The Local Plan 2040 sets out where new build homes and jobs will be located in Bedford Borough up to the year 2040, in order to meet nationally determined growth targets. It also plans for new services and infrastructure, including transport, schools and public open spaces to support sustainable communities.
Bedford will become a greener & more sustainable
By 2040, the council hopes that Bedford will have become a greener, more sustainable, more attractive and prosperous place to live and work. Tackling climate change and adapting to and mitigating its effects will be at the heart of new development, they say.
The Local Plan 2040 focuses mainly on a strategy to guide housing and employment growth to meet the government’s targets, and the infrastructure needed to support it. The Council say it is legally obliged to plan for a set number of homes: 1,355 per year to 2040. The Plan’s Strategy focuses on new development first in the urban area, including suitable, previously developed ‘brownfield’ sites.
Two new settlements close to new rail stations
The Plan then focuses on growth at sites just outside the urban area that will help to deliver green infrastructure projects such as Bedford River Valley Park, and at new locations on the East West Rail / A421 corridor that benefit from good access to planned rail stations. It proposes two new settlements close to new rail stations on the proposed East West Rail line; at the former brickworks at Kempston Hardwick and at Little Barford to the east of the Borough, where the East West Rail line is planned to cross the East Coast Main Line.
This plan also focuses on encouraging high-skilled employment opportunities alongside housing development, with up to 26,700 jobs planned at a number of sites across the borough. Residents have until July 29 to have their say on the developments.
Focusing on sustainable growth for homes, jobs & infrastructure
Mayor Dave Hodgson said: “This Plan focuses on sustainable growth for homes, jobs, infrastructure, and the future of our town centre, and policies around climate change, setting out a vision for the Borough that is greener, more sustainable, more attractive and prosperous place to live and work.
Following consultation in 2020 and 2021, this new draft Local Plan is now open for its final public consultation before submission, and comments are welcome until July 29, 2022.
