Biggleswade Garden Community

Engagement for a sustainable transport corridor in Biggleswade

Update: August 2022

The engagement process has now ended. You can read the report outlining the findings (PDF).

About the project

East of Biggleswade Garden Village was included in Homes England’s Garden Communities Programme in 2019, with 1,500 new homes currently approved for development.

With our partners Homes England and Biggleswade Town Council, we are exploring options for a sustainable transport corridor to connect existing and new communities in eastern Biggleswade with key destinations in town such as the High Street, the train station, and the new transport interchange. It will also provide access to the new facilities and open spaces developed as part of the East of Biggleswade.

We recognise the potential impact of this growth on local transport networks. The sustainable transport corridor is being used as a pilot project to test new approaches to our streets and how we move around, giving more choices for travel beyond the use of cars. The aim is to reduce car use to improve the quality of life, health, and well-being of our communities.

What is a garden village?

Originally, garden villages were based on industry and employment, with developers focusing on creating well-designed, healthy places and affordable homes. Today, the same principles apply but in a modern context. The goal is to create vibrant, diverse, and affordable communities with a range of housing and community facilities.

Garden community principles include:

  • high quality and healthy place
  • a unique place
  • sustainable and fit for the future
  • a green and natural place
  • a connected and well-integrated place
  • strong community roots

What is a sustainable transport corridor?

Sustainable transport refers to transportation methods that do not rely on dwindling natural resources and are accessible to all. Examples include walking, cycling, scootering, as well as buses and trains. Our sustainability plan highlights the importance of investing in active travel and public transport networks, improving countryside access, and enhancing connectivity between towns and walking networks.

A sustainable transport corridor provides high-quality and attractive walking, cycling, and public transport routes, encouraging people to leave their cars at home while connecting key places.