BLETSOE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

Your Parish – Your Plan – Your Future

ISSUES AND OPTIONS CONSULTATION REPORT

September 2016

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Contents

1. Introduction and Background 3

2. Local Plan Process 5

3. Planning Policy Context 8

4. Community Engagement - Issues Identified 18

5. Vision and Objectives 21

6. Housing Provision 23

7. Infrastructure Needs 37

8. The Environment 41

9. Community Facilities 47

10. Heritage Assets 49

11. Public Consultation 51

12. Next Steps 52

Appendix A Summary of Comments from Launch Event 53

Appendix B Summary of Neighbourhood Questionnaire Responses 56

Appendix C Household Information (2011 Census Data) 58

Appendix D Housing Needs Survey 61

Appendix E Summary of Sites Submitted for Potential Housing Development 64

Appendix F Local Important Heritage Assets 76

Appendix G Representation Form - Housing Provision 79

Appendix H Representation Form - Infrastructure Needs 83

Appendix I Representation Form - The Environment 85

Appendix J Representation Form - Community Facilities 87

Appendix K Representation Form - Heritage Assets 88

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1 INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND

Neighbourhood Planning - Introduction

1.1 The Government has introduced substantial changes to the planning system in Britain and, as part of these changes, the Localism Act 2011 introduced statutory Neighbourhood Planning in England. It enables communities to draw up a Neighbourhood Plan for their area and it is intended to give communities more say in the development of their local area (within certain limits and parameters). Neighbourhood Plans will, therefore, help in shaping the future of the places where people live and work.

1.2 Neighbourhood Plans set out planning policies to help determine planning applications for new development and, as statutory planning documents, these will form part of the Bedford Borough Council “Development Plan”. Policies and site allocations identified in Neighbourhood Plans have to be in general conformity with the local authority’s Local Plan and take account of the National Planning Policy Framework. Neighbourhood planning, therefore, allows an area to get the right type of development for their community, but the plans must still meet the needs of the wider area. This means that Neighbourhood Plans must take into account the local Council's assessment of housing and other development in the area. Section 2 outlines the Local Plan process and its relationship with Neighbourhood Plan.

Neighbourhood Planning - Strategic Context

1.3 Neighbourhood Plans do not take effect unless there is a majority of support in a referendum of the neighbourhood. They also have to meet a number of conditions before they can be put to a community referendum and legally come into force. These conditions are to ensure plans are legally compliant and take account of wider policy considerations (e.g. national policy). The conditions are:

1. They must have regard to national planning policy; 2. They must be in general conformity with strategic policies in the development plan for the local area (i.e. such as in a core strategy); 3. They must be compatible with EU obligations and human rights requirements.

1.4 An independent qualified person will check that the Neighbourhood Plan appropriately meets the conditions before it can be voted on in a local referendum. This is to ensure that referendums only take place when proposals are workable and of a decent quality. Proposed Neighbourhood Plans need to gain the approval of a majority of voters of the neighbourhood to come into force. If proposals pass the referendum, the local planning authority has a legal duty to bring them into force.

Neighbourhood Planning - Local Context

1.5 In February 2013, Bletsoe Parish Council applied for the designation of the whole of the Bletsoe Parish as a Neighbourhood area and, following a period of consultation, Bedford Borough Council endorsed the proposal in a decision statement dated 1 July 2013. A Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group was set up comprising Parish Councillors and interested local residents to take forward the development of the Plan and the Steering Group has been committed to effective community engagement at all stages of the process.

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1.6 Consultation events have been organised to promote local awareness about the Neighbourhood Plan and to find out what the community thinks about the local area, what is good, what should be changed, what could be improved etc. This community engagement sought to ensure that a Neighbourhood Plan is developed in tune with local needs and aspirations and the feedback has helped shape the content of the Issues and Options consultation document. The consultation responses are considered in detail in section 4 of the report, and the feedback relevant to specific topic areas is developed in sections 6 to 10 of the report.

1.7 This Issues and Options consultation document sets out the key issues identified so far by the Steering Group and possible policy options for addressing them. An Issues and Options summary leaflet is also available for downloading from the Parish Council’s website at www.bletsoe.net. Before bringing forward detailed polices, proposals and land allocations the Steering Group is now holding a major consultation exercise on the Issues and Options that are set out in this report.

1.8 Essentially, this Issues and Options Report is a synthesis of current thinking from the feedback and evidence gathered on what sort of development should take place in Bletsoe over the plan period and what type of development might go where. The Issues and Options stage is not the same as producing a draft Neighbourhood Plan but, rather, it is about sharing current thinking and testing ideas with the wider public and also key partners who may be either statutory consultees, local service providers or landowners/developers with an interest in the future of Bletsoe.

1.9 This is a consultation document, and comments and opinions are invited in the extended period to Friday 14 October 2016 to hopefully maximise response levels. Representation Forms, included in this report, will be circulated for completion and completed forms can be returned to:

Alison Southern, Parish Clerk, OR Bletsoe Neighbourhood Plan, 77 Curlew Crescent, 17 Memorial Lane, Brickhill, Bedford, Bletsoe, MK41 7HY MK44 1QJ

1.10 Copies of the Representation Form are reproduced at Appendices G to K and are also available from the website www.bletsoe.net and by request from the Parish Clerk on (01234) 406099 or via e-mail to [email protected]. If preferred, comments can be made in writing or via e-mail to [email protected].

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2 LOCAL PLAN PROCESS

Bedford Borough Council - Local Plan Process

2.1 Bedford Borough Council has now commenced the preparation of a Local Plan that will set out how much growth there should be in the borough in coming years (housing, jobs and associated infrastructure) and where it should take place. Current planning policy documents look ahead to 2021 and the new Local Plan will extend the period that development has been planned for to 2035. It will also contain policies that will be used to make decisions on planning applications.

2.2 The original timetable envisaged the preparation of the Local Plan to 2032 and this was set out in the Local Development Scheme (LDS) which was approved in October 2013 and this assumed consultation on the submission version of the plan in October/November 2014 and submission to the Secretary of State in September 2015. A number of external factors have affected the process which now means that the timetable set out in the LDS will not be met.

2.3 This includes (i) a delay in the release of key information derived from the 2011 Census, (ii) the need to establish mechanisms to satisfy the duty to cooperate beyond immediate neighbours (in particular, Luton Borough has indicated that it is unable to meet its housing requirements within its own boundaries and will be asking authorities adjacent and close to Luton - including Bedford Borough - to meet some of this need and also (iii) the Greater London Authority (GLA) has indicated that there are uncertainties over London’s ability to accommodate its own growth within its boundaries. As a consequence Bedford Borough Council and other relevant local authorities close to London are encouraged to take account of this and plan strategically for what may well be growing populations. None of these factors was anticipated when the current Local Plan timetable was agreed and, as a result, that timetable needs to change to accommodate them.

2.4 The Borough Council published an Issues and Options consultation paper which ran from 13 January 2014 to 24 February 2014 and sought responses to the main issues facing the Borough in the coming years. For example, how much growth should be planned for and, in general terms, where it should be located. This consultation also invited details of possible development sites, known as a ‘call for sites’. Not all the land that is submitted via this process will be allocated for development and there will, therefore, need to be a technical assessment undertaken of each site. Comments on the matters raised in the Issues and Options consultation paper were received from over 660 respondents and the Council is now considering how they should inform the draft plan.

2.5 There is, therefore, a considerable amount of work that needs to be done to progress the Local Plan and this process has commenced. It includes:

 The consideration of all the comments received on the Issues and Options consultation paper;  The technical assessment of over 350 sites that have been put forward through the 'call for sites' process including their deliverability;

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 Completion of the evidence base to support the plan, including a Strategic Housing Market Assessment, Economy and Employment Land Study, Strategy Flood Risk Assessment, Retail, Hotel and Commercial Leisure needs assessments and highway impact work;  Further engagement with local councils to obtain information on sites that have been proposed through the ‘call for sites’ and seek local councils’ views on those proposals, particularly how they may fit in with any emerging neighbourhood plans;  An audit of local facilities - this has been carried out to update current records and inform the development of the local plan's spatial strategy; and  The review of current Development Plan policies to ensure they are up to date and consistent with national guidance.

These tasks are now underway, with some tasks now completed, and the Borough Council is committed to progressing the development of the Local Plan as soon as possible. The LDS was updated in July 2015 to include a revised timetable that envisages adoption of the Local Plan in 2018.

2.6 In addition, the Borough Council published a further report in early September 2015 providing the basis for a second consultation in order to obtain further stakeholder engagement before the Plan is drafted. A six week period of consultation took place during October, November and December 2015 and there was a further opportunity to submit development sites "during the 2015 consultation period". The report identifies the need for new land allocations for "about 4,500 new homes". The Development Strategy looks first for development opportunities in and on the edge of Bedford and Kempston, then apportions growth to rural settlements depending on their size and infrastructure capacity. Villages are placed in one of 4 groups and the report gives an indication of the scale of growth for each village or group. The consultation envisages that villages, like Bletsoe, would have "limited development" and the number of dwellings is identified as between 10 and 20 (averaging 15).

2.7 More recently, Bedford Borough Council has confirmed a revised timescale for the preparation of the Local Plan 2032, now renamed Local Plan 2035. The revised timescale provides for the adoption of the Local Plan in June 2019 (compared to June 2018 as part of the Local Development Scheme published in July 2015). The need to review the timescale arises from (i) a further 250 potential development sites submitted as a result of the 2015 Local Plan consultation (bringing the total number to around 640) and (ii) within the 250 new sites are a "small number of new settlement proposals" that require consideration (i.e. Land at Twinwoods - 6,000 new dwellings, Wyboston Garden Village - 4,000 new dwellings, Thurleigh Airfield - 1,000 new dwellings and Lee Farm Sharnbrook (Unilever) - 2,500 new dwellings). No such sites were submitted during the first call for sites in 2014 so the draft development strategy, published for comment in late 2015, was based on a dispersed approach, with the urban area of Bedford and Kempston being the first area of search and then remaining growth distributed in accordance with a rural settlement hierarchy.

2.8 The submission of new settlement proposals presents the option of pursuing a different development strategy, focusing the majority of growth in a much smaller number of locations including one or more new settlements. Such a strategy will need to show that new settlement proposals are suitable, available and deliverable and, even if new settlements are proposed, it will be a number of years after the adoption of the Local Plan before sites of this scale will start to deliver housing completions. As a result, smaller sites that can be developed earlier on in the plan period will also be required in order to maintain a five year supply of housing completions in accordance with the National Planning Policy Framework.

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Delivering Critical Physical and Community Infrastructure

2.9 Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) has been introduced to help ensure that necessary additions or improvements to physical and community infrastructure that arise from new development can be funded. Bedford Borough Council introduced CIL effective from 1 April 2014, including an associated charging regime for new development. Local Planning authorities operating the CIL will pass on 25% of the money raised from development within a Neighbourhood Plan area to the community itself so that where a Neighbourhood Plan has been through referendum and brought into force the local community (through its elected members) can decide how to spend the proceeds of CIL. Parish and town councils will receive the money directly. This compares to a 15% contribution if no Neighbourhood Plan exists.

2.10 The Localism Act 2012 sets out what neighbourhood CIL can be spent on: the provision, improvement, replacement, operation or maintenance of infrastructure – or anything else concerned with addressing demands development places on an area.

Relationship with Neighbourhood Planning

2.11 It is relevant to consider the relationship between the Neighbourhood Plan and the Local Plan. As previously stated, a Neighbourhood Plan should support the strategic development needs set out in the Local Plan and it should plan positively to support local development (as outlined in paragraph 16 of the National Planning Policy Framework). A Neighbourhood Plan must address the development and use of land. This is because, if successful at examination and referendum, the Neighbourhood Plan will become part of the statutory development plan once it has been made (brought into legal force) by the Local Planning Authority.

2.12 Neighbourhood planning can inspire local people and businesses to consider other ways to improve their neighbourhood than through the development and use of land; they may identify specific action or policies to deliver these improvements. Wider community aspirations, in addition to those relating to development and use of land, can be included in a Neighbourhood Plan, but actions dealing with non land use matters should be clearly identifiable, such as in a separate appendix.

2.13 If the policies and proposals are to be implemented as the community intended, a Neighbourhood Plan needs to be deliverable. The National Planning Policy Framework requires that the sites and the scale of development identified in a plan should not be subject to such a scale of obligations and policy burdens that their ability to be developed viably is threatened.

2.14 Neighbourhood Plans can be developed before or at the same time as the Local Planning Authority is producing its Local Plan. A draft Neighbourhood Plan must be in general conformity with the strategic policies of the development plan in force if it is to satisfy the basic conditions (see 1.3 above). A draft Neighbourhood Plan is not tested against the policies in an emerging Local Plan although the reasoning and evidence informing the Local Plan process may be relevant to the consideration of the basic conditions against which a Neighbourhood Plan is tested. Where a Neighbourhood Plan is brought forward before an up-to-date Local Plan is in place the Parish Council and the local planning authority should discuss and aim to agree the relationship between policies in the emerging Neighbourhood Plan, the emerging Local Plan and the adopted development plan, with appropriate regard to national policy and guidance. The Local Planning Authority should take a proactive and positive approach, working collaboratively with a Parish Council particularly sharing evidence and seeking to resolve any issues to ensure the draft Neighbourhood Plan has the greatest chance of success at the independent examination.

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3 PLANNING POLICY CONTEXT

3.1 Neighbourhood planning comes with certain rules. Two of the key requirements of a Neighbourhood Plan are for it to have regard to national policy and guidance and for it to be in general conformity the strategic policies of the Local Plan. The latter does not require absolute conformity but it should adhere to the direction of the policies of the Local Plan and to support their implementation.

3.2 The key policies, at this stage, that will likely frame the development of the Bletsoe Neighbourhood Plan are set out below:

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) - March 2012

3.3 The National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) sets out the Government’s planning policies and priorities. It is the overarching policy document that guides plan making. As a statutory part of the development plan (i.e. a set of policies that will be used to determine planning applications) neighbourhood plans need to accord with the policies within the framework.

3.4 As an overview, Paragraphs 183 to 185 of the NPPF set the context for Neighbourhood Plans:

183. Neighbourhood planning gives communities direct power to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and deliver the sustainable development they need. Parishes and neighbourhood forums can use neighbourhood planning to:

 set planning policies through neighbourhood plans to determine decisions on planning applications; and

 grant planning permission through Neighbourhood Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders for specific development which complies with the order.

184. Neighbourhood planning provides a powerful set of tools for local people to ensure that they get the right types of development for their community. The ambition of the neighbourhood should be aligned with the strategic needs and priorities of the wider local area. Neighbourhood plans must be in general conformity with the strategic policies of the Local Plan. To facilitate this, local planning authorities should set out clearly their strategic policies for the area and ensure that an up-to- date Local Plan is in place as quickly as possible. Neighbourhood plans should reflect these policies and neighbourhoods should plan positively to support them. Neighbourhood plans and orders should not promote less development than set out in the Local Plan or undermine its strategic policies.

185. Outside these strategic elements, neighbourhood plans will be able to shape and direct sustainable development in their area. Once a neighbourhood plan has demonstrated its general conformity with the strategic policies of the Local Plan and is brought into force, the policies it contains take precedence over existing non-strategic policies in the Local Plan for that neighbourhood, where they are in conflict. Local planning authorities should avoid duplicating planning processes for non-Strategic policies where a neighbourhood plan is in preparation.

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3.5 When developing policies, the Bletsoe Neighbourhood Plan must take the following paragraphs of the NPPF into account in particular. Wherever possible, the plan should:

Paragraph 14: Support the presumption in favour of sustainable development. This means that they should plan positively to help meet the development needs of their area. The presumption means that development proposals that accord with the development plan, that will include any adopted neighbourhood plans, should be approved without delay.

Paragraph 16: Support strategic development needs set out in the Bedford Borough Core Strategy and Rural Issues Plan (part of the collective current ‘Development Plan’ for the Borough) and plan positively to support local development.

Paragraph 16: Where relevant, identify opportunities to use Neighbourhood Development Orders to enable developments that are consistent with the neighbourhood plan to proceed.

Paragraph 17: Make every effort to objectively identify and then meet the housing, business and other development needs of the area, and respond positively to wider opportunities for growth.

Section 1: Help build a strong, competitive economy through supporting the provision of jobs and existing employment whilst delivering the infrastructure needed to allow the area to prosper.

Section 3: Support a prosperous rural economy by taking a positive approach to sustainable development including the expansion of existing businesses, opportunities for rural diversification, the promotion of rural tourism where appropriate and the retention and development of local service and community facilities such as local shops, meeting places, sports venues, cultural buildings, public houses and places of worship.

Paragraph 37: Promote sustainable transport by helping to minimise journey lengths.

Section 6: Boost the supply of housing and help deliver a wide choice of high quality homes. This will primarily involve ensuring that the plan supports the housing objectives set out in the Core Strategy and Rural Issues Plan and helps facilitate the minimum level of development required within the Parish with regards to housing delivery, whilst also seeking to identify and meet locally specific needs within this overall figure.

Paragraph 58: Develop robust and comprehensive policies that set out the quality of development that will be expected in the area. Such policies should reference the character of the local area as well as any constraints that exist in relation to the development of specific sites.

Paragraph 70: Promote healthy communities by planning positively for the provision and use of shared space and community facilities and guard against the loss of valued community facilities and services.

Paragraphs 73-75: Seek to both manage and protect existing important open space and rights of way.

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Paragraphs 76-78: Consider the protection of locally important areas of open space as Local Green Space.

Section 10: Meet the challenge of climate change and flooding through the provision of policies that don’t exacerbate existing environmental issues, take account of environmental constraints (such as flood plains) and promote environmentally friendly development.

Section 11: Help contribute to and enhance the natural and local environment by minimising impacts on biodiversity, ecological designations, the character of valued landscapes and seeking net gains in biodiversity.

Section 12: Help conserve and enhance the historic environment.

Paragraph 173: Support the delivery of the Local Plan by ensuring that any new policies continue to ensure that development is not only sustainable but also viable and deliverable. To ensure viability, the costs of any requirements likely to be applied to development, such as requirements for affordable housing, standards, infrastructure contributions or other requirements should, when taking account of the normal cost of development and mitigation, provide competitive returns to a willing land owner and willing developer to enable the development to be deliverable.

3.6 The plan must demonstrate that it has taken account of the policies set out above. Other policies within the NPPF may become applicable as and when the objectives of the plan are finalised.

National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG)

3.7 On 6 March 2014 the Government launched their online planning resource known as the National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG). This replaced a number of older guidance notes and complements the NPPF.

3.8 The new NPPG is not intended to provide further policy, but instead is meant to help clarify issues relevant to the planning regime. It does comprise guidance that should be referred to when translating the intentions of the NPPF. The NPPG provides guidance around plan making, decision taking and the consideration of planning for sustainable development amongst other matters.

3.9 The key provisions of the NPPG, with regard to the scope of Neighbourhood Plans, are as follows:

Paragraph 040: Neighbourhood Plans must be developed with the support of proportionate but robust evidence that directly explains the policies of the plan and their intention. Where available, Plans can call upon existing published evidence held by the Local Planning Authority (LPA).

Paragraph 041: Neighbourhood Plan policies should be clear and unambiguous. They should lead to certainty and consistency in decision making.

Paragraph 042: Neighbourhood Plans have the power to allocate sites for development. The NPPG recommends that, in advance of this, qualifying bodies should undertake an appraisal of options and sites against clearly identified criteria.

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Paragraphs 043 and 044: In the event that both a qualifying body and LPA are seeking to allocate sites in their respective plans, it is important that both parties work closely together to identify a strategy that achieves the best mutual outcome. Neighbourhood Plans can allocate different sites to those already identified in the development plan although this process must be accompanied by very robust evidence that these decisions are justified and will not impact on the strategic objectives of the area.

Paragraph 045: A Neighbourhood Plan may want to consider the provision of infrastructure if there is a specific requirement to do so in support of locally planned development.

3.10 The NPPG includes additional guidance setting out the relationship of Neighbourhood Plans with sustainability appraisal and the processes that they must adhere to. It also provides a wider suite of guidance explaining the plan making process and their required conformity with the basic conditions tests. Other paragraphs of the NPPG may also be of relevance (such as around environmental protection, employment land supply, retail etc) depending on the scope of the plan.

The Bedford Borough Core Strategy and Rural Issues Plan (CSRIP) - April 2008

3.11 In addition, neighbourhood plans must be in general conformity with the strategic policies of the adopted local plan. At the present moment in time they are contained within the CSRIP, adopted in April 2008.

3.12 Currently, considering the likely aspirations of the village and its role in the settlement hierarchy of the Borough, it is considered that the key up-to-date strategic policies applicable to the plan are as follows:

3.13 Policy CP7 accords with the guidance of the NPPF in that it seeks to ensure development meets the needs of all sectors of the community. In the event that new housing is planned for in Bletsoe, an appropriate mix will be expected.

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3.14 Policy CP8 clearly sets out an expectation that any sites to be allocated in Bletsoe of 3 dwellings or more would have to provide for 30% affordable housing on site. It had been envisaged that this figure would provide a starting point for discussions – the plan may seek to recommend a different outcome if greater or lesser levels of affordable housing are required locally.

3.15 The Government has, however, sought to make changes to National Planning Policy Guidance following consultation in 2014 on a range of proposals aimed at reducing the burden of developer contributions on small-scale developers, custom and self- builders with the aim of increasing housing supply. This included changes to affordable housing contributions in rural areas. The Government subsequently set out its response to the consultation and sough to amend National Planning Policy Guidance effective from 1 December 2014.

3.16 The changes envisaged in relation to affordable housing included:

 A national policy threshold beneath which affordable housing contributions should not be sought of ten-units or less (and which have a maximum combined gross floor space of no more than 1,000 square metres). This is also to be applied to residential extensions and annexes.

 For designated rural areas under Section 157 of the Housing Act 1985, which includes national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty, authorities may choose to implement a lower threshold of 5-units or less, beneath which affordable housing and tariff style contributions should not be sought. Payment of affordable housing and tariff style contributions on developments of between six to ten units should also be sought as a cash payment only and be commuted until after completion of units within the development. This will not apply in Bedford Borough as there is no such designated status.

 Rural exception sites would be exempted from the affordable housing threshold introduced which, subject to the local area demonstrating sufficient need, remain available to support the delivery of affordable homes for local people.

3.17 In relation to the impact on existing Bedford Borough Council policy, the 10 dwelling threshold could over-ride Policy CP8 of the Core Strategy and Rural Issues Plan if eventually adopted but, in response to a challenge, the High Court has concluded that the approach is incompatible with the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004. The Council currently seeks 30% affordable housing on proposals of 3 or more dwellings in villages with a population of less than 3,000. On these small sites affordable housing policy is normally met by making a contribution rather than provision of dwellings as Affordable Housing Providers are reluctant to manage isolated properties.

3.18 If the Government proceeds with and succeeds at appeal, the Council would no longer be able to seek affordable housing on sites of between 3 and 10 units unless the total floor space of the units combined is more than 1000 square metres. (Note: the average size of a dwelling in the Borough is 90 square metres but in the rural villages, where the policy applies, dwellings are usually considerably larger and the floor space cap may be exceeded for developments of less than 10 dwellings).

3.19 The changes, if eventually approved, would mean that a developer wishing to build up to 10 dwellings in one of the Borough’s smaller villages would only have to contribute towards affordable housing if the floor space cap of 1000 square metres was exceeded. Whilst this might encourage some builders to build smaller homes, the premium has always been in relation to larger dwellings in the rural areas and it is likely that builders would continue to propose a smaller number of larger houses.

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3.20 The current policy of Bedford Borough Council is to base affordable housing requirements on the net increase in dwellings where a development involves demolition of a dwelling which has been occupied in the last 12 months. This approach would continue to be applied.

3.21 The job target for the Borough is set out in Policy CP10. Whilst the total set out in Policy CP10 is Borough wide and strategic in nature, the key message to Bletsoe is that job creation should be supported in the Parish where viable and necessary.

3.22 Similarly to Policy CP10, Policy CP11 operates at a strategic level and deals with the Borough wide management of employment land. The neighbourhood plan should, however, be aware of its potential role in managing any employment land that falls within the Parish boundary.

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3.23 In line with Policy CP12, Bletsoe currently has a Settlement Policy Area. It is illustrated on the map below:

MAP 1 - BLETSOE SETTLEMENT POLICY AREA

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3.24 Policies CP13 and CP14 seek to manage the delivery of development in the rural area, using the defined Settlement Policy Area as a tool to control growth. It should be noted that, since Policy CP13 was drafted, the national policy contained in PPS7 has since been replaced by the NPPF. Similarly, however, the NPPF provides policy on the appropriate types of development that can be planned for in the open countryside. Policy CP14 complements this guidance by confirming the types of development that should sustainably be planned for in rural settlements that are not Key Service Centres, such as Bletsoe. Generally, both Policies CP13 and CP14, along with the NPPF, seek to ensure that communities can identify and meet local development needs through the use of neighbourhood plans.

3.25 Policy CP16 sets a strategic target for the rural area of 1,300 dwellings by 2021. Bedford Borough’s monitoring indicates that his target was actually met by September 2012. Whilst technically there is no outstanding strategic housing requirement in the rural area under the policies of the adopted CSRIP it is an expectation of the NPPF that ‘sustainable’ development will continue to come forward. It should also be anticipated that the next iteration of Bedford Borough’s local plan will ‘reset’ the rural target necessitating the delivery of additional housing in the rural area up until 2035. What this does mean for Bletsoe, in the interim, is that the prerogative of the Parish should be to plan for the level of development required to help meet local needs (in line with Policy CP14 and the NPPF).

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3.26 Specifically, Policy CP18 seeks to prevent the material loss of rural shops, services and community facilities – demolition, change of use, etc. More broadly, it is considered that the policy lends support to other initiatives that may seek to bolster the viability and levels of use of existing facilities and the introduction of additional services and infrastructure.

3.27 Green space and green infrastructure plays a key part in the retention of the character of rural settlements, such as Bletsoe. Policy CP22 seeks to ensure that both the retention and enhancement of local green space and green infrastructure is a foremost consideration if and when new development is planned for in the village.

3.28 There is also a further policy included in the recently adopted Allocations and Designations Local Plan (July 2013) of relevance to Bletsoe. New policy AD40 replaces old policy H25 of the Local Plan 2002 with regard to the management of important open space in the village.

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3.29 Reference has been made (at 3.5 above, paragraphs 76-78) to the introduction by the NPPF of a new form of special protection for green areas; this is in addition and is a different designation to the existing urban open spaces and village open spaces contained in the Allocations and Designations Local Plan 2013. The Local Green Space designation is more restrictive and the NPPF states that Local Green Spaces can only be designated when a plan (Local Plan or Neighbourhood Plan) is prepared or reviewed and must be capable of enduring beyond the plan period. As the Borough Council is currently preparing its Local Plan for the period to 2035, Parish Councils have been invited to consider designating land in its area as a Local Green Space for inclusion in the Local Plan 2035. The criteria for designating a Local Green Space are as follows:

 Where green space is in reasonably close proximity to the community it serves;  Where the green area is demonstrably special to a local community and it holds a particular significance, for example, because of its beauty, historic significance, recreational value (including as a playing field), tranquillity or richness of its wildlife; and  Where the green area concerned is local in character and is not an extensive tract of land.

3.30 The NPPF states that Local Green Space designation will not be appropriate for most green areas or open spaces. There is no criterion to guide or restrict the location of the Local Green Space but the NPPF states that it is to be in reasonably close proximity to the community it serves. This would normally be within easy walking distance which other planning policies suggest would be around 300 metres.

3.31 The CSRIP and Allocations and Designations Local Plan include additional policies that in time may be of relevance to Bletsoe depending on the scope of the plan. Additionally, it should be noted that Bedford Borough are currently in the process of reviewing their planning policies with a view to producing the new Bedford Borough Local Plan 2035. Whilst this replacement plan is at a very early stage, and there is no clear policy direction, it is not possible to provide clarity on what implications the new plan may have for Bletsoe. As a matter of best practice it is the intention of the Parish Council to work closely with Borough officers as both their and our own plans ‘emerge’ to ensure that they complement each other for the period up until 2035.

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4 COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT - ISSUES IDENTIFIED

4.1 Neighbourhood Plans are intended to be developed by local communities, for local communities and it is, therefore, essential to find out what the community thinks about the local area as a pre-requisite to the production of a successful Neighbourhood Plan. In developing the Neighbourhood Plan, Bletsoe Parish Council has sought to engage with the local community to ensure that a Neighbourhood Plan is in tune with local needs and aspirations and the feedback has helped shape emerging policies and proposals.

4.2 It has been recognised that, without the benefit of local knowledge, key issues may be issued, or even worse, proposals could be developed that are at odds with local needs or priorities, leading to conflict and delay in getting the Plan adopted. Bletsoe Parish Council has, therefore, used front-loaded consultation to find out what the local community thinks and identifies as important local issues and opportunities.

4.3 A "Launch Event" to promote local awareness about the Neighbourhood Plan was held on 25 September 2014 at Bletsoe Village Hall and was well attended. This represented the beginning of the neighbourhood planning process and the consultation event was organised with the aim of achieving an event that was open and accessible to all members of the local community. The launch consultation event provided details of what a Neighbourhood Plan is and the stages and timeline to take the initiative forward. Key questions were posed, such as:

 What do we need to retain a viable community in Bletsoe?  What do we need to make Bletsoe an even better place to live?  What do we value and what do we want to preserve?  What is Bletsoe missing?  What do you think should be changed or improved?

There were 70 consultation responses received at the event and the process helped gather a large amount of useful information. A full summary of the comments received is reproduced at Appendix A. The exhibition material has continued to be available to the community on an established web-site, www.bletsoe.net.

4.4 The key issues arising from the Launch event were as follows:

Housing:

 There was general concern at the sites submitted to the Borough Council as part of the "call for sites" process, although some recognition that these would be robustly assessed and would not be compliant with Borough Council Local Plan policies and, as a consequence, resisted.  The setting of the Church and the Castle site should be maintained and any proposed development that could blight the setting should be resisted.  There is a need to respect the Conservation Area and any new development within it should be sympathetic;  There was support for some limited housing development but an overriding consideration was the need to ensure that the village retained its character, rural atmosphere and, in particular, its compact and historic nature.

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 There was a view that any housing development should be based on need.  There was some support for inexpensive housing, low cost affordable homes for families and retirement flats/homes; land behind Captains Close was identified as a possible location for development.  There was a view expressed that the village already had a large percentage of social housing, indicating that the stock available should be broadened.  There was concern at the appearance when entering the village and support, therefore, to improve the gateway to the village.  The need for a strong Local Plan was emphasised so that inappropriate development could be resisted.

Infrastructure:

 Parking was a problem and there was a need to review and provide off road parking or residents parking to assist this problem. Memorial Lane and The Avenue were identified as areas of parking concern.  Speeding was identified as a further concern with traffic calming and average speed cameras identified as possible solutions.  Bletsoe is viewed by some as a "rat run" for Thurleigh industry and Coplowe Lane was identified as a potential problem area.

Environment:

 The importance of protecting the green space in the village was emphasised.  Despite the need, it was considered that there should be no new parking provision on current green land within the village.  There was a view that a safe bridleway should be developed from Coplowe Lane to Yarls Wood to avoid the Milton Ernest to Sharnbrook Road.  There was a view that solar panels should be fitted to the Village Hall given the environmental benefits.

Community Facilities:

 The need for improved broadband provision was emphasised.  Potential improvements to the play area, better playground equipment and the need to expand and support the village hall as the centre of village activities was identified as possible investment opportunities.  The desire for better public transport and a Village shop if more houses were built were raised.  There was "dismay" at the possibility of the plan including offices and shops as "commercial buildings would seriously interfere with community ethos".

Heritage Assets:

 The Ancient Monument should continue to be protected.

4.5 Further consultation, via a Neighbourhood Questionnaire, was undertaken during December 2014 and a full summary of comments received from this process is provided in Appendix B. This traditional form of questionnaire has enabled statistics to be produced and ideas for options, policies and proposals to be gleaned.

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4.6 There were 32 respondents to the questionnaire, representing a 30% response rate. 97% of the respondents lived in the Parish. The majority responded as follows:

Housing:

 47% were in favour of affordable housing needs;  63% think small sensitively located sites should be available for sale on open market;  31% want no more than 10 new dwellings;  47% want new dwellings to be semi detached houses;  31% think that the best site for new housing should be site number 30 (land on The Avenue at entrance to Bletsoe off A6).

Infrastructure:

 There are no constructive solutions to improved parking in the village, apart from utilising the village hall car park;  19% think electronic speed signs are needed to improve speed calming;  44% are not in favour of providing cycle ways.

Environment:

 75% strongly agree that unspoilt countryside is important;  66% strongly agree that a pleasant physical environment is important;  84% strongly agree that a peaceful and safe neighbourhood is important;  50% are in favour of providing allotment land.

Community Facilities:

 47% are neutral as regards leisure and sport being important;  63% strongly agree that the community and its spirit is important;  84% strongly agree that a peaceful and safe neighbourhood is important;  41% are neutral as regards the importance of local services;  38% are neutral as regards the importance of lots of things going on;  28% are neutral as regards the importance of good public transport;  25% are neutral as regards the importance of local employment opportunities;  41% strongly agree that having a say in decisions that affect the parish is important;  94% have broadband and 77% say it is not fast enough, with an average speed across 16 respondents of 2.69 mbps;  78% are against any small scale commercial developments;  Better playground equipment and improved bus service between local villages are mentioned.

4.7 The responses to the consultation exercises have been used to help review and shape the draft vision and overarching objectives, together with the content of the Issues and Options consultation document. It has provided a good level of data which has been invaluable in establishing priorities, identifying problems and generating ideas. Issues and options in relation to each of the key objectives are considered more fully in sections 6 to 10 of the report.

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5 VISION AND OBJECTIVES

5.1 Bletsoe is a small and quiet village with a real sense of community and any development that takes place will need to be sensitive to these principles, while meeting the needs of the community. Bletsoe will continue to develop its vibrant mixed age community over the next twenty years to provide a balanced mix of homes and to encourage local employment, thus providing people with an opportunity to become part of a progressive community. For the purposes of the emerging Neighbourhood Plan, the following Vision Statement had been proposed:

“Bletsoe will remain a real rural village that seeks to meet the housing, economic and infrastructure needs of its residents without losing the character that makes it special”

5.2 In determining this overall Vision for Bletsoe, the Steering Group had regard to its administrative history and the character of the area. Bletsoe is an ancient parish, about 6 miles north-west of Bedford, and the boundaries have not changed in over a hundred years. It comprises over 2,200 acres and it was reported, in 1910, that 1,208 acres of this was arable (the principal crops being wheat, barley and root vegetables) with 814½ acres of grassland and 72¼ acres of woods and plantations. Bletsoe is bounded by Riseley in the north, Thurleigh in the east, Milton Ernest in the south and both Sharnbrook and Felmersham in the west.

5.3 The village is small, consisting of a few cottages of varying ages, and lies in the south-west. The Population at Domesday was a little over a hundred people, making it quite a significant settlement at that date. More modern population figures rose in the first half of the 19th century (to in excess of 400 reported between 1831 and 1861) then began to fall back as more local people drifted to towns like Bedford and Rushden to find work (falling to a reported 337 in 1891); then decreased severely in the early part of the 20th century as mechanisation of farm work took more people from the land and forced them to look for employment elsewhere. It is reported that the population fell to 219 by 1931 but that, in the latter part of the 20th century, figures rose again but to nowhere near the levels of 1831-1861. The population was reported to be 260 in 2011. Of significance is the Conservation Area Appraisal, reported in March 2008, and the Conservation Area designation.

5.4 The River Ouse flows through the south-west of the parish of Bletsoe. The soil is clay, the subsoil gravel, clay and limestone; the slope of the ground is irregular, but chiefly from east to west; the greatest height attained above the ordnance datum is 293 ft. in the north, the lowest 132 ft. in the west of the parish. Bletsoe Castle lies on the east of the main road passing through the village. South of the castle on the same side lies the church of St. Mary. Some half a mile from the village near the river is a combined steam and water mill. Pippin Wood is in the north and Galsey Wood in the east of the parish.

5.5 The Launch Event, held on 25 September 2014, invited comments on the draft Vision, five proposed objectives (covering "Housing Provision", "Infrastructure Needs", "The Environment", "Community Facilities" and "Heritage Assets") that were subject to consultation as part of the emerging Neighbourhood Plan, together with a range of supporting actions to help develop the Neighbourhood Plan. A summary of the comments received is reproduced at Appendix A.

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5.6 In relation to the draft Vision, there were only 3 general responses but, reflecting on the feedback received, the Steering Group propose to update the Vision as follows and to strengthen the commitment to maintain its distinctive and special characteristics:

"Bletsoe will remain a real peaceful rural village that seeks to meet the housing, economic and infrastructure needs of its residents. Any future development must, therefore, be sensitive and respect the character of the village without losing the character that makes it so special”

5.7 The draft objectives that have been subject to consultation are in relation to the following five topic areas:

HOUSING PROVISION INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS THE ENVIRONMENT COMMUNITY FACILITIES HERITAGE ASSETS

5.8 There were 70 consultation responses received at the Launch Event and 32 Neighbourhood Questionnaires returned. The results are summarised at Appendices A and B respectively. Whilst there is general support for the overarching objectives, a number of issues have been raised that have been used to determine options that are now subject to consultation and will help shape the content of the draft Neighbourhood Plan. Issues and Options in relation to each of the key objectives are considered in the following sections of the report.

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6 HOUSING PROVISION

6.1 The original Community Engagement Report that helped guide the Launch Event in September 2014 identified the following key objective in relation to housing:

OBJECTIVE 1 – DELIVERING HOUSING WHICH BOTH SUSTAINS THE CURRENT AND MEETS THE FUTURE NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY

6.2 The Steering Group recognised the need to undertake an assessment of local needs to pinpoint the type and amount of new housing that would help meet the current and future demands of the Parish. There was also a recognition that an increase in population would help support the school bus service and to some extent help sustain other services that the village enjoys. Any new development needed, however, to be proportionate to need and there was an expectation that any development would be constrained to a few key areas and would be of a scale to ensure that the housing and infrastructure needs of the village could be met. Moreover, any new development would be small in scale, in keeping with the character of the village, and would be sensitively located. There was a need to ensure that desirable open spaces should be protected.

Local Issues

6.3 Bedford Borough Council has now commenced the preparation of a Local Plan that will set out how much growth there should be in the borough in coming years (housing, jobs and associated infrastructure) and where it should take place. As part of this process, the Borough Council invited details of possible development sites, known as a ‘call for sites’ and, in response to this, a number of sites in Bletsoe have been submitted for consideration. Not all the land that is submitted via this process is suitable for development and a technical assessment of each site is required.

6.4 This section identifies the issues that have been identified to date, based on consultation and evidence gathering, and sets out various options to address them.

6.5 The location of sites in Bletsoe that have been submitted to Bedford Borough Council in response to the 'Call for Sites' are identified on the map below:

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MAP 2 - SITES SUBMITTED IN RESPONSE TO CALL FOR SITES PROCESS

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6.6 As expected, the community response to the objective "Housing Provision" generated the most significant feedback. The response to the initial Launch consultation is mixed and is summarised at Appendix A. Key issues raised include:

 There was general concern at the sites submitted to the Borough Council as part of the "call for sites" process, although some recognition that these would be robustly assessed and would not be compliant with Borough Council Local Plan policies and, as a consequence, resisted.  The setting of the Church and the Castle site should be maintained and any proposed development that could blight the setting should be resisted.  There is a need to respect the Conservation Area and any new development within it should be sympathetic;  There was support for some limited housing development but an overriding consideration was the need to ensure that the village retained its character, rural atmosphere and, in particular, its compact and historic nature.  There was a view that any housing development should be based on need.  There was some support for inexpensive housing, low cost affordable homes for families and retirement flats/homes; land behind Captains Close was identified as a possible location for affordable homes.  There was a view expressed that the village already had a large percentage of social housing, indicating that the stock available should be broadened.  There was concern at the appearance when entering the village and support to improve the gateway to the village.  The need for a strong Local Plan was emphasised so that inappropriate development could be resisted.

6.7 Further evidence gained by analysis of the Neighbourhood Questionnaire responses, summarised at Appendix B, identifies some support for small scale development with 22% indicating a priority for no more than 2 new dwellings, 22% no more than 5 dwellings, 31% for no more that 10 dwellings and 15% for more than 10 dwellings. 31% of respondents consider that, of the sites submitted, the best sites for housing would be sites number 30 and 31 on Map 2 above; the former could help improve the gateway to the village as this had been identified as a concern at the launch event. There were further views of the type of housing needed, with 53% against further affordable housing and 47% favouring new dwellings to be semi detached houses.

6.8 Having regard to the feedback from the consultation and the evidence gathered to date, the Steering Group considers that the emphasis should be towards:

 resisting major growth due to the impact on local infrastructure.  restricting development to that required to meet local need and to maintain the viability of the local community.  protecting and enhancing open spaces, and improving the village gateway.  balancing and managing new infill development to protect character and amenity, whilst enabling flexibility to meet needs through extensions, renewable energy, etc.

6.9 This enabled the Steering Group to establish the following "guiding principles" to help decide WHAT should be built within the Neighbourhood Plan area, WHERE it should be built and HOW it should be achieved:

 Further development should not damage environmental and heritage features that give Bletsoe its special character; and should not expand inappropriately beyond its current boundaries, so protecting surrounding countryside.

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 A range of well-designed property types and sizes should be provided including affordable housing and housing for younger and older people, so as to promote a balanced housing market. New development should, therefore, reflect and respond to evidenced local need.  To require new housing to contribute to well designed, high quality living environments and neighbourhoods and maintain local distinctiveness.  Housing development must be linked to sufficient capacity/investment in local services and infrastructure.

Issue 6.1: Determining Housing Need and Demand

6.10 Baseline household information was obtained from the 2011 census and is summarised at Appendix C.

6.11 A Housing Needs Survey (HNS), undertaken by the Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity (BRCC), has provided some valuable information to inform the process. The survey has sought to identify the housing needs of local people over the next 20 years, and aimed to assess the need of local people for either affordable housing or market housing in Bletsoe. The full report is available at www.bletsoe.net. The key outcomes of the HNS is summarised at Appendix D and reported below.

6.12 In relation to Bletsoe, the key findings from the HNS (based upon statistics reported in Appendix C) are as follows:

Population and Demographics: There has been a significant ageing of the population of Bletsoe over the last 10 years, with the proportion aged 65+ increasing by nearly 50% and the proportion under 16 decreasing to a similar degree. The HNS has identified that 6 households are seeking to downsize, with 7 households seeking to move out of the family home and/or get on the housing ladder.

Household Composition: There are higher levels of pensioner households than the Bedford average, reflecting the figures in 2.1, although the number of families with dependent children is just above the Borough average.

Housing Tenure: In common with most rural parishes in Bedford Borough, Bletsoe has relatively high levels of owner occupation (around the 75% mark), probably reflecting the older demographics. While social renting is not far off the area average, private renting is relatively low.

Dwelling Types: As with most Bedfordshire villages, there are relatively more detached houses, and relatively fewer flats, in Bletsoe. This is likely to mean that there are relatively fewer affordable properties, although the proportion of terraced houses is just above the Borough average.

Housing in Poor Condition: Overcrowding counts as a housing need for households applying for affordable housing through the Choice Based Lettings scheme. In 2011 the proportion of households in Bletsoe classified as overcrowded was much lower than the Bedford Borough average. Where central heating is not present, fuel poverty is significantly more likely. The level of households in Bletsoe without central heating is just below the Bedford Borough average, as is the level of fuel poverty.

People on Low Incomes: 7.3% of people in Bletsoe are classified as “experiencing income deprivation”, well under the Bedford Borough average of 12.1%. 9.4% of working age people were claiming DWP benefits in August 2012, below the Bedford Borough average of 13.4%; and 16.7% of people over 65 were claiming pension credit, under the Bedford Borough average of 21.0%.

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Health and Disability: Limiting illnesses and disabilities can affect the type of housing that people need in order to remain independent. The HNS identified no emerging issues for Bletsoe; 13.3% of those aged 65 and over in Bletsoe claim Attendance Allowance (a non-means-tested benefit for severely disabled people aged 65 or over who need help with personal care), under the Bedford Borough average of 15.7%. The proportion of the population claiming Disability Living Allowance is 3.8%, just under the Bedford Borough average of 4.2%. 16.9% of people have a limiting long- term illness, just above the Bedford Borough average of 16.0%.

6.13 The market housing policies for the Neighbourhood Plan (e.g. proposed numbers, size and type) would need to be based on a broad evidence base. This would include local housing need identified through the HNS, although the wider housing market would also need to be taken into consideration, as there would be no restrictions placed on the sale of this housing.

6.14 The NPPF makes it clear that authorities should plan for a mix of housing based on current and future demographic trends, market trends and the needs of different groups in the community. The intention is to help to ‘balance’ the housing market and so new development should meet gaps in the current stock and create secondary gains by improving turnover in both the private and social sectors. Future needs may also be influenced by new government policies. The Bletsoe HNS shows that there is a need for properties of various types, sizes and tenures, but the evidence demonstrates that there is a particular need for smaller market housing (2-3 bedrooms) if Bletsoe is to meet the identified current and future needs of its existing residents wishing to stay in the village, as well as prior residents wishing to return. The HNS report, summarised at Appendix D indicates that some of the new provision should be designed as retirement housing (or built to Lifetime Homes criteria), whereas others should be designed as "starter homes".

6.15 The provision of a range of property types, sizes and tenure in new build development would enable all households, and in particular younger and older people, to move to more appropriate properties. This would create secondary gains through making best use of the existing housing stock by addressing under‐occupation and promoting improvements in the rate of turnover of existing family units; this would be further enhanced if specialist accommodation to meet the changing requirements of the increasing older population was also provided.

6.16 In considering the outcome of the HNS, the following Policy Options have been developed to address this issues identified:

OPTION H1: Proposals for new housing on the sites identified for development must ensure that the scale and type of housing provided and the rate of construction will enable proportionate growth and will respect the character, appearance and setting of the Conservation Area and The Ancient Monument.

OPTION H2: All new market and affordable homes across the Parish should maintain and add to the vitality of the local community. Developers should demonstrate how their proposals will help to maintain a balanced and thriving community into the future and respond to the needs of local people.

OPTION H3: All new housing should help to broaden the range of stock available in the Parish. It should complement and add to the existing stock, broaden choice and extend the opportunity to own a house or live in the village to a wide range of people. The type, tenure and cost of new housing should meet the housing needs of the local area and the particular need for smaller market housing (2-3 bedrooms) should be recognised.

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Issue 6.2: Scale of Development

6.17 Bletsoe is fortunate to be located on the edge of attractive open countryside and to have several areas of open space, all of which are highly valued by local people. The majority of the village has been designated as a Conservation Area and any development within it should preserve or enhance rather than harm its character and appearance, and any development adjacent to it should have the same effect on its setting. The community has expressed a very strong view that any new development should be on a needs basis and should preferably be limited in scale, thus respecting the character and infrastructure of the village.

6.18 In developing the Neighbourhood Plan, and having regard to the character of the village and housing need, the Steering Group is committed to ensuring that further development on green fields and open spaces will generally be resisted; Bletsoe is not considered to be in need of significant housing development and the emphasis will, therefore, be on protecting the urban boundary and only permitting small scale, infill development on vacant or underused sites within the Settlement Policy Area or on land which represents a limited natural extension to the existing built up area. This issue is similarly identified as Issue 8.1 below (under the objective of "The Environment") given the commitment to protect open space.

6.19 A key purpose of this consultation is to allow the community to comment on the acceptability of the sites put forward as potential allocations for future development in Bletsoe. Planning legislation also requires a site assessment methodology to balance sustainability and deliverability objectives in a way which ensures that the Neighbourhood Plan intentions are met whilst achieving sustainable development which is defined in paragraphs 18-19 of the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF). A Site Assessment Report has, therefore, been prepared by independent planning consultants, Woods Hardwick Planning Limited, and forms part of the Bletsoe Neighbourhood Plan evidence base. The purpose of this report is to provide a consistent assessment of all of the sites evaluated in terms of their suitability for potential allocation for future development in the Bletsoe Neighbourhood Plan. Each site has been assessed against its suitability, availability and achievability (as set out in paragraph 47 of the NPPF). This is an important process in neighbourhood planning as any policies contained with the final Plan will need to be in conformity with the NPPF and in general conformity with the Bedford Borough Council Local Plan 2002 and the emerging Local Plan 2035. The full report includes the detailed Red/Amber/Green assessments and is available at www.bletsoe.net.

6.20 This detailed site assessment covered a four stage process to establish which sites best fit the Plan objectives and provides the basis for making a decision about which sites should be allocated. The four stages are as follows:

o Identifying the sites which are in locations identified as being suitable for development. At this stage sites which have overriding physical or environmental constraints will be filtered out. o Assessing the availability of each potential site. o Assessing the deliverability of each site including viability. o The acceptability of each site as an allocation within the Neighbourhood Plan will be assessed based upon the outcome of this consultation. The definition of the four stages is fully explained in Appendix A of the separate, more detailed Site Assessment Report at www.bletsoe.net. A summary of this assessment of the sites submitted to Bedford Borough Council for potential housing development in response to the 'call for sites' is reproduced at Appendix E.

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6.21 Additionally, through the Call for Sites exercise two proposals for new settlements have been submitted (at Thurleigh Airfield and Twinwoods) which overlap the boundary of the Bletsoe Neighbourhood Area, but are largely located within the adjoining parishes of Thurleigh and Milton Ernest; both sites are located some distance from the village of Bletsoe itself. Given the substantial scale of the sites they are of a strategic nature and will be carefully considered in greater detail at a strategic level as part of the preparation of the new Local Plan, however, for completeness both sites are included within the site assessments at Appendix E.

6.22 In considering potential land allocations, regard has also been given to the scope to enable a significant improvement to the entrance to the village from the west (the main junction with the A6). Concern has been expressed at the visual appearance at this key location and it is recognised that a significant "gateway" improvement could be enabled if a small development is permitted by exception. This could facilitate a significant extension of the green area on the approach and, potentially, some form of entrance feature, such as smart landscaping or entrance signage, to signify the entrance to the beautiful village of Bletsoe. The most appropriate location for a very small enabling development, of no more than 3 high quality dwellings, would be site number 30 on Map 2 above; a small prestigious development would, subject to achieving a layout and design integrated into the existing landscape, help improve the gateway to the village as this had been identified as a concern at the launch.

6.23 An alternative submission for this site was made in response to the second Bedford Borough Council consultation which ended on 14 December 2015 (identified as site number 517 on Map 2 above). An indicative scheme layout, shown below, identifies the provision of 8 large detached dwellings, together with a landscape and acoustic buffer. Whilst it does not, however, specifically respond to the housing needs that have been identified, it may be viewed as an acceptable option to address the "shock" when entering the village.

6.24 Special regard should been given to the importance of the entrance to the village from the west. Overall, the land on both sides of the Avenue, between the main road and the entrance to the village, has been viewed as important open space which has defined the edge of a settlement, historically always detached from the main road. There is a strong view that development, as has previously been proposed on one side of the Avenue, would unbalance this undeveloped approach and set a precedent for equally damaging development on the other side of the Avenue, coalescing the village with the separate development on the main road. There is a view that the visual impact of 10 The Avenue, and the clutter on the north side (matters of concern expressed at the launch event) could be better handled by planting and voluntary action rather than potentially compounding the problem with new development.

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6.25 The location for the balance of limited development is focussed at the centre of the village, close to local amenities, and areas of land identified as site number 685 on Map 2 above and part of the land adjacent to St. Mary's Close and Captain's Close have been identified for a further small development to meet local need (the old village field). This is identified as site number 537 on Map 2 above and has been submitted in response to the September 2015 consultation by the Borough Council on the emerging Local Plan by the Parish Council. It would respond to the particular requirement, demonstrated by the HNS, for smaller housing (2-3 bedrooms) meeting the identified current and future needs of existing Bletsoe residents to remain in or return to the village. As a response to researched need, accessed from within the village and an organic internal expansion adjacent to the SPA boundary, it could justify an exception to settlement policy. In the light of suggestions that some of the new provision should be designed as retirement housing or "starter homes", and given the ownership of the land by the Parish Council, the scope for co-ownership and other schemes should be explored.

6.26 All submissions made to the Local Plan "call for sites" are outside the village Settlement Policy Area (SPA), some adversely impacting upon the setting of the Church and the Castle. Site 685 north of the Old Rectory is a variation of Sites 31 and 35 that were put forward from the original Local Plan call for sites and proposes up to 3 residential dwellings. This significantly contrasts with the original proposals for Site 31, with a proposed allocation for up to 10 dwellings, and Site 35 which could accommodate approximately 20 dwellings. The sites are not considered to be significantly affected by overriding site-specific as well as policy constraints and the original Site 31 did receive a good level of public support for site development. The sites could be argued to be a limited natural extension of the SPA and, given the small sale development and improved deliverability, Site 685 is the preferred allocation. The frontage of Site 685 is, however, part of a gentle mature transition – its own kind of ‘gateway’ – approaching Bletsoe along the North End road, from hedged fields to the listed Old Rectory group from where the church and Bletsoe Castle become visible. Frontage development with associated accesses and other structures would radically and adversely affect this pleasant northern village approach. It is, however, a deep site, and may have the potential for a small development of no more than three dwellings provided the case for need is made and that it can be satisfactorily demonstrated by pre-application designs that access requirements would not adversely affect the character of the northern approach to the village, and there are no other site-specific constraints.

6.27 The Policy Options determined to cover the scale of housing is as follows:

OPTION H4: The site identified as proposal 537 on Map 3 below is considered to be suitable for small scale housing development of up to 8 dwellings. Development of this site for housing to meet local needs will be supported.

OPTION H5: The site identified as proposal 685 on Map 3 below is considered to be suitable for small scale housing development of up to 3 dwellings, subject to achieving a layout and design satisfactorily integrated into the landscape setting of the village. Development of this site for housing to meet local needs will be supported in preference to alternative sites 31 and 35 in this location which proposes significantly more housing.

OPTION H6: The site identified as proposal 30/517 on Map 3 below is considered to be suitable for small scale housing development of up to 3 dwellings. Development of this site for housing to enable much sought after "gateway" improvements for the village will be supported, OR;

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OPTION H7: The site identified as proposal 30/517 on Map 3 below is considered to be suitable for small scale housing development of up to 8 dwellings. Development of this site for housing to enable much sought after "gateway" improvements for the village will be supported.

MAP 3 - SITES PROPOSED FOR SMALL SCALE DEVELOPMENT (Areas hatched red)

6.28 In relation to Policy Options H4 to H7, the sites for potential development are identified as:

(1) Land North of the Old Rectory: Part of OS3360 (up to 3 dwellings) - Call for Site reference 685;

(2) Land behind Captains Close, via existing access adjacent to garages (site identified for up to 8 dwellings to meet need) - Call for Site reference 537;

(3) The First Field, The Avenue - Call for Site references 30 and 517.

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6.29 The assessment of sites, summarised at Appendix E, has concluded that several sites, identified as site 32, 33, 34, 36 and 37 on Map 2 above are not considered suitable for development. All of the sites were assessed using a Red, Amber or Green rating (traffic light assessment Green = 3 points, Amber = 2 and Red = 1) and scored accordingly based upon the following key areas:

o Location; is it in a suitable location for development and would it contribute to the creation of sustainable, and mixed communities; o Policy restrictions; e.g. existing designations, protected areas, existing planning or other policy or strategy; o Physical problems or limitations; e.g. access, flooding infrastructure, ground conditions, flood risk, hazardous risks, pollution or contamination; o Potential impacts – including effect upon landscape features, heritage assets and conservation; o Environmental conditions which would be experienced by prospective residents.

6.30 Where a site has been considered as unsuitable, for example because access may be difficult or the site is isolated, no further assessment of availability or achievability have been made. The detailed R/A/G assessments are included within Appendix A of the detailed Site Assessment Report which will form part of the Neighbourhood Plan Evidence Base and is available to view at http://www.bletsoe.net.

6.31 Having regard to the independent assessment of sites that was commissioned, the following Policy Option has been determined in respect of potential site allocations:

OPTION H8: The following sites identified on Map 2 above as 32, 33, 34, 36 and 37 are not considered suitable for development. All sites have been assessed by an experienced Planning Consultant against their suitability, availability and achievability in line with Planning Practice Guidance and following assessment the sites are not considered to be appropriate for allocation in the Neighbourhood Plan (with reasons outlined in the summary at Appendix E). The sites are as follows:

Site 32: Land South of Coplowe Lane;

Site 33: North End Farm;

Site 34: Land at Waiting for the Sun Farm;

Site 36: Land West of Bletsoe Castle;

Site 37: Land South of The Grange.

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Issue 6.3: Responding to Affordable Housing Need

6.32 Affordable housing can be affordable rented property (where rent is charged at up to 80% of market value), or it can be shared ownership in which people can own a share in the property and pay rent on the remainder. It is usually provided by Registered Providers, such as housing associations. Affordable housing in rural areas is often progressed through Rural Exception Site developments – this is where the planning authority accepts that there is a need for affordable housing in the parish, and is prepared to grant an “exception” to planning policy, providing that the development is for affordable housing that will be available to local people in perpetuity. A Neighbourhood Plan can contain a Rural Exception Site policy; households seeking affordable rented accommodation through any new exception site development would have to apply through the Bedfordshire Choice Based Lettings scheme, through which they would have to demonstrate both a housing need and a local connection to Bletsoe.

6.33 An analysis of dwellings in lower Council Tax bands has identified that 5.0% of dwellings in Bletsoe are in Council Tax Band A, and 16.5% in Band B, compared to 13.6% and 24.9% for Bedford Borough as a whole. This indicates a relative shortage of affordable housing for purchase in Bletsoe.

6.34 The HNS reported that, in March 2015, there were no properties for sale in Bletsoe. Property sales over the last 3 years have been analysed as follows:

2012 2013 2014 £100,000 and under 0 0 0 £100,001 – 150,000 0 0 1 £150,001 – 200,000 0 1 1 £200,001 – 300,000 2 0 3 £300,001+ 2 3 1 Total 4 4 6

The cheapest property sold in the last 3 years (a 4 bedroom terraced house) went for £111,655. This was the only property available for under £150,000 during the period.

6.35 Similarly, in March 2015, the HNS identified no properties that had recently been available for rent. People seeking to rent in the local area would need to look in nearby parishes such as Sharnbrook (where properties started at £625 per month).

6.36 The HNS report identified the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) guideline that “a household can be considered able to afford to buy a home if it costs 3.5 times the gross household income for a single earner household or 2.9 times the gross household income for dual-income households". This is reflected in the fact that the ‘average income multiple’ in lending to first-time buyers in December 2014 was 3.39. According to the DCLG guidance, in order to purchase the cheapest property available in Bletsoe over the last 3 years (the 4 bedroom house at £111,655) as a first time buyer, a single earner household would need an annual gross income of nearly £32,000, and a dual-income household would need over £38,000. The median annual full-time wage in the UK stood at £26,884 in April 2013.

6.37 According to the same guidance, “a household can be considered able to afford market house renting in cases where the rent payable was up to 25% of their gross household income” (The ‘Rent Payable’ figure is defined as the entire rent due, even if it is partially or entirely met by housing benefit.) To rent the cheapest property available in nearby Sharnbrook (given no properties were currently or recently available in Bletsoe), a household’s gross income would need to be about £30,000.

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6.38 The HNS report emphasised that a further major barrier to entry to the property market for first-time buyers was the high deposit needed for a competitive mortgage rate. The report identified that the average loan to value for first time buyers nationally in December 2014 was 81%, meaning that the average deposit was 19%. Smaller deposit mortgages all but disappeared following the onset of the financial crisis but Phase 2 of the government’s Help to Buy scheme has, however, more recently facilitated a market in mortgages for first-time buyers at up to 95% loan to value. These mortgages are generally offered at higher rates of interest than for buyers with larger deposits. At 95% loan to value, a first-time buyer household might have been able to purchase the 4 bedroom house highlighted above with a deposit of around £5,500. At the current average of 81% loan to value, a deposit of around £21,000 would be required.

6.39 While house prices have reduced from their 2007 peak, they are still unaffordable for many people looking to buy within the Bletsoe Neighbourhood Plan area. The operation of the housing market will not resolve this without planning intervention and so affordable housing needs to be considered as an integral part of the delivery of any new housing schemes in the area. One of the most common ways of delivering affordable housing currently is on ‘mixed tenure’ developments where, in addition to market housing, affordable housing is also provided by the developer. The subsidy required by the affordable housing is in essence provided from the sale of the market housing. The options identified at section 4.25 of the HNS support this principle and seek to deliver a housing stock consistent with local needs.

6.40 The provision of a mix of housing size and type to meet local need is further supported by the Bedford Borough Core Strategy and Rural Issues Plan. Policy CP7 accords with the guidance of the NPPF in that it seeks to ensure development meets the needs of all sectors of the community. In the event that new housing is planned for in Bletsoe, an appropriate mix will be expected. In addition, Policy C18 clearly sets out an expectation that 30% affordable housing is provided on sites of 3 dwellings or more (or over 0.1ha) in villages having a population of less than 3,000. Recent changes have, however, been made to National Planning Policy Guidance and these are outlined in the HNS report at sections 3.16 to 3.18. The changes in relation to affordable housing include a national policy threshold beneath which affordable housing contributions should not be sought of ten-units or less (and which have a maximum combined gross floor space of no more than 1,000 square metres).

6.41 In relation to Bletsoe, no respondents to the HNS were seeking affordable rented housing and, in addition, there is already a reasonable level of social housing in the village. There may, therefore, be no real local need for affordable rented housing. The HNS report has suggested that, while all respondents to the survey were seeking to buy on the open market only, provision for some shared ownership housing may be prudent, reflecting the fact that having regard to affordability some households could not afford to buy on the open market. Unlike market housing, this housing could be restricted in perpetuity to people with a local connection, who could use this as a stepping stone to full ownership.

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Issue 6.4: Achieving Quality Design and Local Distinctiveness

6.42 Bletsoe has experienced limited post war growth but this has been mainly delivered by standard developer designed estates, which do little to reflect local design and materials and the character of the settlement area. The result is that, although providing some variety, there is a lack of distinction. There is a need to ensure that any new development is sensitively laid out to respect local landscape, assisted by a high proportion of low density and single storey houses, which facilitates the retention and addition of considerable additional tree, hedge and other planting. Where appropriate, development should integrate with the surrounding landscape and countryside and, therefore, avoid being laid out with hard edges. Consideration should be given not only to individual house design, but also the provision of landscaping and street layout including accessibility and appearance.

6.43 The designated Conservation Area will ensure the retention of many listed and historic traditional buildings and thereby largely preserve the character of the historic core. It is critical that any further infill development is sympathetic to the area. Design should be of a high standard, probably assisted by more stringent planning policies guiding rural design and the use of preserved local traditional design and materials.

6.44 The NPPF comments that design is not solely about appearance or location, but must also provide a sustainable quality of life in terms of energy efficiency and affordability. To assist this aim the national publication Code for Sustainable Homes lays down standards for high quality sustainable housing.

6.45 There is clearly a need to ensure that the village retains its character, rural atmosphere and, in particular, its compact and historic nature. This could be achieved by including detailed design criteria in the emerging Neighbourhood Plan and adopting a Bletsoe Village Design Statement incorporating the design criteria to further support the policies that exist in the Borough Council Local Plan. To achieve this, the following Policy Options are proposed:

OPTION H9: Proposals for new housing development should adopt the approach to design, siting and layout set out in a separate Bletsoe Village Design Statement.

OPTION H10: The proposed Bletsoe Village Design Statement should incorporate proposals to improve and enhance at a local level:

 car parking space standards, with a minimum number of dedicated off street parking spaces relative to the number of bedrooms in the dwelling as follows: 1 car parking space per 1 bedroom dwelling; 2 car park spaces for 2-3 bedroom dwellings and 3 car parking spaces for 4 or more bedroom dwellings;

 amenity space standards, with at least 50% of the completed residence allocated as amenity space (parking, garden, courtyard, patio, play area);

 height standards, building shape and size and external finish standards.

OPTION H11: New development proposals will only be supported if they include their own parking requirements on site so as not to add to the existing congestion in the village.

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6.46 It is important, therefore, that any new development is accommodated in a way that maintains and enhances the built environment and that it improves the quality of life of all current and future residents. Policies need to be designed to ensure that new development respects the existing form and function of the settlements within the parish. New development should not be prominent in scale, visually dominant or significantly change the character of the village or outlying hamlets. New development should reflect the grain, density, quality and materials that should be identified in the Bletsoe Village Design Statement. Additionally, all new development should be of a height, massing and appearance that does not adversely affect key distinctive views into and out of the Parish. Particular attention should be given to views to and from listed buildings, open space within villages, the conservation area and key landscape features.

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7 INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS

7.1 The original Community Engagement Report that helped guide the Launch Event in September 2014 identified the following key objective in relation to infrastructure:

OBJECTIVE 2 – TO MANAGE BOTH EXISTING AND FUTURE TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT PROVISION AND ENCOURAGING SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE MOVEMENT

7.2 The Steering Group has recognised that most households today have access to the use of more than one car and that the current parking facilities in Memorial Lane and The Avenue are overloaded. Through a combination of the Neighbourhood Plan, and a complementary community strategy, the Parish Council is committed to ensure that any additional private cars in the village are accommodated through sufficient parking and safe access. In addition, the plan should promote alternative forms of transport such as public transport, cycling and walking.

7.3 The capacity of the physical infrastructure will be a key factor that will impact on the extent and location of new development. Ultimately the Neighbourhood Plan must be consistent with the new Bedford Borough Council Local Plan when it is finalised and it will have to provide at least the number of homes required by that Local Plan, and include affordable homes in line with established policy. Key factors that impact where development can realistically be considered:

 Growth will impact on infrastructure such as drainage, sewage, health services, public transport etc. and capacity issues must be addressed within careful, integrated planning.

 Development will impact upon the existing highway network. Bletsoe is a small village and the access very constricted and, as such, the impact of additional traffic must be considered carefully.

 Schools and other local facilities need to be able to cope with demand.

7.4 These factors have, therefore, been considered to some extent in Section 6 of the consultation report (above) to determine the delivery of housing which both sustains the current and meets the future needs of the community.

7.5 The response to the initial Launch consultation, summarised at Appendix A, supported the need to review and provide off road parking or residents parking, with specific attention required in The Avenue consistently raised as a concern by the community. This included an interesting suggestion by one respondent that parking should be developed in The Avenue and Memorial Lane to produce rental income to the Parish Council. The issue needed to be reviewed with care to avoid, as one respondent suggested, the possibility that off street parking could exaggerate speeding. Indeed speeding was identified as a further concern with traffic calming and average speed cameras identified as possible solutions. Bletsoe is viewed by some as a "rat run" for Thurleigh industry and Coplowe Lane was identified as a potential problem area if there was an increase in traffic.

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7.6 The location of any new off street parking provision needed to be carefully assessed. Feedback from the consultation reinforced the need to protect green spaces in the village centre; there was, however, a suggestion that some parking provision could be provided on the site of the former allotments, now the orchard.

7.7 Further evidence was sought from the Neighbourhood Questionnaire, with the responses summarised at Appendix B. There were, however, no constructive solutions to improved parking in the village, apart from utilising the village hall car park. In respect of measures to control speed, 19% think electronic speed signs are needed to improve speed calming.

7.8 Paragraph 2.9 above outlines that the Community Infrastructure Levy has been introduced to help ensure that necessary additions or improvements to physical and community infrastructure that arise from new development can be funded. This may, therefore, provide a source of funding to enable new parking to be provided.

Borough Wide Information

7.9 Various information is available in relation to public transport, highways, walking/cycling and parking and this can be found on the Borough Council website at http://www.bedford.gov.uk/transport_and_streets.aspx. There is, however, no particular transport studies or schemes that might affect Bletsoe.

Local Issues

7.10 Bletsoe is distant from the major road network and is served by a number of minor roads which connect to the A6 trunk route. Other roads link to surrounding villages and hamlets. Roads between the village and the outlying hamlets lack pavements and there is no provision for cyclists. National speed limits apply outside the village with a 30 mph limit in the built up area where there is street lighting.

7.11 It is evident from the response to the consultation and local knowledge that there are a number of issues that need to be considered for potential inclusion in the Neighbourhood Plan. These are considered in the sections below.

Issue 7.1: Off-Street Parking Provision

7.12 There is a need to address parking concerns at key locations in the village by safeguarding available sites and identifying where new parking might be provided. The provision of any new car parking must be sensitive to the function, character and identity of the village. This has led to the following Policy Options:

OPTION I1: The areas of village open space identified on Map 1 above (section 3.23 above) will be protected and will not be permitted for the development of off-street parking provision.

OPTION I2: The site identified in Map 4 (section 7.13 below) is considered to be suitable for the provision of additional off-street parking in the village for residents and visitors. Development of this site for new parking to meet local needs will be supported.

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7.13 In relation to Policy Option I2, the site identified for new parking will require the relocation of the existing play area adjacent to the Village Hall. Additional parking for Village Hall parking will be provided in this location, enabling an area of the existing parking to be released for essential off-street parking provision.

MAP 4 - SITE PROPOSED FOR ADDITIONAL PARKING PROVISION (shaded yellow and hatched red)

Issue 7.2: Existing Traffic Movement

7.14 Traffic speeding in Bletsoe is recognised as a continuing problem and possible solutions, including traffic calming measures and average speed cameras should be considered. Further development in the village, albeit small scale, has the potential to put still more pressure on an access that is already sub-standard but cannot be significantly altered, and this will strengthen an existing case for a 20mph speed limit through the village. This has led to the following Policy Options for this issue:

OPTION I3: The Parish Council will work to improve local awareness of traffic problems by supporting the provision of regulation compliant locally designed signs to encourage traffic to slow down and improve the environment for pedestrians and cyclists

OPTION I4: The Parish Council will work with Bedford Borough Council to assess the cost and benefits of traffic calming measures. This will include a review of speed restrictions and possibly the provision of average speed cameras to improve local safety.

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Issue 7.3: Impact of New Development on Traffic Movement

7.15 It is important that any new development is accommodated in a way that maintains and enhances the built environment and that it improves the quality of life of all current and future residents. Policies will, therefore, need to be developed to ensure that any new development respects the existing form and function of the settlements within the parish. Improving accessibility to, and around the village, will be a consideration in all residential development applications. This has led to the following Policy Options to address this issue:

OPTION I5: Any applications for development in Bletsoe should identify and demonstrate the additional level of traffic that they are likely to generate. They should assess the potential impact of this traffic on pedestrians, cyclists, road safety, parking and congestion within the Parish. The proposals should include measures to mitigate the impact of the increase in traffic on road users and will need to demonstrate how that will be managed.

OPTION I6: All applications for development in Bletsoe should demonstrate how they will improve safe and enjoyable movement by pedestrians and cyclists to the services and community facilities within Bletsoe village and beyond.

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8 THE ENVIRONMENT

8.1 The original Community Engagement Report that helped guide the Launch Event in September 2014 identified the following key objective in relation to the Environment:

OBJECTIVE 3 – PROTECTING AND ENHANCING OUR EXISTING AND FUTURE OPEN SPACES

8.2 The Steering Group has recognised that a strong aspect of the character of Bletsoe is its rural feel, its openness and the access residents enjoy to open space and the countryside. Protecting the existing open spaces that have a clear community value and promoting new communal open space, such as allotments or recreation areas, will be a key objective of the plan.

8.3 Bletsoe is fortunate to be located on the edge of attractive open countryside and to have several areas of open space, all of which are highly valued by local people. These should be protected and enhanced. The Steering Group outlined the commitment, at the initial exhibition launch, to safeguard existing green spaces of demonstrable local importance and, where possible, to identify the most suitable sites for the provision of green spaces within any new developments or the creation of additional, enhanced green spaces within the village. The consultation feedback to date endorses such a commitment.

8.4 There was also a commitment under this objective to identify land for allotments or other communal open space, subject to a need being identified, to protect existing cemetery provision and ensure future provision and to review opportunities to improve access to the countryside.

Borough Wide Information

8.5 Details of environmental protection designations, such as tree preservation orders and sites of special scientific interest, are available on the Bedford Borough Council web-site. Tree preservation orders (and other useful local information such as rights of way and the location of listed buildings) are plotted on the Council’s LocalView Fusion website which can be accessed on the Bedford Borough website at http://www.bedford.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/countryside/rights_of_way/loc alview.aspx.

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8.6 More specifically, designated Open Space and Sites of Special Scientific Interest can be viewed on the Bedford Borough Council’s Policies Map at http://www.bedford.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning_town_and_country/ planning_policy__its_purpose/policies_map.aspx (select Bletsoe). There is a County Wildlife Site along the road to Thurleigh.

8.7 The Council's Policies Map is shown below and identifies six areas of designated Open Space, labelled A to F, including Playing Fields (which is now identified as Village Open Space rather than Important Open Space).

MAP 5 - AREAS OF DESIGNATED OPEN SPACE

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8.8 Village Open Space policy (AD40 in the Allocations & Designations Plan) protects the designated areas but allows development if it does not compromise the reasons for designation or if other material considerations outweigh the need to retain the space. The reasons for designation are given in the Allocations & Designations Plan background document for Village Open Spaces which can be found at http://edrms.bedford.gov.uk/PlanningBrowse.aspx?id=mC8DXmBiU9qbxspX%2fAw MXQ%3d%3d (the letters refer to the criteria of policy AD40). If development is proposed this will need to be considered and documented in the Neighbourhood Plan supporting evidence.

8.9 Other sources of information have been used to help build the evidence base to support preparation of the Plan. This includes evidence under-pinning the Local Plan and, in this regard, a range of technical reports can be accessed at http://www.bedford.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning_town_and_country/ planning_policy_its_purpose/technical_reports.aspx. Specifically in relation to "The Environment" objective, the following have been reviewed:

(a) Consultants LUC worked with Bedford Borough Council to prepare an update to the 2007 landscape character assessment for Bedford Borough. The 2014 landscape character assessment provides technical guidance and evidence to underpin planning and landscape management decisions in the borough. In respect of Bletsoe, the assessment specifically identifies the Scheduled manorial earthworks that are located at Castle Close, Sharnbrook (on the end of a spur of Boulder Clay) and Bletsoe Castle, and that Villages such as Podington, Hinwick and Bletsoe are characterised by traditional limestone buildings often with thatched roofs. Objective 5, Heritage Assets, specifically covers the protection of Bletsoe Castle.

(b) A Level 2 assessment of strategic flood risk has been completed for the borough area and this supersedes that prepared for the Level 1 Strategic Flood Risk Assessment. There is no reference to Bletsoe in the document.

(c) A Bedford Waterspace Strategy was commissioned in 2011 by Bedford Borough Council. The study provides a framework for promoting river related projects, which will help stimulate long-term regeneration of the river corridor within the Bedford Area. There is no reference to Bletsoe in the document.

(d) The Borough Council has worked with partners Anglian Water, Central Bedfordshire Council, the Environment Agency and the Internal Drainage Board Bedford Group to produce a Water Cycle Study. The study is in two parts, an Outline Report and a Detailed Report. The Water Cycle Study addresses water infrastructure issues associated with the delivery of growth to 2021. There is no reference to Bletsoe in the document.

Local Issues

8.10 The response to the initial Launch consultation, summarised at Appendix A, emphasised the importance of protecting the green space in the village. Furthermore, there was a view that a safe bridleway should be developed from Coplowe Lane to Yarls Wood to avoid the Milton Ernest to Sharnbrook Road and that solar panels should be fitted to the Village Hall given the environmental benefits.

8.11 Further evidence gained by analysis of the Neighbourhood Questionnaire, summarised at Appendix B, indicates that there is a degree of support for the provision of allotments in the village at this time, with 50% of respondents to the survey in favour of providing allotment land.

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8.12 There are, in addition, a number of other issues that need to be considered for potential inclusion in the Neighbourhood Plan and these are considered below.

Issue 8.1: Protection of Open Space

8.13 In developing the Neighbourhood Plan, the Steering Group is committed to ensuring that further development on green fields and open spaces will be resisted; Bletsoe is not considered to be in need of significant housing development and the emphasis will, therefore, be on protecting the urban boundary and only permitting small scale, infill development on vacant or underused sites within the existing built up area.

OPTION E1: The areas of open space and countryside identified in Map 5 above will be protected from inappropriate new development. Development beyond the existing Settlement Policy Area boundary will not be permitted unless the land represents a limited natural extension to the built up area.

Issue 8.2: Improved Accessibility

8.14 There is a need to improve accessibility for all throughout Bletsoe to support healthy communities. The Parish includes a network of footpaths and bridleways providing access to the surrounding attractive open countryside. These rights of way are identified on Map 6 below, with footpaths identified in purple and bridleways in green, and should be effectively promoted.

8.15 There may be opportunities for developing a series of “Parish Walks” promoting lesser known routes and features of local interest. There is likely, however, be a reluctance for landowners to allow a footpath to be created on their land as it comes with responsibilities and potentially impacts on land value. The further development of the network by persuading landowners to dedicate rights of way would necessitate developer contributions or other sources of funding.

8.16 The following Policy Options have been developed to address this issue:

OPTION E2: The Parish Walks, identified in Map 6 below, will be promoted and enhanced through signage, environmental improvement and to provide better access. Further work is needed to assess and to prioritise areas for improvement such as seating and drop kerbs. Where steps are the only option, signage could be improved to advise users that there are steps ahead and to suggest alternative routes where available. Developer contributions and other sources of funding will be required to support the promotion and improvement of the Parish Walks.

OPTION E3: The Parish Council will work to develop improved linkages for walks connecting to neighbouring parishes in order to support and enhance health and wellbeing and also access to additional services beyond Bletsoe Parish. This will include the connection between Bletsoe and Bourne End.

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MAP 6 - PARISH WALKS

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Issue 8.3: Burial Ground

8.17 The Parish Council has been concerned to ensure that sufficient grave yard capacity exists and whether, therefore, there is a need to identify a new area of land for burial use, preferably within the Parish Boundary to meet local needs.

8.18 Liaison with St. Mary’s Church has confirmed that the churchyard has adequate capacity for the next 100 years and, as such, this issue will not be considered for inclusion in the emerging Neighbourhood Plan.

Issue 8.4: Provision of Allotments

8.19 It is apparent that there is some demand for the provision of allotments with 16 people responding to the neighbourhood questionnaire (50%) in favour of allocating land to encourage the use of allotments. 8 respondents to the survey were not in favour of allocating land for this purpose.

8.20 Such provision needs to be carefully considered, particularly in terms of the eventual management of such a facility and, in this regard, ideally responsibility would be entrusted to an Allotments Association and a form of lease determined for the transfer of land to the Association.

8.21 This has led to the following Policy Options to address this issue:

OPTION E4: The Parish Council will work with the local community to identify whether interest exists in establishing a Bletsoe Allotments Association and, if so, to identify land within Bletsoe for the provision of allotments, OR;

OPTION E5: The Parish Council will not identify possible new sites for allotment provision in Bletsoe but will refer the matter to Bedford Borough Council to ensure that future requirements can be accommodated in the municipal allotments that exist in Bedford, OR;

OPTION E6: The Parish Council will work jointly with other Parishes to identify the overall demand for allotments and, if a good level of interest exists for the provision and management of allotment land, to identify a suitable shared space for allotments in the area.

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9 COMMUNITY FACILITIES

9.1 The original Community Engagement Report that helped guide the Launch Event held in September 2014 identified the following key objective in relation to the provision of community facilities:

OBJECTIVE 4 – ENSURING THAT THE VILLAGE BENEFITS FROM SUFFICIENT FACILITIES AND SERVICES

9.2 The Steering Group has recognised that, if new homes are to be delivered in Bletsoe, it is vital that they are supported by adequate local facilities and services to ensure a high quality of life for both current and future residents. It also recognised that the plan should investigate opportunities to enable both new and, where possible, existing homes to be better served by telecommunications infrastructure.

9.3 The Steering Group envisaged, in accordance with this objective, that potential community support would exist to:

(a) Consider the adequacy of existing provision for Recreational and Community facilities within the village and immediate area and, if any shortfalls are identified, identify sites where new or enhanced facilities might best be located (whether within the existing built environment or in new development).

(b) Consider the provision of new or upgraded community facilities.

(c) Investigate the scope for the delivery of superfast broadband services.

9.4 The response to the initial Launch consultation, summarised at Appendix A, emphasised the need for improved broadband provision. The position has developed now with Bedford Borough Council working in partnership with Central Bedfordshire Council, Milton Keynes Council, Broadband Delivery UK (BDUK) and BT Openreach to deliver superfast broadband to homes in the three local authority areas. The rollout has been drawn up by BT Openreach and will see superfast broadband made available 95% of homes in Bedford Borough, over several phases. In addition, the project will see broadband above 2 Megabits per second made available to all homes in the Borough that would otherwise still be getting slower speeds. The Council’s involvement in the national extension programme to reach 95% of premises, including match-funding the project locally, means thousands more homes, especially in rural parts of the Borough, will be included. Bletsoe is included in the programme for delivery by June 2018.

9.5 The response to the initial consultation, summarised at Appendices A and B, has identified a number of other individual aspirations for improvements to the play area, better playground equipment, the need to expand and support the village hall as the centre of village activities, and desire for better public transport and a Village shop if more houses were built. One respondent did, however, recognise the uncertainty over the demand for additional community facilities in the village and the economic viability of a village shop. Similarly, bus operators will generally only operate commercially viable routes or rely on bus subsidies to continue services.

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Borough Council - Planning Context

9.6 Policy CP18 of the Bedford Borough Core Strategy and Rural Issues Plan emphasises the commitment to ensure the continued viability of the rural economy and support the sustainability of local services by (i) resisting proposals that would lead to a loss of employment generating uses, (ii) restricting the change of use of shops, post offices and public houses where it would impact on local services and communities and (iii) support the retention of local community facilities. Specifically, Policy CP18 seeks to prevent the material loss of local services and facilities and lends support to other initiatives that may seek to bolster the viability and levels of use of existing facilities and the introduction of additional services and infrastructure.

9.7 Policy CP14 seeks to ensure that, where there is a proven need for development in the rural area, it will be restricted to that which is required to meet local business and community needs and to maintain the viability of those communities.

Local Issues

Issue 9.1 - Sustainable Community Facilities

9.8 Bletsoe has a limited range of community facilities which should be protected. These include a Village Hall, Public House (outside the village core on the main A6 trunk road) and St. Mary's Church.

9.9 Such community facilities help to engender a stronger sense of community and pride and make Bletsoe an attractive and appealing location for people to live in. Events are organised, throughout the year, to bring people together, such as the local fete. The following Policy Options seek to address this issue:

OPTION C1: Local facilities and services will be protected and supported by the Parish Council in accordance with other policies in the Development Plan that seek to ensure the continued viability of the rural economy and support the sustainability of local services (such as the mobile library and weekly post office visits).

OPTION C2: The Parish Council will continue to promote the use of the Village Hall and will support appropriate plans to improve community provision. The Parish Council will also support and promote other existing clubs and facilities in the area by helping to identify sources of funding such as developer contributions.

Issue 9.2 - Improvement of Community Facilities

9.10 The Parish Council recognises the limited prospects for large scale new development in Bletsoe, given existing constraints, but there is support for sensitively located small scale infill housing development to meet local need and to support the retention and viability of existing facilities. This has led to the following Policy Options to address this issue:

OPTION C3: Any proposals that come forward over the plan period should identify developer contributions to further support the improvement of existing community facilities in the area or the provision of new facilities to meet local needs and aspirations.

OPTION C4: The additional Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) arising from consented proposals, that is retained by the Parish Council, should be allocated to support the improvement of existing community facilities in the area or the provision of new facilities to meet local needs and aspirations.

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10 HERITAGE ASSETS

10.1 The original Community Engagement Report that helped guide the Launch Event in September 2014 identified the following key objective in relation to heritage assets:

OBJECTIVE 5 – PROTECTING AND ENHANCING OUR LISTED BUILDINGS AND THE ANCIENT MONUMENT

10.2 The Steering Group has recognised that any new development in Bletsoe should seek to ensure that it does not negatively impact on the shared heritage and there is a commitment to ensure that one of the key provisions of the plan will, therefore, be to ensure that both the fabric and the setting of listed buildings and heritage assets continue to be protected.

10.3 The National Planning Policy Framework defines a heritage asset as follows:

‘A building, monument, site, place or landscape identified as having a degree of significance, meriting consideration in planning decisions because of its heritage interests’.

10.4 Heritage assets include designated heritage assets and those identified by the Local Planning Authority, including local listing. The value to this and future generations is because of its heritage interest: archaeological, architectural, artistic or historic. Significance derives not only from a heritage assets physical presence but also from its setting. Residents in Bletsoe enjoy the privilege and way of life of a small quiet ancient village, with surrounding residential rural villages, making it a good place to live. There are historic characterful buildings and monuments, ancient green amenity spaces and farmland, with some nearby facilities and good schools.

10.5 There is no doubt that Bedford Borough has many fine areas and buildings distinguished by their architecture, landscape and history, which creates an attractive and mixed environment. These areas are important examples of history and must be protected against unsympathetic change. There are two main ways this can be achieved - through Conservation Areas and Listed Buildings.

10.6 A Listed building is one that is given additional protection because of its special architectural or historic interest. Development or alterations that can be carried out will be limited and planning applications will be required for work that would normally be allowed in other buildings. There are 24 listed entries in Bletsoe and information about these listed buildings can be found at http://www.english- heritage.org.uk/professional/protection/process/national-heritage-list-for-england/ (search on Bletsoe).

10.7 Conservation Areas are ‘areas of special architectural or historic interest the character and appearance of which it is desirable to preserve and enhance' (Civic Amenities Act 1967) and give additional protection to an area of important historical value. Such a designation restricts what development can be carried out and, development that would generally be allowed outside of a conservation area, may not be allowed inside a designated area. Development proposals within a conservation area have to preserve or enhance the character of that area.

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10.8 A map of the Bletsoe conservation area can be found on the Council’s website at http://www.bedford.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/planning_town_and_country/ historic_environment/historic_areas_and_buildings.aspx. A detailed conservation area appraisal is also available.

Local Issues

10.9 The response to the initial Launch consultation, summarised at Appendix A, emphasised that the Ancient Monument should continue to be protected. Bletsoe Castle is Grade II* Listed (which means it is particularly important and of more than special interest). It stands on the scheduled ancient monument comprising the site of a medieval moated manor house with an associated 16th-17th century garden enclosure and landscape earthworks. The moated area is almost square in plan, surrounded by a ditch measuring up to 25 metres wide by 3.5 metres deep with an outer bank 2 metres high and 5 metres wide. The western arm of the moat has been partly filled in and landscaped into modern gardens but is still 2 metres deep and 10- 15 metres wide; there is no outer bank on this side. The southern corner of the moat lies beneath a group of farm buildings which includes a 17th-18th century barn. The interior of the moated area measures at least 70 metres across.

Issue 10.1 - Protection of Built Heritage

10.10 It is clear that there are several buildings and features of historical interest within Bletsoe as well as locally important heritage assets which should be protected. This has led to a single Policy Option for this objective:

OPTION HA1: Statutory Listed Buildings and Scheduled Ancient Monuments are already have legal protection from harmful development. The Parish Council will identify undesignated heritage assets whose local significance justifies protection from harmful change.

10.11 In relation to Policy Option HA1, the locally important listed buildings and ancient monuments are described in Appendix F.

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11 PUBLIC CONSULTATION

11.1 This Issues and Options Report has been published and the various options and emerging proposals will be subject to public consultation for an extended period concluding on Friday 14 October 2016. Feedback from the consultation will increase local knowledge and “evidence” and indicate which of the initial ideas have attracted support to be taken forward. This will enable detailed policies, proposals and allocations to be developed and included in a Draft Neighbourhood Plan which will be the subject of a further round of public consultation.

11.2 Bletsoe Parish Council has produced Representation Forms for each Objective which provides a summary of the issues and options and is now at the stage when further public comments are invited and welcomed. Copies of the Representation Form are reproduced at Appendices G to K and are also available from the website www.bletsoe.net and by request from the Parish Clerk on (01234) 406099 or via e- mail to [email protected]. If preferred, comments can be made in writing or via e-mail to [email protected].

11.3 The Parish Council will be organising a series of drop in sessions so that you can seek any clarification you require. A feedback exhibition will also be organised and the outcome of the consultation will also be available on the web and circulated to households. Importantly, it will help shape the draft Neighbourhood Plan.

11.4 Completed returns should be sent to:

Alison Southern, Parish Clerk, OR Bletsoe Neighbourhood Plan, 77 Curlew Crescent, 17 Memorial Lane, Brickhill, Bedford, Bletsoe, MK41 7HY MK44 1QJ

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12 NEXT STEPS

12.1 This Issues and Options document is a key step in the preparation of the proposed Bletsoe Neighbourhood Plan.

12.2 Following the public consultation process on the Issues and Options, careful consideration will be given to all the responses and these comments will inform the preparation of the Draft Neighbourhood Plan. A summary of the responses, together with information about how they have been considered and whether or not they have informed the policies in the Draft Plan, will be provided in a published Issues and Options Consultation Statement.

12.3 It is envisaged that the Draft Plan will be published for consultation in early 2017, before being revised and then finalised and submitted to Bedford Borough Council in Spring 2017. The Borough Council will then consider the document and undertake further consultation before the document is scrutinised by an independent inspector through an Examination (organised by the Borough Council).

12.4 Following this process, the Plan will be subject to a referendum to ensure that the Plan enjoys local support.

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APPENDIX A

BLETSOE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN LAUNCH EVENT - CONSULTATION RESPONSE

VISION STATEMENT

I am glad that the peaceful character of Bletsoe will be given a high priority. The visions statement is full of contradictory generalities. You can’t import housing and commercial infrastructures and maintain the character that makes it special! Bletsoe has a great community spirit which would be lost if there was a huge development and the rural atmosphere would also be lost.

OBJECTIVE 1 – HOUSING PROVISION

I feel the development of 36 and 32 would spoil the village. In particular the view of the church. I feel the development of 32 & 36 would spoil the look and feel the village. 30, 34 & 37 would be my preferred sites. Only allow for a few extra new houses in order to keep the village small. Develop Rising for the Sun site. You’ve got it all wrong. The NP is now primarily about housing shorting or London overspill. In saying so as your loading statement you have mislead the village and raised needless fears. As the majority of the village has been designated a conservation area any development within it should be sympathetic and so should any development adjacent to it! A small number of houses may bring back a bus service. Affordable houses for families. Retirement flats/homes. Affordable housing to be included with any new buildings No building behind the church (plot 32) Building must be on a needs must basis keeping the village intact as much as possible. Limited development of housing within the village only. Bletsoe has a great community spirit which would be lost if there was a huge development and the rural atmosphere would also be lost. Housing development on Waiting for the Sun with access over the 1st Field on The Avenue Development on site 30 will lessen the shock of 10 The Avenue when entering the village. It will also make the village look tidier when entering the village. I also believe there should be low cost affordable houses for families. Suggest 35 houses on the edge of the village – this will lessen the impact on the heart of the village. Additional housing is best placed on the outskirts of the village. Immediate access to the A6 would be a bonus to the “new” villagers. Suggest housing development on the Waiting for the Sun site! Possibility of affordable housing on land behind Captains Close? Half of 34 and 37 as possible sites for further housing. Suggest inexpensive houses on field behind Captains Close. Why is plot 33 on the plan at North End Farm? Houses on the gypsy site? Expansion on a significant scale would surely be against BBC strategic plan. Remove no 33 from map since it was not submitted with the formal knowledge. We need a strong local plan to stave off unwanted development being imposed on us.

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There is no certainty that any houses will be restricted to the village and local area. Presently there is no local need. Bletsoe is a compact historic planned village reflected in the conservation area and any expansion would be against BBCs strategic plan. We wish to stay as a small community where residents know each other and give mutual support 30, 34 & 37 will have access onto the fast A6 already dangerous so any additional properties would be problematic 32 will blight the setting of the church and destroy the privacy of the Old Way Row and the garden of no 3 Old Way We already have a large percentage of social housing. 30 will blight the setting of the church. The site between the A6 and Coplowe Lane may impinge on the Castle?

OBJECTIVE 2 – INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS

Develop parking in Memorial Lane and the Avenue to produce rental income for the PC. Improve off road parking. Transport infrastructure, schools, public transport??? Bletsoe is already a “rat run” for Thurleigh industry. Coplowe lane will be a very dangerous road should there be an increase in traffic. Off road parking for cottages along the Avenue. Parking on the old allotments now the orchard. Parking is a must for new housing but would not be happy to see the green areas in centre of the village turned into car parks. Parking by cottages on the Avenue is a major problem. What to do but do not use green spaces in village centre. Traffic calming in the Avenue with either chicane style barriers or average speed cameras. Whilst I see the need for off street parking I think it will speed up the traffic. Any development must include off road parking – The Avenue is a nightmare. Residents parking Stop speeding through the village

OBJECTIVE 3 – THE ENVIRONMENT

No new parking on current green land within the village. Vital to protect green spaces within the village. Parish owned land to remain undeveloped as green areas. Parking on the old allotments now the orchard. Safe bridleway join up from Coplowe Lane to Yarls Wood to avoid the Milton Ernest to Sharnbrook road. Existing open spaces to be protected. Solar panels for the village hall.

OBJECTIVE 4 – COMMUNITY FACILITIES

Would like better Public Transport. Would like Village Shop if more houses. Open a post office – its faster than email here! Improve the play area. Broad band that actually works! Improved broadband – superfast would be great. Most people moved to this village being fully aware of the limited facilities here. Improvement in public transport would be of benefit. Expand and support the village hall as the centre of village activities.

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OBJECTIVE 5 – HERITAGE ASSETS

Ancient Monument to continue to be protected.

GENERAL OBSERVATIONS

If the red line shows the boundary of the Neighbourhood Area then the airfield development is within the area. Are we having a Parish Plan or a SPA Plan? I can’t tell the difference between a neighbourhood plan, or a parish plan – not a good start in the local’s future policies! The distinction is not made clearly on the Bletsoe plan when it is called a parish! This doesn’t inspire confidence! I frankly can’t see what additional benefits the plan will bring – to whom? What benefits? We must have a neighbourhood plan! I am dismayed at the possibility of the plan including offices and shops. Commercial buildings would seriously interfere with community ethos.

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APPENDIX B

BLETSOE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN SUMMARY OF NEIGHBOURHOOD QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES

(32 returned questionnaires, representing a 30% return rate)

CONNECTION WITH THE PARISH

31 (97%) live in the parish, the other is a landowner; 3 also work in the village, 4 are landowners and 2 have a business.

ISSUES OF IMPORTANCE

24 (75%) strongly agree that unspoilt countryside is important, 4 agree, 1 neutral. 3 strongly agree facilities for leisure and sport is important, 3 agree, 15 (47%) neutral, 3 disagree, 1 strongly disagreed. 20 (63%) strongly agree that the community and its spirit is important, 9 agree. 21 (66%) strongly agree that pleasant physical environment is important, 4 agree and 1 is neutral. 27 (84%) strongly agree that peaceful and safe neighbourhood is important, 2 neutral. 3 strongly agree that local services are important, 7 agree, 13 (41%) neutral, 1 disagree. 4 strongly agree that lots of things going on is important, 8 agree, 12 (38%) neutral, 2 disagree. 4 strongly agree that good public transport is important, 7 agree, 9 (28%) neutral, 3 disagree and 3 strongly disagree; 5 strongly agree that right housing is available, 9 (28%) agree, 7 neutral, 1 disagree and 3 strongly disagree. 3 strongly agreed that local employment opportunities is important, 3 agree, 8 (25%) neutral, 3 disagree, 6 strongly disagree. 13 (41%) strongly agree that having a say in decisions that affect the parish is important, 12 agree, 3 neutral, 1 disagree. 30 (94%) have broadband, 2 do not. 23 (77%) say it is not fast enough, 7 say it is fast enough. Average speed from 16 respondents is: 2.69 mbps.

HOUSING

13 think affordable housing is needed, 17 (53%) do not. 20 (63%) think any small sensitively located sites should be available for sale on the open market, 8 do not. 7 think priority should be given to no more than 2 new dwellings, 7 for no more than 5 , 10 (31%) for no more that 10 dwellings and 5 for more than 10 dwellings. The majority wanted semi detached housing - 15 gave a 1 to 4 rating (47%). Best location site is 30 (land on The Avenue at entrance to Bletsoe off A6) with 10 votes (31%), followed by 31 (land behind the Old Rectory) with 9 votes and 37 (land on the A6) also with 9 votes. The majority of 10 votes (31%) was for new properties NOT to be built within the conservation area, including near the church and on memorial /orchard green spaces.

COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

The majority of 25 (78%) votes was against any small scale commercial developments.

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TRAFFIC ISSUES

Apart from the use of the village hall car park, there was no real suggestions or consensus as regards how to improve village parking. Regarding speed calming; the response was for 20mph signs - 4 votes, speed humps - 5 votes and electronic speed signs with 6 votes (19%).

OTHER ISSUES

Regarding young people facilities; better playground equipment and improved bus service to other villages was mentioned. Regarding allowance for allotment land; 16 (50%) people were in favour, 8 were not. Finally, regarding cycle ways; 11 were in favour, 14 (44%) were not.

NOTES

1) Ratings or responses were not made by all respondents to all of the questions in the survey.

2) A full analysis of all responses is available at www.Bletsoe.net

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APPENDIX C

BLETSOE PARISH: HOUSEHOLDS BY NUMBER OF BEDROOMS BY TENURE BY HOUSEHOLD SIZE 2011 CENSUS DATA

ALL HOUSEHOLDS

4 or more All 1 person in 2 people in 3 people in Bedrooms people in Households household household household household All Households 111 29 39 24 19 1 bedroom 6 5 1 0 0 2 bedrooms 31 15 12 1 3 3 bedrooms 38 6 15 11 6 4 or more bedrooms 36 3 11 12 10

O WNED

4 or more All Owned 1 person in 2 people in 3 people in Bedrooms people in Households household household household household All Households 85 15 33 20 17 1 bedroom 1 0 1 0 0 2 bedrooms 18 8 8 0 2 3 bedrooms 33 6 13 8 6 4 or more bedrooms 33 1 11 12 9

R ENTED

4 or more All Rented 1 person in 2 people in 3 people in Bedrooms people in Households household household household household All Households 26 14 6 4 2 1 bedroom 5 5 0 0 0 2 bedrooms 13 7 4 1 1 3 bedrooms 5 0 2 3 0 4 or more bedrooms 3 2 0 0 1

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BLETSOE PARISH: HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS CENSUS DATA

1. Population and demographics

In 2011 in the parish of Bletsoe there were 111 households containing 260 residents1. The age profile (compared to Bedford Borough) is shown below.

Age % Bletsoe 2011 % Bletsoe 2001 % Bedford Borough 2011 0 – 15 15.8 23.9 20.1 16 – 64 61.5 59.3 64.0 65+ 23.1 16.8 15.8

There has been a significant ageing of the population of Bletsoe over the last 10 years, with the proportion aged 65+ increasing by nearly 50% and the proportion under 16 decreasing to a similar degree.

2. Household Composition

% Bletsoe % Bedford Borough 1 person – pensioner 13.5 11.9 1 person – other 12.6 16.9 Family – all pensioner 14.4 8.2 Family – without dependent children 26.1 26.9 Family – with dependent child(ren) 29.7 28.5 Other 3.6 7.5

There are higher levels of pensioner households than the Bedford average, reflecting the figures in 2above, although the number of families with dependent children is just above the Borough average.

3. Housing Tenure

% Bletsoe % Bedford Borough Owned outright 36.9 31.4 Owned with mortgage/loan 37.8 34.3 Shared ownership 1.8 1.0 Social rented 14.4 16.1 Private rented 9.0 15.9 Living rent free 0 1.3

In common with most rural parishes in Bedford Borough, Bletsoe has relatively high levels of owner occupation (around the 75% mark), probably reflecting the older demographics. While social renting is not far off the area average, private renting is relatively low.

1 2011 census data – other data also from this source unless otherwise specified

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4. Dwelling Types

% Bletsoe % Bedford Borough Detached house 41.3 27.4 Semi-detached house 32.5 32.2 Terraced house 23.8 21.9 Flat 1.6 17.6 Caravan/other temp. accommodation 0.8 0.9

As with most Bedfordshire villages, there are relatively more detached houses, and relatively fewer flats, in Bletsoe. This is likely to mean that there are relatively fewer affordable properties, although the proportion of terraced houses is just above the Borough average.

5. Housing in poor condition

% Bletsoe % Bedford Borough Overcrowded households 0.9 7.7 Households without central heating 1.8 2.0 Households in fuel poverty (2011) 9.4 11.3

Overcrowding counts as a housing need for households applying for affordable housing through the Choice Based Lettings scheme. In 2011 the proportion of households in Bletsoe classified as overcrowded was much lower than the Bedford Borough average.

Where central heating is not present, fuel poverty is significantly more likely. The level of households in Bletsoe without central heating is just below the Bedford Borough average, as is the level of fuel poverty.

6. People on low incomes

7.3% of people in Bletsoe are classified as “experiencing income deprivation”, well under the Bedford Borough average of 12.1%. 9.4% of working age people were claiming DWP benefits in August 2012, below the Bedford Borough average of 13.4%; and 16.7% of people over 65 were claiming pension credit, under the Bedford Borough average of 21.0%.

7. Health and disability

Limiting illnesses and disabilities can affect the type of housing that people need in order to remain independent. 13.3% of those aged 65 and over in Bletsoe are claiming Attendance Allowance (a non-means-tested benefit for severely disabled people aged 65 or over who need help with personal care), under the Bedford Borough average of 15.7%. The proportion of the population claiming Disability Living Allowance is 3.8%, just under the Bedford Borough average of 4.2%.

16.9% of people have a limiting long-term illness, just above the Bedford Borough average of 16.0%.

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APPENDIX D

BLETSOE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY - ANALYSIS OF HOUSING NEEDS

1. Nature of local connection

Local needs affordable housing would usually be made available in the first instance to people with a strong local connection. All 15 respondents identified a strong local connection (Q1) as follows (respondents could tick more than one):

Nature of local connection No. of households Currently living in Bletsoe 9 Previously lived in Bletsoe and wish to return 5 An immediate family member (parent, child, or sibling) lives in Bletsoe 8 Permanently employed in the parish 1 Other (foster family in Bletsoe) 2

2. Household composition of households in need

Respondents were asked (Q2) which of a number of basic situations best described them:

Situation No. of households A young single adult/couple without dependent children 5 A young single adult/couple planning to start a family 2 An older single adult/couple without dependent children 5 A family with dependent child(ren) or other dependent(s) 3 Other (older single adult with dependent children) 1

3. Current living arrangements of households in need

The current living arrangements by the 15 respondents (Q3) broke down as follows:

Housing tenure No. of households Living with parent(s) in their home 4 Renting from a Housing Association 0 Renting privately 2 Owner occupier 8 Housing provided with job 0 Other (living in foster care) 1

4. Reason for housing need

The needs identified by the 15 respondents still under consideration (Q4) can be summarised as follows (respondents were able to identify more than one need):

Need Number of households Present home too small 2 Present home too large 6 Want to move out of the family home 5 Want to get on housing ladder 2 Medical reasons / disability 0 At risk of losing current home 0 Need to be closer to family or carer support 6 Financial reasons 1 Other (leaving foster care) 1

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The need was mainly divided between younger adults wanting to move out of the family home and older owner occupiers wanting to downsize. There were also a number of households who previously lived in Bletsoe and/or had immediate family there who wanted to move to be closer to their families.

5. Size, type and tenure of housing sought

The housing type, size and tenure sought by the households in need (Q5) broke down as follows (respondents could tick more than one):

Housing tenure No. of households Rent 0 Buy on the open market 15 Buy on a shared ownership basis 0 Type of property Flat 1 House 14 Bungalow / retirement property 4 Size of property One bedroom 1 Two bedrooms 4 Three bedrooms 12 More than three bedrooms 4

Unusually, all respondents wanted to buy on the open market. Most of the demand was for houses of 3 bedrooms and above.

6. Timescale of housing need

The timescale in which these respondents would be looking for different accommodation (Q6) was as follows:

Timescale Number Within 0-3 years 7 Within 3-5 years 2 Within 5-10 years 4 Within 10-20 years 2

7. Gross income of households in need

The report identified that, in order to purchase the cheapest property available in Bletsoe over the last 3 years (the 4 bedroom house at £111,655) as a first time buyer, a single earner household would need an annual gross income of nearly £32,000, and a dual-income household would need over £38,000.No rental properties had recently been available.

The current gross annual income of anyone responsible for paying the rent/mortgage for the 15 households under analysis breaks down as follows:

Current gross income No. of households Less than £20,000 / yr 2 £20,000 to £30,000 / yr 4 £30,000 to £40,000 / yr 5 More than £40,000 / yr 3 No response 1

Based on the data provided, at least 6 households could not afford to purchase on the open market in Bletsoe. 5 respondents with incomes of over £30,000 were owner occupiers, 4 of whom were seeking to downsize so income would probably be less of an issue.

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8. Savings or equity of households in need

The report identified that the average deposit required for a first-time buyer to purchase the cheapest property available in Bletsoe over the last 3 years is around £21,000. The minimum (under a 95% Loan to Value deal) would be around £5,500.The savings or other equity that the 15 households could use to contribute towards a mortgage is as follows:

Savings/equity No. of households Below £20,000 3 £20,000 - £50,000 3 Above £50,000 6 No response 3

At least 3 respondents would not have enough savings or equity currently to buy a property on the open market as a first time buyer, except possibly at high Loan to Value.

BLETSOE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN HOUSING NEEDS SURVEY - SUMMARY OF CONCLUSIONS

Analysis of the responses and other evidence considered in the HNS suggests that there is a particular need for smaller market housing (2-3 bedrooms) if Bletsoe is to meet the identified current and future needs of its existing residents wishing to stay in the village, as well as prior residents wishing to return. Some of these should be designed as retirement housing (or built to Lifetime Homes criteria), whereas others should be ‘starter homes’.

The evidence for this is as follows:

 The relative shortage of cheaper properties in Bletsoe;  The relatively high average age of the population, which has increased between 2001 and 2011, compared to a shortage of properties targeted at older people in Bletsoe;  The 6 older owner occupier respondents who would be looking for smaller properties at some point over the next 20 years, 4 of which were currently resident in Bletsoe;  The 7 younger adults or families seeking to move out of the family home and/or get on the housing ladder over the next 20 years, 4 of which were currently resident in Bletsoe;  The interest in buying on the open market rather than affordable rent or shared ownership (as well as the fact that there is already a reasonable level of social rented housing in Bletsoe).

If suitable smaller properties were more widely available, this would be likely to address under-occupation and free up larger houses for growing families to purchase as they work their way up the housing ladder.

It should be noted that there is no guarantee that housing sold on the open market will be bought by people with a local connection to Bletsoe. It is, therefore, not possible to stipulate how much new housing would meet the needs of the 15 households that responded to this survey. However, it is reasonable to suggest that the provision of up to 10 units would meet a reasonable proportion of the need while being in keeping with the size of the village.

While all respondents to the survey were seeking to buy on the open market only, it might make sense for provision to be made for some shared ownership housing, reflecting the fact that some households could not afford to buy on the open market. Unlike market housing, this housing could be restricted in perpetuity to people with a local connection, who could use this as a stepping stone to full ownership.

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APPENDIX E BLETSOE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN

SUMMARY OF SITES SUBMITTED FOR POTENTIAL HOUSING DEVELOPMENT - SITE ASSESSMENT

Site Reference 030

Location and description First Field, The Avenue The site is adjacent to the edge of the existing village boundary. The A6 is to the west and to the north there is grazing land and caravans Current Use Open fields Proposed Use Residential development of 3-5 dwellings Gross site area (ha) 0.951 Suitability The site is located on the south western edge of Bletsoe. It is outside of the SPA (Settlement Policy Area) but adjoins its eastern boundary and is within walking distance of the village centre. The A6 runs along the western boundary of the site which could create potential noise issues that would require mitigation. There are no other constraints that would prevent development of the site and a modest development would contribute towards new housing provision in the village. The site is therefore suitable for development subject to any noise mitigation required. Availability The land is put forward as being available but is privately owned by more than one individual and therefore would require collaboration of all land owners, however there is an option agreement on the land. This site is therefore available and has the benefit of an option agreement with a developer. Achievability Aside from noise mitigation measures there are no known major constraints that could affect viability of the site. Development of the site for residential purposes is therefore achievable and it appears feasible for a new access to be created off The Avenue Acceptability Bletsoe residents will need to comment on whether the site is considered acceptable as an allocation in the BNP. Concluding assessment Whilst the development of the site would extend the built form of the village closer to the A6 the location of the site would be an appropriate location for a small extension to the village. The Call for Sites submission suggests the site could provide a maximum of 5 dwellings however given the size of the site it could potentially provide more. Noise mitigation measures would be required due to the proximity of the site to the A6. This site scored well in the traffic light assessment with a total of 48 points. The site is suitable, available and achievable. It could be considered appropriate as an allocation in the neighbourhood plan OR as a reserve site for future development.

Total RAG score 48

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Site Reference 031 - Note: both parcels of land form site 031

Location Land North of the Old Rectory 1 Surrounded by agricultural fields to the north, east, and west, the site adjoins residential to the south and is located on the northerly edge of the village. It is outside of the SPA and adjoins the Conservation Area Boundary. Current use Agricultural Proposed use Residential: up to 10 dwellings Gross site area (ha) 0.45 Suitability The site is located on the northern edge of Bletsoe. It is outside of the SPA and separated from it by a small field but is within walking distance of the village centre. There are no other constraints that would prevent development of the site. It is therefore suitable for development. Availability The site is made up of two parcels of land separately owned by private individuals but submitted jointly and therefore development of the site would require collaboration of all land owners. Ownership issues may affect future availability of the site. Achievability There are no known major constraints that could affect viability of the site and it appears feasible for a new access to be created off The Avenue. Development of the site for residential purposes is achievable. Acceptability Bletsoe residents would need to comment on whether the site is considered acceptable as an allocation in the BNP. Concluding assessment Development of the site would extend the built form of the village to the north beyond the existing SPA. It could provide a maximum of 10 dwellings which would contribute towards provision of new housing in the village, however it is not adjacent to the existing SPA. A small development utilising the frontage of the site may be more appropriate for this location subject to minimising the visual impact on the character of the village when approaching from the north.

The site is suitable, available and achievable. It may be considered appropriate as an allocation in the neighbourhood plan OR as a reserve site for future development however having more than one land owner could present an issue with availability.

Total RAG Score 46

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Site Reference 032

Location Land south of Coplowe Lane Located to the east of the village the site is outside of the SPA but within the Conservation Area boundary. It lies between Village Open Space and St Mary’s Church, a Grade II* listed building at the historic core of the village. Current Use Agricultural (grazing) Proposed Use Residential: approx. 5-10 dwellings Gross site area (ha) 0.8 Suitability The site is located outside of the SPA but within the Conservation Area boundary. It lies between Village Open Space and St Mary’s Church, a Grade II listed building. The development of this site would enclose the church restricting views of the church currently enjoyed from the Village Open Space and from Coplowe Lane which would affect it setting. Both the NPPF and Policy CP23 of the CSRIP# seek to protect the historic environment therefore the site is unlikely to be a suitable extension to the village and because development here would conflict with National and Local Policy.

The site is considered unsuitable for allocation as it would conflict with both Local and National Policy therefore no further assessments have been made. Availability Not assessed Achievability Not assessed Acceptability Bletsoe residents would need to comment on whether the site is considered acceptable as an allocation in the BNP.

Concluding assessment Although the site scored quite well in the RAG assessment, given the location of the site immediately adjacent to Public Open Space and the Grade II* church, the site is considered to be in conflict with Local and National Policy and therefore would not be appropriate for allocation in the plan at this moment in time as other sites have been submitted which are considered more suitable.

Total RAG score 45

#Core Strategy and Rural Issues Policies

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Site Reference 033

Location North End Farm The site is located in undeveloped open countryside that surrounds the north of the town. It is completely surrounded by agricultural land. Current Use Agricultural Proposed Use Residential approx. 30 units Gross site area (ha) 1.8 Suitability The site is isolated from the village being located some 2km to the north of the existing village boundary. Given the extent of separation from the village a development of the scale proposed in this location is considered to be unsustainable and therefore would not accord with the NPPF.

The site is considered unsuitable for allocation as it would conflict with both Local and National Policy therefore no further assessments have been made. Availability Not assessed Achievability Not assessed Acceptability Bletsoe residents would need to comment on whether the site is considered acceptable as an allocation in the BNP.

Concluding assessment Given the isolated location of this site it is not within a sustainable location and therefore new development would conflict with Local and National Policy. The site would not be appropriate as an allocation in the neighbourhood plan.

Total RAG score 40

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Site Reference 034

Location Land at Waiting for the Sun Farm The site is located to the west of the village and occupies a large expanse of land between the existing housing between the village core on The Avenue and the A6. Current Use Gypsy & Traveller site/ paddock Proposed Use Residential: 10 - 20 dwellings and permanent Gypsy and Traveller site 4-8 pitches Gross site area (ha) 2.0 Suitability There is extensive planning history on the site and planning enforcement action relating to unauthorised siting of caravans. The most recent Appeal APP/K/0235/A/12/2187276 for a change of use to a caravan site with 4 pitches, erection of two amenity blocks, hardstanding and landscaping without complying with conditions attached to planning permission Ref 07/03706/Full (Appeal ref APP/K0235/A/08/2082215) dated 24 June 2009, was dismissed by the Secretary of State. The site is located some distance from the village due to there being no access onto The Avenue. A new suitable access would need to be created off the A6 and residents would need to walk along the A6 to access village facilities. The site is considered to be a disproportionately large allocation and would not integrate well due to its location and lack of access to the village. For these reasons the site is not considered suitable as it would conflict with both Local and National Policy. Availability Not assessed Achievability Not assessed Acceptability Bletsoe residents would need to comment on whether the site is considered acceptable as an allocation in the BNP.

Concluding assessment The site is isolated from the village and considered to be unsustainable and therefore new development would conflict with Local and National Policy. This site is not considered appropriate for allocation in the neighbourhood plan.

Total RAG score 42

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Site Reference 035

Location Land North of the Old Rectory 2 Surrounded by agricultural fields to the north, east, and west, the site adjoins residential to the south and is located on the northerly edge of the village. It is outside of the SPA and adjoins the Conservation Area Boundary. The site is largely similar to Site 031 (above). Current Use Agricultural Proposed Use Residential: approx. 20 dwellings Gross site area (ha) 1 Suitability The site is located on the northern edge of Bletsoe. It is outside of the SPA and separated from it by a small field but within walking distance to the village centre. There are no other constraints that would prevent development of the site. It is therefore suitable for development. Availability The land is put forward as being available but is privately owned by more than one individual and therefore would require collaboration of all land. Ownership issues may affect future availability of the site. Achievability There are no known major constraints that could affect viability of the site and it appears feasible for a new access to be created off The Avenue. Development of the site for residential purposes is achievable. Acceptability Bletsoe residents would need to comment on whether the site is acceptable as an allocation in the BNP. Concluding assessment The site scored well in the RAG rating assessment with 46 points. Development of the site would extend the built form of the village to the north beyond the existing SPA. It could provide a maximum of 20 dwellings which would significantly contribute towards housing supply. However, a development of this scale could be overbearing and would be in excess of the village needs. A smaller development utilising the frontage of the site may be more appropriate for this location subject to minimising the visual impact on the character of the village when approaching from the north.

The site is suitable, available and achievable. It could be appropriate as an allocation in the neighbourhood plan OR as a reserve site for future development however having more than one land owner could present an issue with deliverability.

Total RAG score 46

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Site Reference 036

Location Land west of Bletsoe Castle, The Avenue/Coplowe Lane The site is located on the junction of Coplowe Lane and The Avenue but predominantly fronts The Avenue. It lies between the road and Bletsoe Castle, a late C16 Grade II* listed building and a scheduled ancient monument at the historic core of the village.. It is centrally located within the village, outside the SPA but within the Conservation Area.

Use Agricultural (grazing) Residential: approx. 10 dwellings Gross site area (ha) 1.07 Suitability The site lies between Bletsoes most important Heritage Asset and the main road through the village. Development of this site would affect the setting of the Conservation Area, Bletsoe Castle and its surrounding open space resulting in significant harm to heritage assets. Both the NPPF and Policy CP23 of the CSRIP seek to protect the historic environment therefore the site is unlikely to be a suitable extension to the village and development here would conflict with National and Local Policy. The site is not considered to be suitable due to the adverse impact on Heritage Assets which would conflict with both Local and National Policy therefore no further assessments have been made. Availability Not assessed Achievability Not assessed Acceptability Bletsoe residents would need to comment on whether the site is acceptable as an allocation in the BNP.

Concluding assessment Given the heritage assets on and adjacent to the site, development would conflict with Local and National Policy therefore would not be appropriate for allocation in the plan at this moment in time as other sites have been submitted which are considered more suitable.

Total RAG score 43

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Site Reference 037

Location Land south of The Grange The site lies to the west of the village and adjacent to the A6. It is separated from the village and surrounded by open fields/paddock. It also lies immediately to the North of Site 034 and south of The Grange, an isolated residential property. Use Paddock/grazing Residential: approx. 70 dwellings Gross site area (ha) 2.93 Suitability The site is to the west of Bletsoe and isolated from the village. It does not relate well to the village and development of this scale would be overbearing and superfluous to the needs of the village. This site is not considered to be suitable for allocation within the BNP. It is also located adjacent to the A6 with no access to the village. Access would need to be formed off the A6 which may require significant highway works. The site is remote from the village cores and considered unsuitable for allocation as it would conflict with both Local and National Policy therefore no further assessments have been made. Availability No further assessment made Achievability No further assessment made Acceptability Bletsoe residents would need to comment on whether the site is acceptable as an allocation in the BNP.

Concluding assessment Given the isolated location and proposed scale of the site, it is not considered to be a sustainable location for residential development and therefore new development would conflict with Local and National Policy. This site is not considered appropriate for allocation in the neighbourhood plan.

Total RAG score 39

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Site Reference 517

Location The Avenue The site is adjacent to the edge of the existing village boundary. The A6 is to the west and to the north there is grazing land caravans. The site is effectively the same as Site 030 (above) but this proposed is submitted to the Call for Sites on behalf of a developer. Current Use Paddock Proposed Use Residential – number not specified but indicative layout plans illustrate 8 dwellings. Gross site area (ha) 0.932 Suitability The site is located on the south western edge of Bletsoe. It is outside of the SPA (Settlement Policy Area) but adjoins its eastern boundary and is within walking distance of the village centre. The A6 runs along the western boundary of the site which could create potential noise issues that would require mitigation. There are no other constraints that would prevent development of the site and a modest development would contribute towards new housing provision in the village. The site is therefore suitable for development subject to any noise mitigation required. Availability This site has been put forward by a developer as available but is privately owned by more than one individual and therefore would require collaboration of all land owners however there is an option agreement on the land. This site is available and has an option agreement. Achievability Aside from noise mitigation there are no known major constraints that could affect viability of the site and access from The Avenue appears to be feasible. Development of the site for residential purposes is achievable. Acceptability Bletsoe residents would need to comment on whether the site is acceptable as an allocation in the BNP. Concluding assessment This site scored well in the RAG rating with a total of 48 points. Whilst the development of the site would extend the built form of the village closer to the A6 a well-designed development could be viewed as sensitive entrance to the village. It could provide a maximum of 8 dwellings which would contribute towards the housing needs of the village, but noise mitigation measures would be required due to the proximity of the site to the A6.

The site is suitable, available and achievable. It is considered to appropriate as an allocation in the neighbourhood plan OR as a reserve site for future development.

Total RAG score 48

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Site Reference 537

Location Land north west of St Marys Close The site is outside of the SPA but adjoins existing development to the east. It is centrally located within the village and extends St Marys Close in a westerly direction. Use Grazing land Residential: approx. 9 dwellings (2-3 bedrooms) Gross site area (ha) 0.4 Suitability The site is adjacent to the SPA boundary. There are no physical or environmental constraints that affect development of the site. Availability Owned by Bletsoe Parish Council. This site is available for development. Achievability There are no known major constraints that could affect viability of the site however access to the site would be from St Marys Close/Captains Close believed to be under private ownership of a Registered Social Landlord. It is possible that the RSL may grant use of the access if they are involved in the delivery of any development at the site. Development of the site for residential purposes may be achievable. Acceptability Bletsoe residents would need to comment on whether the site is acceptable as an allocation in the BNP.

Concluding Assessment Whilst the development of the site would extend the built form of the village closer to the A6 and add a further layout of development behind St Mary’s Close, a well-designed development could be viewed as sensitive extension to the village. It could provide a maximum of 8 dwellings which would contribute towards the housing needs of the village as defined in the 2015 Housing Needs Survey, but noise mitigation measures would be required due to the proximity of the site to the A6. The site scored well in the RAG assessment with a total of 48.

The site is suitable, available and achievable. It is considered appropriate as an allocation in the neighbourhood plan OR as a reserve site for future development.

Total RAG Score 48

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Site Reference 685

Location Land North of the Old Rectory Agricultural fields to the north, east, and west. The site adjoins residential to the south and is located on the northerly edge of the village. It is outside of the SPA and adjoins the Conservation Area Boundary. It has been submitted as an amendment to site 031 showing a smaller scale development. Current Use Agricultural Proposed Use Residential – up to 3 dwellings Gross site area (ha) 0.3 Suitability The site is located on the northern edge of Bletsoe. It is outside of the SPA and separated from it by a field. The site is not within a Flood Risk Zone There are no other constraints that would prevent development of the site. It is therefore suitable for development. Availability The site is under private ownership. It is therefore available for development. Achievability There are no known major constraints that could affect viability of the site and access from The Avenue appears to be feasible Development of the site for residential purposes is achievable. Acceptability Development of the site would extend the built form of the village to the north beyond the existing SPA. It could provide a modest small scale development of up to 3 dwellings which would contribute towards new housing provision.

Concluding assessment The site scored reasonably well in the RAG rating assessment. Development of the site would extend the built form of the village to the north beyond the existing SPA. It could provide a modest small scale development of up to 3 dwellings along the site frontage which would contribute towards the housing needs of the community subject to minimising the visual impact on the character of the village when approaching from the north.

The site is suitable, available and achievable. It is considered appropriate as an allocation in the neighbourhood plan OR as a reserve site for future development.

Total RAG Score 47

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Site Reference 630 Thurleigh Airfield Business Park

Location The site is located on the eastern edges of Bletsoe Parish boundary; the majority of the site lies within neighbouring Thurleigh. Current Use B1, B2 and B8 uses. Proposed Use Mixed use comprising Residential (1000 dwellings) and 70ha of Employment Land together with associated green space and infrastructure. Gross site area (ha) 149.37 Suitability The site is not within a Flood Risk Zone It is previously developed land. There are no other constraints that would prevent development of the site. The suitability of the site in terms of strategic planning will need to be assessed through the Local Plan process. Availability The site is under private ownership. It is therefore available for development. Achievability There are no major constraints that could affect viability of the site. Development of the site for residential purposes is achievable. Acceptability Because of the strategic nature of this site, Bedford Borough Council will be undertaking public consultation on the proposals and Bletsoe residents will be able to comment on whether the site is acceptable as an allocation in the Borough Council Local Plan. Concluding assessment Given the strategic nature of the proposed site it is not felt appropriate to allocate the site within the Neighbourhood Plan. Total RAG Score N/A

Site Reference 608 Twinwoods New Settlement

Location The site is located on the southern edges of Bletsoe Parish boundary; the majority of the site lies within neighbouring Milton Ernest Parish. Current Use Employment use & Agricultural land Proposed Use Mixed use New Settlement comprising Residential use (6000 dwellings), employment land and associated green space and infrastructure. Gross site area (ha) 900 Suitability The site is not within a Flood Risk Zone. It is previously developed land. There are no other constraints that would prevent development of the site. The suitability of the site in terms of strategic planning will need to be assessed through the Local Plan process. Availability The site is under private ownership. It is therefore available for development. Achievability There are no major constraints that could affect viability of the site. Development of the site for residential purposes is achievable. Acceptability Because of the strategic nature of this site, Bedford Borough Council will be undertaking public consultation on the proposals and Bletsoe residents will be able to comment on whether the site is acceptable as an allocation in the Borough Council Local Plan. Concluding assessment Given the strategic nature of the proposed site it is not felt appropriate to allocate the site within the Neighbourhood Plan. Total RAG Score N/A

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APPENDIX F

BLETSOE NEIGHBOURHOOD PLAN LOCAL IMPORTANT HERITAGE ASSETS

36, THE AVENUE, Bletsoe, Bedford: Cottage of C16 or C17 origins, modernised and extended to rear. Colourwashed plaster over timber frame, thatch, two external gable end chimneys in colourwashed limestone rubble. Three room plan, central having one-sided hearth inserted into earlier smoke bay partly surviving in roof structure. Comprises one storey and attics.

38 AND 42, THE AVENUE, Bletsoe, Bedford: C17 and C18 cottage. Colourwashed plaster over timber frame, thatch. L-plan with C18 gabled wing on left hand towards street. One storey and attics, one dormer. Nos. 40 and 42 have three 2-light windows with leaded panes. Two double-sided chimneys.

44, THE AVENUE, Bletsoe, Bedford: C17 cottage. Colourwashed plaster over timber frame partly replaced by some stone and brick. Thatch. One storey and attics.

46-52 THE AVENUE, Bletsoe, Bedford: Terrace of four early C19 cottages in local chequered brick with light headers and Welsh slate roof. Plan arranged in two pairs each around double sided hearth, two rooms downstairs and two upstairs. Two storeys. Each cottage except No. 52 has door and ground floor window under slightly cambered heads, and two first floor windows. Windows have Yorkshire casements with glazing bars.

54-62, THE AVENUE, Bletsoe, Bedford: Late C18 terrace of six (arranged as five) estate cottages. Colourwashed plaster over light timber frame on brick plinth. Old clay tile roof. Plan arranged in three pairs, each around double sided hearth, two rooms downstairs, two upstairs. Two storeys. A few casements with two leaded lights survive.

OLD RECTORY, THE AVENUE, Bletsoe, Bedford: Rectory of 1833, renovated and extended 1875 (interior date plaque). Main house and rear wing limestone and brick with render partly removed from front elevation. Hipped roofs with Welsh slates. 3 sashes with glazing bars to each of two storeys on front elevation. Slightly projecting porch between right-hand pair. Storey band. Right-hand extension in limestone rubble with Welsh slated roof. Two storeys, windows have neo-Gothic details.

THE OLD SCHOOL AND SCHOOL HOUSE, THE AVENUE, Bletsoe, Bedford: Built as a National School and dated 1852. Two storey school house of coursed limestone rubble. Three bay front with gabled stone porch. Gable end roof with fish scale tiles. Small barge boarded gables over first floor windows. 2- light casements. Single storey school room as rear wing with similar tiled roof, recently modernised with floor and two gabled dormers inserted. 3-light wood mullion and transomed windows and gabled stone porch.

BLETSOE CASTLE, COPLOWE LANE, Bletsoe, Bedford: Late C16 mansion, reduced from three to two storeys in the C19 and subsequently modernised. Coursed limestone rubble, old clay tiles on hipped roof. Double gabled wing attached at rear and overlapping central external stack. Front elevation has eight mullion and transom casements of 3 and 4 lights with glazing bars; a plinth and a first floor band. Two doorways with four-centred arches, carved spandrels and moulded surrounds. Original chimneys attached to the rear elevation have been retained at reduced heights. There are also some rear windows with original hood moulds, and indications of attachments for demolished buildings at the south east end of the main range.

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BARN AT BLETSOE CASTLE FARM, ADJACENT TO DRIVE, COPLOWE LANE, Bletsoe, Bedford: Threshing barn of C17 or C18 origins. Limestone rubble walls and old clay tile roof. 4 bays with large central north entrance. Each gable end has three narrow lancet windows deeply splayed internally. Three similar windows to each side elevation. Double purlin roof structure.

MOATED SITE WITH GARDEN EARTHWORKS AT BLETSOE CASTLE, Bletsoe, Bedford: Around 6,000 moated sites are known in England. They consist of wide ditches, often or seasonally water-filled, partly or completely enclosing one or more islands of dry ground on which stood domestic or religious buildings. In some cases the islands were used for horticulture. The majority of moated sites served as prestigious aristocratic and seigniorial residences with the provision of a moat intended as a status symbol rather than a practical military defence. The peak period during which moated sites were built was between about 1250 and 1350 and by far the greatest concentration lies in central and eastern parts of England. However, moated sites were built throughout the medieval period, are widely scattered throughout England and exhibit a high level of diversity in their forms and sizes. They form a significant class of medieval monument and are important for the understanding of the distribution of wealth and status in the countryside. Many examples provide conditions favourable to the survival of organic remains.

PIXIE COTTAGE, 9, MEMORIAL LANE, Bletsoe, Bedford: C17 cottage. Timber framed with colourwashed plaster infill, and limestone rubble chimney. Thatch. Two-room plan divided by chimney, but with right- hand room demolished. One storey and attics, one leaded casement window. Square stack set diagonally on square chimney.

15 AND 17, MEMORIAL LANE, Bletsoe, Bedford: C17 or C18 terrace of cottages, modernised. Colourwashed plaster over timber frame, modern tile roof, brick stacks. Two storeys.

THE FALCON INN, MILTON ROAD (A6), Bletsoe, Bedford: C16 or C17 inn with modern extensions. Timber frame, colourwashed plaster infilling, new clay tile roof. Original four bay plan extended to right hand and with modern wing to left. Central double sided limestone chimney, with grouped stacks on roof.

NORTH END FARMHOUSE, NORTH END, Bletsoe, Bedford: Farmhouse of C16 or C17 origins, with C19 alterations and extensive restoration with P.O.W. labour in 1940s. Timber frame partly replaced with local brick, also used as infill material. Thatch. L-plan, with two limestone rubble stacks, one external. One storey and attics. Windows and doors modern. Late C16 stone fireplaces reputed to have come from Bletsoe Castle.

GILBERT'S COTTAGE, NORTH END, Bletsoe, Bedford: Cottage of C16 or C17 origins, now modernised. Colourwashed roughcast over timber frame, with limestone plinth at west end. Thatch. Four bay house, possibly starting as an open hall, subsequently heightened and extended. Double sided hearth. Comprises two storeys and attics. Modern dormers, windows and porch.

NORTH END FARM COTTAGES, NORTH END, Bletsoe, Bedford: C17 house modernised and extended in 1940s. Roughcast over timber frame, pantiled roof replacing earlier thatch. Four bay plan including central double sided hearth. Two storeys. One 3-light casement with leaded lights.

1, OLDWAY, Bletsoe, Bedford: C18 cottage, modernised and extended in C20. Coursed limestone rubble, with small rendered framed section in rear wall. Two gable end stacks. Originally one storey and attics, but roof reconstructed to give two storeys in front elevation. Modern windows.

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2 AND 3, OLDWAY, Bletsoe, Bedford: House of c.1500 origins with several later building periods up to late C17, and small C19 rear extension. Coursed limestone rubble partly replacing timber framing, timber frame with colourwashed plaster infill, ironstone quoins and coping on gable end to the Avenue. Old clay tile roof, thatch on small extension. Plan develops in at least five phases commencing with an open hall. Within this one side of a smoke bay survives having had a one sided stone chimney inserted, later this was given a second side back-to-back, and early red brick ridge stack. Comprises two storeys. Several old casements.

BLETSOE PARK FARM, RISELEY ROAD, Bletsoe, Bedford: Substantial isolated early C17 farmhouse with C19 additions and renovations. Coursed limestone rubble and some local brick in chequer pattern with light headers. Old clay tile roof. Cruciform plan with central double sided chimney having four square brick stacks set diagonally. Two storeys and attics. Single storey extensions in angles of cross plan. North wing has eight small widely splayed ground floor windows; west wing has three central sashes with glazing bars and brick dressings; south wing in C19 brick has ground floor French windows, first floor and attic sashes, all with glazing bars, also serrated bargeboards. Probably former Park Keeper's Lodge.

OLD PEAR TREE COTTAGE, THE AVENUE, Bletsoe, Bedford: C17 or C18 modernised cottage with large modern rear extension. Colourwashed plaster and exposed surviving timber frame. Thatch. One sided central chimney with front door opposite side. One storey and attics, two eyebrow dormers.

CHURCH OF ST MARY THE VIRGIN, THE AVENUE, Bletsoe, Bedford: Medieval parish church, much restored in mid C19. Coursed limestone rubble. Irregular cruciform plan with central tower, whose form suggests Saxo-Norman origins, though details at top, corner gargoyles and double trefoiled lights in each side, are C14. The chancel is a C19 restoration of a C14 rebuilding. It has two arched tomb recesses and is derelict, being bricked off from the tower. The roofless vestry to the north is a C19 rebuilding. The north transept overlaps both tower and chancel: approached from the tower, it is a C19 renovation of the St John Chapel, and contains a wall memorial to Frances Countess Bolingbroke d. 1678. The south transept, C14 restored, is slightly askew to the axis of the tower. The aisleless nave, heavily restored but probably of late C13 origins, now contains the Sir John St John (d. 1559) memorial, moved in 1978 from the north transept. It is in alabaster and shows his family under a canopy supported by columns. There is a C19 rebuilt porch to the south of the nave, which has diagonal corner buttresses at its west end. The octagonal font is C15.

1-6, TOP ROW, Bletsoe, Bedford: Late C18 terrace of six estate cottages. Fully rendered light timber frame on brick plinth, thatch. Plan arranged in three pairs, each around double sided hearth, two rooms downstairs, two upstairs. Two storeys. Most cottages have plain doors and casements with glazing bars.

BRIDGE OVER BLETSOE CASTLE MOAT, COPLOWE LANE, Bletsoe, Bedford: Late C16 bridge. Limestone rubble, with two pointed arches and parapets splayed out at approaches. Laid over partially filled moat at probable original entrance to mansion.

BLETSOE COTTAGE, MILTON ROAD (A6), Bletsoe, Bedford: Late C17 or early C18 main house, altered in C19. Coursed limestone rubble, old clay tile roof. Two storeys and attics. Ground floor has two modern French windows and central C19 porch with heavy square moulded hood. First floor has two sash windows with glazing bars, and central square-headed dormer breaking eaves line. Two modern dormers in roof. Rear wing to main house is probably earlier. Rubble limestone and old clay tile roof, one-sided central fireplace. Two storey and attics. C19 extension to right hand of main house in local brick with old clay tile roof. Two storeys, one French window.

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APPENDIX G

OBJECTIVE - HOUSING

The objective is: Proposals:

DELIVERING HOUSING OPTION H1: Proposals for new housing on the sites identified for development must ensure that the scale and type WHICH BOTH SUSTAINS of housing provided and the rate of construction will enable proportionate growth and will respect the character, THE CURRENT AND appearance and setting of the Conservation Area and The Ancient Monument. MEETS THE FUTURE NEEDS OF THE (Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree COMMUNITY OPTION H1

OPTION H2: All new market and affordable homes across the Parish should maintain and add to the vitality of the The issues identified: local community. Developers should demonstrate how their proposals will help to maintain a balanced and thriving community into the future and respond to the needs of local people.  Better mix of housing (tenure and price) (Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree OPTION H2  No major developments

in the parish OPTION H3: All new housing should help to broaden the range of stock available in the Parish. It should complement

and add to the existing stock, broaden choice and extend the opportunity to own a house or live in the village to a  Need to respect the wide range of people. The type, tenure and cost of new housing should meet the housing needs of the local area and Conservation Area and the particular need for smaller market housing (2-3 bedrooms) should be recognised. the setting of the Church and Caste Site (Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree should be maintained OPTION H3  Small scale housing development OPTION H4: The site identified as proposal 537 on Maps 2 and 3 in the consultation report is considered to be suitable for small scale housing development of up to 8 dwellings. Development of this site for housing to meet local  Some provision of needs will be supported. affordable homes for local people (Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree OPTION H4

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OBJECTIVE - HOUSING

The objective is: Proposals:

DELIVERING HOUSING OPTION H5: The site identified as proposal 685 on Maps 2 and 3 in the consultation report is considered to be WHICH BOTH SUSTAINS suitable for small scale housing development of up to 3 dwellings, subject to achieving a layout and design THE CURRENT AND satisfactorily integrated into the landscape setting of the village. Development of this site for housing to meet local MEETS THE FUTURE needs will be supported in preference to alternative sites 31 and 35 in this location which propose significantly more housing. NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY (Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree OPTION H5 The issues identified:

 The need to ensure that OPTION H6: The site identified as proposal 30/517 on Maps 2 and 3 in the consultation report is considered to be the village retains its suitable for small scale housing development of up to 3 dwellings. Development of this site for housing to enable character, rural much sought after "gateway" improvements for the village will be supported, OR;

atmosphere and in particular its compact (Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree and historic nature. OPTION H6

 Any new housing should help to broaden OPTION H7: The site identified as proposal 30/517 on Maps 2 and 3 in the consultation report is considered to be the range of stock suitable for small scale housing development of up to 8 dwellings. Development of this site for housing to enable much sought after "gateway" improvements for the village will be supported. available in the Parish.

 The type, tenure and (Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree cost of new housing OPTION H7 should meet the housing needs of the local area.

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OBJECTIVE - HOUSING

The objective is: Proposals:

DELIVERING HOUSING OPTION H8: The following sites identified on Map 2 in the consultation report as 32, 33, 34, 36 and 37 are not WHICH BOTH SUSTAINS considered suitable for development. All sites have been assessed by an experienced Planning Consultant against THE CURRENT AND their suitability, availability and achievability in line with Planning Practice Guidance and following assessment the sites are not considered to be appropriate for allocation in the Neighbourhood Plan (with reasons outlined in the MEETS THE FUTURE accompanying summary report). The sites are as follows: NEEDS OF THE COMMUNITY Site 32: Land South of Coplowe Lane is not considered to be suitable for development.

(Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree (that it is not a suitable (that it is not a suitable (and feel that it should (and feel that it should site for development) site for development) still be considered) still be considered) OPTION H8

Site 33: North End Farm is not considered to be suitable for development

(Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree OPTION H8

Site 34: Land at Waiting for the Sun Farm is not considered to be suitable for development.

(Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree

OPTION H8

Site 36: Land West of Bletsoe Castle is not considered to be suitable for development.

(Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree OPTION H8

Site 37: Land South of The Grange is not considered to be suitable for development.

(Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree

OPTION H8

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OBJECTIVE - HOUSING

The objective is: Proposals:

DELIVERING HOUSING OPTION H9: Proposals for new housing development should adopt the approach to design, siting and layout set out WHICH BOTH SUSTAINS in a separate Bletsoe Village Design Statement. THE CURRENT AND MEETS THE FUTURE (Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree NEEDS OF THE OPTION H9 COMMUNITY OPTION H10: The proposed Bletsoe Village Design Statement should incorporate proposals to improve and enhance at a local level:

 car parking space standards, with a minimum number of dedicated off street parking spaces relative to the number of bedrooms in the dwelling as follows: 1 car parking space per 1 bedroom dwelling; 2 car park spaces for 2-3 bedroom dwellings and 3 car parking spaces for 4 or more bedroom dwellings;

 amenity space standards, with at least 50% of the completed residence allocated as amenity space (parking, garden, courtyard, patio, play area);

 height standards, building shape and size and external finish standards.

(Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree

OPTION H10

OPTION H11: New development proposals will only be supported if they include their own parking requirements on site so as not to add to the existing congestion in the village.

(Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree

OPTION H11

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APPENDIX H

OBJECTIVE - INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS

The objective is: Proposals:

TO MANAGE BOTH OPTION I1: The areas of village open space identified on Map 1 in the consultation report will be protected and will EXISTING AND FUTURE not be permitted for development of off-street parking. TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORT (Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree PROVISION AND OPTION I1 ENCOURAGING SAFE AND SUSTAINABLE MOVEMENT OPTION I2: The site identified on Map 4 in the consultation report is considered to be suitable for the provision of additional off-street parking in the village for residents and visitors. Development of this site for new parking to meet local needs will be supported.

The issues identified: (Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree OPTION I2  Parking issues in the village, particularly on The Avenue and OPTION I3: The Parish Council will work to improve local awareness of traffic problems by supporting the provision Memorial Lane of regulation compliant locally designed signs to encourage traffic to slow down and improve the environment for pedestrians & cyclists.  Traffic issues, in (Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree particular, speeding through the village OPTION I3

 Growth will impact on OPTION I4: The Parish Council will work with Bedford Borough Council to assess the cost and benefits of traffic infrastructure and calming measures. This will include a review of speed restrictions and possibly the provision of average speed capacity issues must cameras in Bletsoe to improve local safety. be addressed with careful integrated (Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree planning OPTION I4

 The impact of new

development on traffic

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OBJECTIVE - INFRASTRUCTURE NEEDS

The objective is: Proposals:

TO MANAGE BOTH OPTION I5: Any applications for development in Bletsoe should identify and demonstrate the additional level of EXISTING AND FUTURE traffic that they are likely to generate. They should assess the potential impact of this traffic on pedestrians, cyclists, TRAFFIC AND road safety, parking and congestion within the Parish. The proposals should include measures to mitigate the TRANSPORT impact of the increase in traffic on road users and will need to demonstrate how that will be managed. PROVISION AND (Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree ENCOURAGING SAFE OPTION I5 AND SUSTAINABLE MOVEMENT OPTION I6: All applications for development in Bletsoe should demonstrate how they will improve safe and enjoyable movement by pedestrians and cyclists to the services and community facilities within Bletsoe village and beyond. (Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree OPTION I6

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APPENDIX I

OBJECTIVE - THE ENVIRONMENT

Bletsoe is fortunate to be located on the edge of Proposals: attractive open countryside and to have several areas of open space, all of which OPTION E1: The areas of open space and countryside identified in Map 5 in the consultation report will be protected are highly valued by local from inappropriate new development. Development beyond the existing Settlement Policy Area boundary will not be people. These should be permitted unless the land represents a limited natural extension to the built up area. protected and enhanced (Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree The objective is: OPTION E1

PROTECTING AND ENHANCING OUR EXISTING AND FUTURE OPTION E2: The Parish Walks, identified in Map 6 in the consultation report, will be promoted and enhanced through OPEN SPACES signage, environmental improvement and to provide better access. Further work is needed to assess and to prioritise areas for improvement such as seating and drop kerbs. Where steps are the only option, signage could be improved to advise users that there are steps ahead and to suggest alternative routes where available. Developer The issues identified: contributions and other sources of funding will be required to support the promotion and improvement of the Parish Walks.  The need to protect green space in the (Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree village OPTION E2  The need to improve accessibility for all throughout Bletsoe to OPTION E3: The Parish Council will work to develop improved linkages for walks connecting to neighbouring support healthy parishes in order to support and enhance health and wellbeing and also access to additional services beyond communities Bletsoe Parish. This will include the connection between Bletsoe and Bourne End.

 The need to consider (Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree the allocation of land OPTION E3 for allotments given

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OBJECTIVE - THE ENVIRONMENT

The objective is: Proposals:

There are a number of options for providing access to allotment space if this is required by the community. Please PROTECTING AND score the statement that you agree with from the alternative options below: ENHANCING OUR EXISTING AND FUTURE OPTION E4: The Parish Council will work with the local community to identify whether interest exists in establishing OPEN SPACES a Bletsoe Allotment Association and, if so, to identify land within Bletsoe for allotment provision, OR;

(Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree OPTION E4

OPTION E5: The Parish Council will not identify possible new sites for allotments in Bletsoe but will refer the matter to the Bedford Borough Council to ensure that future requirements can be accommodated in the municipal allotments that exist in Bedford, OR;

(Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree

OPTION E5

OPTION E6: The Parish Council will work jointly with other Parishes to identify the overall demand for allotments

and, if a good level of interest exists for the provision and management of allotment land, to identify a suitable shared space for allotments in the area.

(Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree

OPTION E6

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APPENDIX J

OBJECTIVE - COMMUNITY FACILITIES

The objective is: Proposals:

ENSURING THAT THE OPTION C1: Local facilities and services will be protected and supported by the Parish Council in accordance with other policies in the Development Plan that seek to ensure the continued viability of the rural economy and support VILLAGE BENEFITS the sustainability of local services (such as the mobile library and weekly post office visits). FROM SUFFICIENT FACILITIES AND (Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree SERVICES OPTION C1

The issues identified: OPTION C2: The Parish Council will continue to promote the use of the Village Hall and will support appropriate plans to improve community provision. The Parish Council will also support and promote other existing clubs and  The need to protect facilities in the area by helping to identify sources of funding such as developer contributions. existing community facilities (Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree OPTION C2  Scope to extend community and social OPTION C3: Any proposals that come forward over the plan period should identify developer contributions to further facilities over time support the improvement of existing community facilities in the area or the provision of new facilities to meet local needs and aspirations.  Encourage clubs or societies to use the (Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree Village Hall OPTION C3

 Support and promote existing clubs and OPTION C4: The additional Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) arising from consented proposals, that is retained by the Parish Council, should be allocated to support the improvement of existing community facilities in the area or facilities in the area the provision of new facilities to meet local needs and aspirations.

 The need for improved broadband provision (Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree (there is a commitment OPTION C4 by the Borough Council to deliver superfast broadband by 2018).

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APPENDIX K

OBJECTIVE - HERITAGE ASSETS

There are several Proposal: buildings and features of historical interest within Bletsoe, as well as locally OPTION HA1: Statutory Listed Buildings and Scheduled Ancient Monuments already have legal protection from important heritage assets, harmful development. The Parish Council will identify undesignated heritage assets whose local significance which should be protected. justifies protection from harmful change.

The objective is: (Please tick relevant box) Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree OPTION HA1 PROTECTING AND ENHANCING OUR LISTED BUILDINGS AND THE ANCIENT MONUMENT

The issues identified:

 The need to ensure that any new

development in Bletsoe

does not negatively impact on the shared heritage

 The need to ensure that both the fabric and the setting of listed buildings and heritage assets continue to be protected

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