Development plans submitted

The submission is the culmination of a three-year process that has seen the plan evolve over three rounds of consultation, in which thousands of people have given their views on the matter.

The plans include 1,972 new homes in Biggleswade, 1,364 new homes in Arlesey and 382 new homes in Stotfold.

Councillor Nigel Young, Executive Member for Regeneration, said: “This plan affects every person living in and around Central Bedfordshire and I am grateful to everyone who has taken time to give their views on our plans throughout this process.

“Factoring in the needs of our varying communities and striking the right balance between promoting growth and protecting our area’s character has been challenging, but I am confident that we have a plan that sets us on the right course for meeting housing and employment needs and creating thriving communities.”

People who made objections and sought changes to the document during the formal consultation and requested to attend the hearings will be invited to present their argument to the planning inspector verbally as part of the public examination.

If people do not wish to attend the hearing sessions, the planning inspector will still consider their written comments.

After the examination hearings, the planning inspector will issue a report setting out their conclusions and identifying whether the plan is ‘sound’ or needs any changes.

Jason Longhurst, Director of Regeneration and Businesses, said: “This Local Plan is the result of many months of work by the council’s planning team who have taken a great deal of time to analyse the figures, consult and factor in the results.

“As part of the ongoing process, we will continue to engage with partners and communities in the development and adoption of a sound and sustainable approach to meet growth pressures and local housing needs.”

For more information and to see the submission documents visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/devstrat