Bedford Borough Local Plan 2040 Plan for Submission

Support

Representation ID: 10380

Received: 29/07/2022

Respondent: Liberal Democrat Party Bedford Borough Council

• We value the significant role Parish Councils have played through developing their own Neighbourhood Plans. It is important that local residents and representatives have their say on developments in their local area.

Comment

Representation ID: 10382

Received: 29/07/2022

Respondent: Liberal Democrat Party Bedford Borough Council

• If passed, the Levelling Up and Regeneration Bill will deliver many of the Government’s planning changes set out in their Planning White Paper. It encourages the construction of new vertical slums. It proposes the removal of powers of local authorities to ensure housing is good enough to live in, the removal of powers to protect active frontage in town centres – threatening the viability of shopping parades – and risks a lack of control over waste collection, with rubbish piled in streets effectively the result of current Government policy. This should be safeguarded against with specific policies to ensure all can live in safe, healthy and sustainable housing.

Comment

Representation ID: 10387

Received: 29/07/2022

Respondent: Liberal Democrat Party Bedford Borough Council

• The Government-determined Standard Method – through a variety of incorrect assumptions and processes, including its use of 2014 rather than more current data – penalises Bedford Borough as it results in a much higher housing target.

• In addition to the various actions already taken by the Council to raise concerns and object to this method, we welcome further steps to work with our parishes and Borough Councillors to oppose the Government’s methodology and their proposed planning changes.

• In a similar vein, we should write to DLUHC to request the reform of viability assessments to ensure that developers’ wider profits are taken into account and that viability includes the true cost of development including environmental standards, vital infrastructure and affordable housing.

Comment

Representation ID: 10388

Received: 29/07/2022

Respondent: Liberal Democrat Party Bedford Borough Council

The Council’s response to consultation comments
A great deal of misinformation has been spread regarding the local plan. The Borough Council should, in its response, clarify and correct these misunderstandings or inaccurate reports. In many cases the responses are well-intentioned.
We should also seek alliances with parish councils to explain the issues with the standard method but also challenge the current and proposed planning systems.

Support

Representation ID: 10389

Received: 29/07/2022

Respondent: Liberal Democrat Party Bedford Borough Council

The amount of work put into developing a local plan is huge and should be recognised. At a time of huge strain on local taxpayers and council resources – not just a result of the pandemic, but the ongoing government cuts and the spiralling cost of living crisis – the delivery and protection of a five-year land supply and the upholding of planning decisions should be commended and all planning officers thanked for their work in developing and upholding such a comprehensive current and future plan.