Bedford Borough Local Plan 2040 Plan for Submission

SUPPORT: Equestrian use and development is an important part of the rural landscape and economy and merits specific policy support within the Local Plan.
As identified at supporting paragraph 6.69, equestrian development supports job creation in rural areas. In addition to providing economic gain to the rural economy, it also promotes land management, health and well-being and a connection with the natural environment.
We do suggest a simplification of the title of the policy and wording of the introductory paragraph to provide greater clarity. The proposed changes are:
‘Policy DM9 Equestrian Development and Activities’
and
‘Proposals for equestrian development and will be permitted provided that the proposal would:…..’
Other than that, we have no further comments and support this policy.

SUPPORT: As rural advisers, we understand the importance of incorporating clear and precise policy within the Local Plan to support employment development opportunities for farmers and landowners.
Opportunities for the diversification of rural businesses, as supported through Policy DM8, will be particularly important over the coming years as farmers and landowners face the most challenging of circumstances including those posed by Brexit, the ongoing effects of Covid-19, implications of the war in Ukraine and the renewed focus on moving towards Net Zero by 2040. Additional employment opportunities in the rural economy provide essential support to farming and rural businesses and provide benefits to the broader economy.
Policy DM8 provides the essential opportunities needed to ensure that rural businesses can continue to operate in a sustainable and viable way providing long term stability for the rural economy and supporting job creation.