Have Your Say On The Future Of Bedford

9 June 2010, 08:07

Bedford Borough Council have started a public consultation into hundreds of sites they've put forward for future developments across the area.

These include areas for large-scale development like a massive northern expansion of the Wixams, smaller plots for new business units, and several new sites for possible permanent gypsy and traveller sites.

The sites are detailed in the council's Allocations and Designations Plan, which you can see in detail by clicking here...

The plan and all background documents will also be available at Borough Hall, Town Hall, and for inspection at all libraries (including mobile libraries).

Councillor Colleen Atkins, Portfolio Holder for Housing and Planning, said: "This plan is vitally important for the future of Bedford Borough and will set out how the borough will grow and develop between now and 2021.  In recognition of this we have strived to make the consultation as open and accessible as possible."

"The views of everyone taking part in the consultation will help us to put together the next stage of our plans, affecting developments across the borough for years to come. I urge everyone who is interested to get involved and respond to the consultation."

The consultation runs until 13th July 2010.

Here's a breakdown of what's in the plan:

HOUSING

11 new sites are being suggested for housing growth across the Borough.  Of these nine are in Bedford and Kempston, the other two are in Wootton and the expansion of the Wixams.

EMPLOYMENT

The Council say they need to allocate at least 21 hectares of business park land.  The areas being put forward include sites in Elstow, Kempston, Wootton and Bedford.

OTHER SITES

This part of the plan deals with land which the council want to use for use other than housing and employment.  They're proposing to move the park-and-ride facility on Cardington Road in Bedford.  They've also put forward sites for new hotels in Elstow and Bedford, and a place of worship in Bromham.

RURAL AREAS

Five sites have been put forward in villages around the borough.  They're in Great Barford, Wyboston, Harrold and Salph End Renhold and Willington.

BEDFORD RIVER VALLEY PARK

The proposed River Valley Park between Willington and Bedford is being supported in the plan.  The council say it'll eventuallly be home to employment, leisure and education facilities as well as a retirement complex.

GYPSY, TRAVELLER AND TRAVELLING SHOWPEOPLE SITES

The sites being put forward are:

  • Land at Manton Lane, Bedford
  • Land west of Progress Park, Bedford
  • Meadow Lane, Bedford
  • Land adjoining Browns Wood, Clapham
  • Bedford Road, Great Barford
  • Old Filling Station on A603, Cople
  • Land off Bedford Road, Roxton
  • Land adjacent to Dog Farm, Cople
  • Land at Waiting for the Sun Farm, Bletsoe

INFRASTRUCTURE

As well as the housing and employment growth planned, the council want to extend the borough's cycle network, and plan to develop the Forest of Marston Vale and the Bedford to Milton Keynes Waterway Park.

LOCAL SHOPPING

The plan sets out how local shopping areas will develop.  As well as Bedford Town Centre, the policy covers local centres in Kempston, Stewartby, Wootton, the Wixams, Bromham, Clapham, Great Barford, Harrold, Sharnbrook and Wilstead.

OPEN SPACES

The plan also sets out areas where development will not take place.  The council say they're keen to look after and protect village greens, and have also identified over 300 new urban open spaces.