Manor Oak Homes Seeks to Fill Policy Vacuum Left by Bedford's Withdrawn Local Plan 2040

Strategic Insights -

The proposal for a large residential development by Manor Oak Homes in Bedford comes as the borough's Local Plan 2040 is set to be withdrawn due to its "unsound" strategy for meeting the area's housing needs. The plan was deemed unable to meet the demand for at least 2,000 homes, a figure that has since grown to potentially 5,000. Developers like Manor Oak Homes are now seeking to fill the resulting policy vacuum with new applications. Manor Oak Homes has requested a "Screening Opinion" from the council, which will determine if a proposed development is likely to have significant environmental effects, potentially triggering a detailed Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).

Key Takeaways:

  • The Local Plan 2040 is being withdrawn due to its "unsound" strategy for meeting Bedford's housing needs, with a potential deficit of 5,000 homes.
  • Manor Oak Homes is seeking to fill the policy vacuum with a proposed residential development, citing the "drastic need" for new homes across the borough.
  • The developer has requested a "Screening Opinion" from the council, which will determine if a proposed development is likely to have significant environmental effects and may require an EIA.
  • The proposed development includes 400 homes, land for a primary school, and new vehicular access from Hookhams Lane and Ravensden Road.
  • The location of the development is two agricultural fields and the land around the bungalow at 27 Hookhams Lane, which would be demolished.
  • An application for a similar development was dismissed on appeal in December 2020, with policies in the Local Plan 2030 being cited.

Statistics:

  • At least 2,000 homes are needed to meet Bedford's housing demand, a figure that has grown to potentially 5,000.
  • 400 new homes are proposed in the Manor Oak Homes development.
  • 5 homes were demolished to make way for the new development.
  • The Local Plan 2040 is set to be withdrawn, with the move expected to be agreed by councillors.

Sources:

  • https://www.bedfordtoday.co.uk/news/politics/council/bedford-local-plan-2040-to-be-scrapped-after-planning-inspector-warned-it-needed-major-changes-5219285
  • https://www.bedford.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-applications/search-plans/search-plans-how-find-planning-documents-and-applications
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