BEDFORD BOROUGH COUNCIL LOCAL PLAN 2040 – IMPACT ON ELSTOW
Elstow Parish Council is aware that Bedford Borough Council has been preparing a new Local Plan to guide development in the borough until 2040. This looks at where growth will take place, not just houses but employment sites as well as what infrastructure is needed to support new development.
Bedford Borough Council recently announced where they feel development should go, this includes two significant areas within Elstow parish being proposed.
Abbey Field West of Elstow to take 200 houses
Land at Pear Tree Farm to take 20.4 hectare employment site
It is very important that Elstow residents engage in the forthcoming consultation, having your say.
Overleaf is some useful information on the consultation process and how best to engage.
When does the public consultation start? The Plan documents in full are being consulted on between 15th June and 29th July 2022.
How can I find out more? There is some further information on the Borough Council’s website. Please go to:
https://www.bedford.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning-policy-its-purpose/local-plan-review/
More documents will be uploaded onto the Borough Council website, along with more detailed information on how to take part in the consultation in the coming weeks.
Can I have a paper copy of the documents? The Parish Council will have some paper copies of the key consultation documents. It is impractical for such large documents to be printed and made available for everyone. However, the Parish Council are looking at ways for residents to review the key documents as hard copies, and we will keep you updated on how and when they will be available.
What is the best way to respond? Individual consultation responses are best; when there has been confirmation on how members of the public can engage in this process the Parish Council will let everyone know.
What types of things could I put in my response? It is extremely important to put down all the concerns you have about any part of the proposals, such as impact on local landscape, traffic flow on village roads, or local infrastructure such as health care and education. More information which goes into greater depth on what the main areas to consider in your resopnse will be shared with the village.
What are Elstow Parish Council doing about this? The Parish Council are preparing a thorough and detailed response to the document, focusing on safeguarding Elstow as a historic, rural parish. A lot of work is also being done on increasing awareness of this consultation, so residents can take part in this consultation. A public drop in session is being arranged for residents and the matter is a focus at the Elstow Parish Council meeting taking place on 14th June as well as the July Parish Council meeting.
Can I contact the Parish Council to discuss this? As always if you would like to raise any questions or comments then please contact the Parish Clerk, Lizzie Barnicoat, on 01234 771702 or e-mail lizzie_barnicoat@hotmail.com
If you have any skills which could help or would like to help with raising awareness then do let us know, all help gratefully received.
Make sure Elstow is not lost into an urban suburb of Bedford