The rural nature of some of our area, along with our market towns and villages, are what makes Central Bedfordshire such an attractive area to live. The Local Plan enables us to shape what new developments look like and as part of this we can keep green spaces between existing settlements to help stop them from joining together, keeping their identity and the rural character of the area. The current Local Plan designates Important Countryside Gaps to do just this.
Some of our area is also designated as Green Belt. Green Belts relate to specific areas and were originally identified to prevent the sprawl of existing towns and villages, stopping them from merging into one another by keeping the land around them undeveloped and to assist in safeguarding the countryside from the expansion of towns and villages. This does not mean Green Belt is always the most valuable land in terms of its appearance and accessibility to communities.
Development in the Green Belt is restricted but not ruled out completely. There are some exceptions.
Some small-scale development in gaps in villages (infilling) and limited affordable housing for local community needs in the Green Belt can be permitted by Local Plan.
Areas can also be removed from the Green Belt through Local Plans in exceptional circumstances.
Approximately 38% of Central Bedfordshire, mainly in the south, is Green Belt. New homes need to be provided close to where the housing need is and if this is in the Green Belt it could be a strong enough reason to build in the Green Belt. We will need to consider whether Green Belt should be protected completely, or whether it should be reviewed to enable opportunities for growth in the south of Central Bedfordshire to be considered. This challenge makes your input vital.
New Green Belt can also be created through the Local Plan. We will consider looking to see if new Green Belt could be created in Central Bedfordshire.
We know there are areas that have experienced a significant amount of growth already over the last few years. We will need to consider the impact of growth on these areas and whether there is infrastructure available to support further growth, or whether the focus for growth should now be elsewhere.
Your voice matters
- Do you think there are areas we could release from the Green Belt, or new areas to designate as Green Belt?
- In what circumstances do you think it would be acceptable for towns and villages that have recently had new homes and jobs to have further growth?
- How important is it that we keep space between towns and villages?