Bedford Borough Council’s Local Plan 2040, which will see where increases in homes and jobs across the Borough will be, has been passed to the Government’s Planning Inspectorate so that “examination in public” can take place
On Wednesday (11 January), Bedford Borough Council’s Executive and Full Council considered the response to the summer 2022 Local Plan 2040 consultation, which took into account Bedfordians’ thoughts on the options.
The Council must plan for 1,355 new homes to be built in the Borough every year up to 2040.
The Local Plan 2040 looks at where these homes will be built and what is needed to make sure there is enough transport, schools and public open spaces to support the people living in them.
The Plan’s development strategy focuses first on brownfield sites within the urban area and town centre regeneration opportunities.
In addition, sites beyond, but close to, the urban area will help to deliver green infrastructure opportunities, such as the Bedford River Valley Park.
The council also maintains that two new planned settlements, one at the former brickworks at Kempston Hardwick and one at Little Barford will benefit from access to planned rail stations.
Mayor Dave Hodgson, said; “I was pleased that our plan was supported by the majority of councillors from across the political spectrum at [Wednesday’s] meeting, with Liberal Democrat, Labour, Independent, Green and Conservative Councillors all voting in favour of its submission.
“Submitting our documents to the Planning Inspectorate marks a significant milestone in the planning process. It means that we are one step closer to finalising the plan and delivering much-needed sustainable growth opportunities for new homes and jobs.
“In the months to come, our focus will be on providing information to the Planning Inspector so that the formal examination of the plan can be swiftly concluded, and the plan adopted as Council policy.
The Plan also focuses on encouraging high-skilled employment opportunities alongside housing development, with 26,700 new jobs planned as well as bringing policies up to date to support the regeneration of our town centres.
Public hearings about the plans are expected to take place later in 2023, with the independent Planning Inspector expected to make their recommendations towards the end of the year.
Please visit bedford.gov.uk/LocalPlan2040 to find out more.
