Mayor Dave Writes: Have Your Say on Draft Plan which Focuses Development on Brownfield Sites

Consultation on Bedford Borough Council's draft 'Local Plan 2030' closes in a matter of days, on Tuesday 30th October at 5pm. In his October column for the Bedford Borough Bulletin Mayor Dave Hodgson cut through the 'politically motivated spin' about the plan coming from some quarters and set out the facts on a plan which is designed to focus the housing development required for the Borough on brownfield sites and protects existing communities from unsuitable or sprawling development.

Here's the full piece:

"Public consultation on the Bedford Borough 'Local Plan 2030' is underway and runs until Tuesday 30th October 2018.

The plan sets out proposals for growth and development in the Borough through to 2030. So it's a crucial document for the Borough and its future, and it's important to cut through the politically motivated spin coming from some quarters to ensure people are informed about exactly what is at stake and what is being proposed.

The Council is required by Government to plan for 14,550 homes to be built by 2030. With allocations and permissions already in place for over half of this number the plan proposes new sites for around 6,000 homes.

Our strategy throughout has been to focus development on urban, brownfield sites and to protect existing communities from excessive and unsuitable development. That includes seeking to preserve the character and identity of existing villages, and preventing the merging of villages with each other or with the urban area. We want development that provides the new housing the Borough needs where it needs it, helping people access housing suitable for them and their family locally.

It's difficult to achieve these priorities, especially when you have to meet strict government targets, but we think the plan strikes the right balance. We want to know what local residents think, however, so please have a look and give your views. The consultation paper and all the accompanying documents are available at www.bedford.gov.uk/localplan2030.

Please note that all comments received during the last round of public consultation earlier this year will be sent to the examining Inspector. So, if you gave your views on a part of the plan that hasn't changed and your views have not changed, you do not need to resubmit your comments. I'm grateful to all individuals and groups who take part, as we tackle this major challenge for Bedford Borough together."

You can read the October edition of the Bedford Bulletin online here.