Bedford Borough Local Plan 2040 Plan for Submission

Support

Representation ID: 10043

Received: 28/07/2022

Respondent: The Southill Estate

Agent: Carter Jonas LLP

SUPPORT

Policy DS2(S) contains the spatial strategy for PSBLP, which seeks to focus development within the urban area, selected strategic locations adjacent to the urban area, and at growth locations within the East West Rail/A421 Corridor. The preferred spatial strategy is explained in the Development Strategy and Site Selection Topic Paper, which is based on Option 2b. The key parts of the preferred spatial strategy are set out in Paragraph 5.3 of the Topic Paper, which in summary concentrates growth in the urban area and in the A421 Corridor, at strategic employment sites well related to the strategic road and rail network, and in locations that would support strategic green infrastructure projects in the South of Bedford Area. The preferred spatial strategy is consistent with national policy contained in the NPPF in terms of sustainable transport objectives. Paragraph 105 of the NPPF expects the planning system to actively manage patterns of growth to support the delivery of sustainable transport objectives, with significant development directed to locations that are or can be made sustainable. Paragraph 106 expects planning policies to include the following: to support a mix of uses across an area; to minimise journeys within larger scale sites; to align strategies for sustainable transport and development patterns; to provide for attractive and well-designed walking and cycling networks; and to provide for any large public transport projects such as East West Rail.

The two promoted developments by the Southill Estate, which are identified as draft allocations in PSBLP, at Abbey Field West of Elstow (Policy HOU 5) and Pear Tree Farm Elstow (Policy EMP 5) are consistent with the preferred spatial strategy and with national policy relating to sustainable transport. The promoted developments are in accessible locations, and are well related to the urban area, to other proposed strategic developments, and to proposed transport infrastructure projects in the A421 Corridor including East West Rail. The promoted developments include policy requirements for pedestrian and cycle connections with the surrounding area and existing networks. The promoted developments also include policy requirements for the delivery of open space and green infrastructure, and for connections to green corridors in the South of Bedford Area.

The spatial strategy contained in Policy DS2(S) is supported, and no changes are required.

Support

Representation ID: 10044

Received: 28/07/2022

Respondent: The Southill Estate

Agent: Carter Jonas LLP

SUPPORT

Policy DS1(S) seeks to support a move towards carbon neutrality, and refers to minimising the need to travel, accessibility by sustainable modes of transport, the density of development, the use of renewable and low carbon energy, and the delivery of green infrastructure. The approach towards carbon neutrality is consistent with national policy contained in the NPPF, and in particular Sections 8, 9 and 14. The two promoted developments by the Southill Estate at Abbey Field West of Elstow and Pear Tree Farm Elstow are in accessible locations, and are well related to the urban area, to other proposed strategic developments, and to proposed transport infrastructure projects in the A421 Corridor. The promoted developments include policy requirements for pedestrian and cycle connections with the surrounding area and existing networks - see Policies HOU 5 and EMP 5. There is a clear opportunity for the promoted developments to minimise the need to travel and encourage the use of sustainable modes of transport. The promoted developments also include policy requirements for the delivery of open space and green infrastructure, and for connections to green corridors. As set out in the Southill Estate’s representations to Policy HOU 5, the promoted development at the Abbey Fields West of Elstow site could accommodate more dwellings than currently indicated in the housing trajectory. An increase in the number of dwellings at the promoted development would increase the density, which would be more consistent with the aims of carbon neutrality. It is too early to determine the energy strategy for the promoted developments, but it is anticipated that the buildings would be energy efficient, and the developments would incorporate renewable and low carbon energy technologies. Therefore, the promoted developments would contribute towards carbon neutrality. The policy of moving towards carbon neutrality is supported, and no changes are required.

Support

Representation ID: 10045

Received: 28/07/2022

Respondent: The Southill Estate

Agent: Carter Jonas LLP

The PSBLP identifies four themes to deliver the Vision, which are as follows: greener; more accessible; more prosperous; and better places. The four themes are consistent with national policy and the sustainable development objectives contained in the NPPF. The Southill Estate owns two parcels of land that are identified as draft allocations in PSBLP, which would contribute towards the delivery of all four themes.

The greener theme refers to development integrating with the surrounding landscape and multi-functional green infrastructure. The promoted development at the Abbey Field West of Elstow site (Policy HOU 5) includes policy requirements for the delivery of open space, connections to an existing green corridor, and other green infrastructure. The promoted development at the Pear Tree Farm Elstow site (Policy EMP 5) includes policy requirements for contributions towards the Forest of Marston Vale, and the delivery of a green corridor and landscaping. Therefore, these two promoted developments would contribute towards the greener theme.

The more accessible theme refers to reducing congestion and encouraging travel by sustainable modes of transport. The promoted developments at Abbey Field West of Elstow and Pear Tree Farm Elstow include policy requirements for pedestrian and cycle connections with the surrounding area and existing networks. The promoted developments are in close proximity to one another, with one for residential use and the other for employment uses. The promoted developments are well related to the urban area, to other proposed strategic developments, and to proposed transport infrastructure projects. The promoted development would provide an opportunity for current and future residents to live close to work, and would make it more likely that travel for regular day to day journeys would be by sustainable modes of transport rather than the private car. Therefore, the promoted developments would contribute towards the more accessible theme.

The more prosperous theme refers to supporting a stronger local economy and delivering high value jobs. The promoted development at the Pear Tree Farm Elstow site is within the South of Bedford Area and is specifically identified as a draft allocation for a high value science and innovation park. As such, the promoted development would directly contribute towards the more prosperous theme.

The better places theme refers to meeting housing needs. The promoted development at Abbey Fields West of Elstow is for residential development, and would provide a mix of house types, sizes and tenures including affordable housing. The site is included in the housing trajectory for PSBLP, and it contributes towards the housing supply during the plan period. Therefore, the promoted development would contribute towards the better places theme. As set out in the Southill Estate’s representations to Policy HOU 5, the site could accommodate more dwellings and could be delivered much earlier than currently indicated in the housing trajectory. If the requested changes to Policy HOU 5 are made the promoted development would make a greater contribution towards the better places theme, and provide more housing earlier in the plan period.

The promoted developments at Abbey Fields West of Elstow and at Pear Tree Farm Elstow could contribute towards the delivery of all four themes. The four themes are all supported, and no changes are required.

Support

Representation ID: 10046

Received: 28/07/2022

Respondent: The Southill Estate

Agent: Carter Jonas LLP

The Vision refers to growth supported by infrastructure, sustainable transport, green infrastructure, new neighbourhoods, high quality commercial and office spaces, and good design. The Southill Estate owns two parcels of land that are identified as draft allocations in the Pre Submission Bedford Local Plan (PSBLP): land at Abbey Field West of Elstow site for residential development (Policy HOU 5); and land at Pear Tree Farm Elstow for a science and innovation park (Policy EMP 5). These two draft allocations could deliver parts of the Vision for PSBLP. The sites are well related to the urban area. The promoted developments would provide housing and employment including high quality innovation space, and would contribute towards the growth of the local economy. The sites are in an accessible location, and the promoted developments would provide connections by sustainable modes of transport. The promoted developments would include open space and green infrastructure, and would connect with a green corridor project in the surrounding area. The design and layout of the promoted developments would take into account the characteristics of the site and surrounding area, including the historic environment and landscape character. The Vision is supported, and no changes are required.