What's Changed?
Earlier this year, we held a public exhibition where residents and other stakeholders were able to view our updated plans before we submitted them to Bedford Borough Council.
Since that time, we have been working with a number of stakeholders including the Council and other consultees on our plans and have made several amendments:
Scale, Density and Distribution of Development
Following heritage feedback from the Conservation and Archaeology Officers, we have revised how development is spread across the site. Homes are now grouped mainly in the north east and south west, with only a small area remaining west of Home Road. This distribution also responds better to the existing settlement pattern of the village. The number of homes has been reduced from 400 to 295, specifically to protect heritage assets as well as improving the relationships with surrounding properties.
Heritage and Archaeology
Following assessment, survey and officer advice, the masterplan now preserves most of the important earthworks in place, including the medieval ridge and furrow and the former village green. Development has moved away from the most sensitive western part of the site. Where earthworks are less well preserved, such as along Home Road, land is used more efficiently. We also support on-site interpretation, education and managing the earthworks as permanent pasture.
Sustainable Movement and Highways
The submitted proposals continue to prioritise sustainable travel. The pedestrian and cycle link to Ibbett Close remains in place due to its importance to the wider transport network, as advised by officers of Bedford Borough Council. A comprehensive package of off-site highway improvements is proposed, including provision of average speed cameras on Ridge Road, Home Road and Wootton Road, a new zebra crossing on Ridge Road and upgraded bus stop facilities.
Green Infrastructure, Biodiversity Net Gain and the Forest of Marston Vale
The scheme would deliver 10% biodiversity net gain on site, supported by street trees and landscaped buffers that protect the retained earthworks. We are also working with the Forest of Marston Vale to provide tree planting or a financial contribution towards canopy cover in accordance with the Green Infrastructure Opportunity Zone (Policy AD24).
Open Space and Play Provision
We now propose three play areas across the development, the Council’s preferred option, which also provides better accessibility for future residents of each parcel. A range of different types of play equipment is proposed for different ages and abilities, including a natural trim trail. We are also willing to offer public open space and play areas to the Parish Council first, ahead of a management company.
MASTERPLAN PROPOSALS
The proposals before and after the changes. Click to enlarge:
Contact us
If you have any questions or would like to speak to a member of the team, please do not hesitate to get in touch via these contact details.
We would be happy to provide physical copies of the information on this site. If you require these, please get in touch.