030, most of the policies of which are retained in Appendix 1 of the Draft. For the most part, it is these (2030) policies that most directly affect our parish and which we broadly welcomed. These included defining Settlement Policy Areas which include Swineshead (apart from Green Lane). Pertenhall is not defined as a Settlement Policy Areas and so is generally considered an “area of countryside”. However, a new settlement character was introduced. 12 Small Settlements across the District were identified, including Pertenhall Wood End. The 2030 Plan policies relating to countryside planning generally, landscape, biodiversity, greenspace, minerals, renewable energy and so on are all retained.

Comment

Representation ID: 9810

Received: 25/07/2022

Respondent: Pertenhall & Swineshead Parish Council

It is difficult to take issue with any of the statements included in the Vision; they are to be supported, although there must be some question over the East West Rail project .

Comment

Representation ID: 9811

Received: 25/07/2022

Respondent: Pertenhall & Swineshead Parish Council

4 Themes outlined – 1. Greener
2. More accessible
3. More prosperous
4. Better places
These set out objectives it is generally impossible to object to, but do make one wonder how consistent with them some of the plan proposals are – e.g. a diesel powered E-W rail through quiet and attractive landscape?

Support

Representation ID: 9812

Received: 25/07/2022

Respondent: Pertenhall & Swineshead Parish Council

Policy DS1 (S) Resources and climate change – specifies a range of ways in which development must support a move to carbon neutrality.
This is comprehensive and can be supported.

Support

Representation ID: 9813

Received: 25/07/2022

Respondent: Pertenhall & Swineshead Parish Council

Policy DS2 (S) Spatial Strategy -
By concentrating on accessible locations, the spatial strategy aims to minimise the need to travel by car and therefore reduce the emission of carbon dioxide in line with the objectives of the plan. The growth locations proposed are not close to this parish:
There is a section of the policy dealing with the Rural Area:
“xii. The completion of strategic Key Service Centre and more limited Rural Service Centre residential development identified in Local
Plan 2030 on sites which are allocated in neighbourhood plans and the completion of Local Plan 2030 Policy 27 Land north of
School Lane, Roxton:
xiii. Safeguarding the intrinsic character of the countryside and the environment and biodiversity within it through the careful
management of development to meet local needs while supporting the rural economy.”
This seems entirely reasonable.

Comment

Representation ID: 9814

Received: 25/07/2022

Respondent: Pertenhall & Swineshead Parish Council

Town Centre & Retail Policies: Not relevant to this parish.

Comment

Representation ID: 9815

Received: 25/07/2022

Respondent: Pertenhall & Swineshead Parish Council

Policy DM1(S) Affordable Housing – relates to sites of 10 or more residential units or sites of <0.5 hectares, so unlikely to apply to us.

Comment

Representation ID: 9816

Received: 25/07/2022

Respondent: Pertenhall & Swineshead Parish Council

Policy DM3(S) Housing Mix – no objection.

Comment

Representation ID: 9817

Received: 25/07/2022

Respondent: Pertenhall & Swineshead Parish Council

Policy DM4 First Homes Exception Policy - Difficult to argue with the principle, but one to watch for.

Comment

Representation ID: 9818

Received: 25/07/2022

Respondent: Pertenhall & Swineshead Parish Council

Policy DM5 Self-build and custom housebuilding – Unlikely to apply here.