Planning Services
BRCC has a proven track record in supporting communities in the county's rural areas to address their issues and needs in an inclusive and structured way, for example Parish Action Plans.With major growth planned for the county, including 90,000 new homes by 2031 and 50,000 new jobs by 2021, BRCC is using this experience to support those affected communities, to engage in the planning and development process. BRCC is able to support these communities in making representations on planning applications and policy documents and in negotiating associated developer contributions and mitigation. Meetings have been facilitated that bring developer, local community and other interested parties together.
Particular emphasis is now focused on the 750 acre development site, situated 4 miles south of Bedford called Wixams. Wixams has it's own website After many years of discussion and planning, work has now started on the infrastructure required for Village 1, adjoining Wilstead. This has included the realignment of the A6 which will form the eastern boundary to the development. The first new residents should take up occupation in early 2008. The provision of some 4,500 dwellings across four villages is covered by the existing planning approval, which it is estimated will take at least 10 years to fully develop.
The extensive site includes land within four parishes and two local authority areas; this has added significant complexity to both the planning and communication processes. However, BRCC has for a number of years facilitated a Joint Parishes Steering Group, which works with the developer to resolve issues raised by residents, some of whom live within the area being developed. In addition, BRCC staff help individual residents to resolve specific issues with the developer, as the physical activity is now underway.
Once the new houses are occupied, BRCC will become more involved in helping the incoming residents to establish themselves within the growing community and to access the community facilities they need.
Other major housing developments are planned for the county, such as those to the east of Biggleswade and at Stoffold. These are still at an early stage of the planning process, but it is BRCC's intention to offer a similar service to existing and new residents of these locations as has been provided at Wixams.
Further information is available from Philip Jerred, New Communities Officer, Direct Dial 01525 878 172 philipj@bedsrcc.org.uk.
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