Stotfold Town Plan 2009

Adopted by Stotfold Town Council, 7th October 2009 Stotfold Town Plan 2009

Produced with support and guidance from CONTENTS

1 Introduction to the Stotfold Town Plan 2009 page 4 11.3 Facilities included at leisure centre on Road 18 1.1 What is a Town Plan? 4 11.4 Other facilities for the leisure centre 18 1.2 What are the advantages of Stotfold having a Town Plan? 4 11.5 Children’s play equipment 18 1.3 Who has led the Town Plan initiative? 4 11.6 Rating of play equipment 18 1.4 Where has the money come from? 4 11.7 Use of the MUGA 18 1.5 How will the Plan be actioned? 4 11.8 Reasons for not using the MUGA 19 11.9 Other facilities for young people 19 2 How Residents were Informed and Involved 5 11.10 Community facilities used by residents 19 2.1 Town Plan events timetable 5 11.11 Recreation and Community – Recommendation Table 19 A Brief Look at the Changing Face of Stotfold 6 3 12 Health and Social Care 21 4 Location of Stotfold 7 12.1 Use of Larksfield Surgery and service provision 21 4.1 Map of Stotfold 7 12.2 Accessing other health services 21 12.3 Health service transport 21 5 Questionnaire Analysis and Recommendations for Action 8 12.4 Social Care support 21 12.5 Health and Social Care – Recommendation Table 22 6 About Respondents’ Households 8 6.1 Sources of information – Recommendation Table 8 13 Crime, Disorder and Policing 23 13.1 Public safety in town 23 7 The Environment 9 13.2 Perception of crime in Stotfold 23 7.1 Future large-scale development 9 13.3 Awareness of crime reduction schemes 23 7.2 Areas that residents visit 9 13.4 Experience of criminal activities 23 7.3 Areas to be preserved from development 9 13.5 Measures to reduce crime 23 7.4 Planning green areas 9 13.6 Crime, Disorder and Policing – Recommendation Table 24 7.5 Linking footpaths, byways etc. 10 7.6 Residents’ use of footpaths, byways etc. 10 14 Traffic 25 7.7 Encouraging use of Public Rights of Way 10 14.1 Rat run – The Avenue 25 7.8 Environmental problems 10 14.2 Rat run – Brook Street 25 7.9 Environmental initiatives to improve quality of life 10 14.3 Rat run – Queen Street/Rook Tree Lane 25 7.10 The Environment – Recommendation Table 10 14.4 Other roads used as rat runs 25 14.5 Restriction of heavy vehicles 25 8 Business and Employment 13 14.6 Speed limit outside schools 26 8.1 Increased employment opportunities in Stotfold 13 14.7 Problems with speeding vehicles in town 26 8.2 Types of new business needed 13 14.8 Use of cycles and cycle paths 26 8.3 Business facilities needed 13 14.9 Suitability of pavements 26 8.4 Where to locate businesses 13 14.10 Traffic – Recommendation Table 26 8.5 Business and Employment – Recommendation Table 13 15 Parking 28 9 Town Centre and Shops 14 15.1 Problem parking locations 28 9.1 Use of shops and services in Stotfold 14 15.2 Use of yellow lines 28 9.2 Factors to encourage shopping in Stotfold 14 15.3 Parking reminder signs 28 9.3 Additional shops and amenities desired 14 15.4 Hard surfacing verges for parking 28 9.4 Use of Stotfold Post Office 14 15.5 Parking – Recommendation Table 28 9.5 Town Centre and Shops – Recommendation Table 15 16 Transport 29 16.1 Main means of transport 29 10 Housing 16 16.2 Local towns visited 29 10.1 Types of future housing development 16 16.3 Reasons stated for not using the bus service 29 10.2 Types of housing that are appropriate 16 16.4 Use of trains 29 10.3 Locations for development 16 16.5 Railway stations used 29 10.4 Design of new buildings 16 16.6 Transport – Recommendation Table 30 10.5 Restriction of development to brownfield sites 16 Housing – Recommendation Table 17 10.6 17 Main Conclusions: A Vision for the Future of Stotfold 31 11 Recreation and Community 18 18 Appendix 32 11.1 Sports and leisure 18 11.2 Why residents use facilities outside the town 18 2 How Residents were Informed and Involved 1 Introduction to the The aim of the Steering Group was to carry out a series of consultations involving as wide Stotfold Town Plan 2009 a cross section of the community as possible. From the initial stages all residents have Stotfold’s Town Plan represents several been given the opportunity to contribute ideas through their schools, organisations and in response to information announced in Stotfold News and the local press. years of wide-ranging discussion and All Steering Group meetings have been open to the public and publicised in advance in consultation amongst residents. The fact the local press. that 41% of households, with up to five respondents in some cases, took the time 2.1 Town Plan events timetable to complete the final detailed questionnaire is strong testimony to the Key dates Location Activity pride we feel in the town and our 20.02.07 Rural Communities A group of Stotfold Town Councillors attend introductory concern for its future. Charity (BRCC) Cardington session – Parish/Town Plans. As residents of Stotfold, we trust 12.05.07 Mill Fair Displays showing the work of the Town Council; that all decision-makers, whether at 23.06.07 Festival Fete (Recreation Ground) volunteers enlisted for Steering Group. local, county or national level, will take 30.05.07 Simpson Centre Town Council Enhancement Committee discussion this Plan into account before making (Minute 176) – “A Town Plan For Stotfold”. decisions that will affect us and the 08.08.07 Simpson Centre First meeting of Town Plan Steering Group – Terms of surrounding countryside. Reference agreed. 03.10.07 Application to DEFRA for funding. 1.1 What is a Town Plan? 16.10.07 Memorial Hall (rear hall) Open meeting – invitations distributed to leaders of over 80 organisations (including schools and churches). A Town Plan is produced after consultation with the entire community Oct 07- Jan 08 Stotfold News (Oct issue); Stotfold “Likes and Dislikes” – information gathering; Steering Mill ‘threshing weekend’; Larksfield Group members also visit the following (as requested): about how they would like their local Surgery; Library; Simpson Centre Samuel Whitbread Community College, Etonbury School, area and services managed. A Rural St Mary’s V.C. Lower School, Scout leaders, Salvation White Paper in 2000 set out the Army Women’s Fellowship, Stotfold Women’s Fellowship, Government’s plans for the countryside. Sunshine Group, Stotfold Chamber of Trade. It was originally intended that only 10.03.08 Simpson Centre Setting up the Focus Groups – drafting questions as a smaller parishes would have their result of data collected from “Likes and Dislikes”. Focus opinions recognised; more recently Clockwise from top: other residents joined to help create Groups involved the following at meetings – Bedfordshire The historic Ford Police, Community Safety Group, Larksfield Surgery towns have been encouraged to become specific Focus Groups, plan and deliver manager, Teasel, local dentist, optician and pharmacy. involved in this process. Bridge on Malthouse the questionnaires and assist with Lane; children’s Mar 08-Jul 08 Mill Fair; Festival Week; analysis of the resulting data. “Planning for Real”: information gathering; includes playground at Simpson Centre presence at Annual Town Meeting. 1.2 What are the advantages of (See Appendix for list of members etc.) Fairfield Park; the 15.07.08 Application to Mid Beds District Council (MBDC) for funding. Stotfold having a Town Plan? restored Stotfold Mill on Mill Lane. 04.09.08 Final questionnaire amended; business questionnaire • It gives the community a stronger voice 1.4 Where has the money posted online. and encourages involvement come from? • It will enable the Town Council to 07.10.08 Simpson Centre Bagging and distribution of questionnaires (70 residents The Steering Group secured funding volunteer). make decisions representing the from the Department for Environment, community’s wishes 08.01.09 Simpson Centre Meeting of Town Plan Steering Group – emphasis on Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and data analysis. • It provides evidence of need and will Mid Beds District Council (now Central be used as a focus for influencing local 03.01.09- Simpson Centre First Meetings of Presentation/Publication Group: decision Bedfordshire Council) to the sum of authorities and service providers 19.02.09 made to produce a Full Plan to be held at local/Central £3,500. Stotfold Town Council agreed Bedfordshire level and a shorter version for residents. • It can encourage community backing funding to a minimum of 5%, with some for specific projects 4.03.09 Memorial Hall Annual Town Meeting: the evening includes a ‘in kind’ contributions. presentation/update on Town Plan. • The Action Plans focus on immediate We trust that needs, as well as projecting longer-term this Plan will 19.05.09 Memorial Hall Steering Group: presentation of data analysis; re-forming aims (up to 15 years ahead) 1.5 How will the Plan be the Focus Groups. be taken into actioned? 22.06.09- Simpson Centre Steering/Focus Groups: questionnaire analysis presented 23.07.09 by Focus Groups with recommendations for actions. 1.3 Who has led the Town account by The Plan will be adopted by the Town Plan initiative? Council and regular monitoring will take 11 & 24.08.09 Simpson Centre Steering and Planning/Presentation Groups: finalising those making 7 & 22.09.09 Full Town Plan – presentation of first draft to local Central In the initial stages the Steering Group place. The Council may choose to form Bedfordshire Councillors. comprised two Town Councillors and decisions that task groups that will involve residents thirteen volunteer members of the in consultations aimed at implementing 7.10.09 Simpson Centre Monthly meeting of Stotfold Town Council: seek adoption of Full Town Plan. Plan adopted. general public. As time progressed, will affect us the Plan.

4 5 4 Location of Stotfold The Bedfordshire town of Stotfold lies close to the county border, within the former Mid Bedfordshire district, now identified as the Rural Area that forms the northern part of the area. It covers an expanse of around 893 hectares (2207 acres), stretching from the A1/Great North Road on its eastern boundary towards Radwell and Letchworth to the south, Arlesey and Church End to the west and to the north. This large parish includes the main town settlement, with the adjoining Fairfield Park development near its southernmost border. It is surrounded by a belt of open countryside that clearly separates it from the aforementioned other settlements. Stotfold’s most important geographical feature is the , its valley running south to north through the open countryside east of the town. A smaller watercourse, the Pix Brook, flows through the western part of the town, south to northwest.

4.1 Map of Stotfold

3 A Brief Look at the St Mary’s Church, century, this was mainly an agricultural which dates back to area, but, as in the rest of the country, Changing Face of Stotfold the 12th century. employment in farming has declined. People have lived in Stotfold for almost Mechanisation has reduced the need for five thousand years. The first written labour on the land and the growth of evidence is in the Domesday Book of industry in nearby towns opened up 1086, which records a permanent other possibilities. Public transport and settlement with four mills and “about private car ownership mean people can 200 souls” farming the land. travel further for shopping and services, The first census of 1851 recorded a leading to the closure of many local small increase in population to 495 but shops and businesses. in fifty years this more than trebled due Despite the loss of some land to to a building boom across the district. housing, Stotfold is fortunate in retaining In 1860 the Three Counties Asylum much of its rural character, being was built at Fairfield Park; by 1893 this surrounded by small woodlands and had 1,056 ‘inmates’ and a large staff. open countryside. The Kingfisher Way By 1951, the population of Stotfold had follows the Rivel Ivel through the town, risen to almost 4,000 (not including past Stotfold Mill and the historic Ford the numbers of people at the renamed Bridge with its bat colony. Fairfield Hospital) and the most recent The town has a number of census recorded 6,190 residents. Despite the historically-interesting, listed Significant expansion of housing is loss of buildings, including St Mary’s Church planned for the South of and with an excellent example of a 14th with further developments at Fairfield some land to century stained glass window, Stotfold Park and the Land South of Stotfold Bury and Fairfield Hall - an impressive already agreed, it is inevitable that the housing, piece of Victorian architecture. Stotfold population will increase further. Stotfold is Watermill, recently restored and Information currently presented by producing flour once again, has become Stotfold Town Council states that it now surrounded a major community project and is a stands at some 7,600 people, of which by open building of special architectural and 4,874 are of adult age. historical interest for the education and Until the first quarter of the last countryside benefit of the public.

6 7 5 Questionnaire Analysis and Recommendations for Action The process began with a meeting to The formulation of questions took which all local groups and organisations many hours of deliberation by the small were invited, and at which the importance groups which had opted to research of having a Town Plan was explained. topics of interest or concern. Further Following the “Likes and Dislikes” and help and advice was sought from a “Planning for Real” consultations, the The “Planning for variety of people with specialist Steering Group had collected sufficient Real” consultation knowledge or experience, including the evidence from a wide cross-section of event held during the local police officer and the Chair of the the community to select the focus groups Mill Fair weekend, Community Safety Group who advised for the questionnaire. May 2008 the Crime, Disorder and Policing Group. The local Scouts made a significant contribution, as did TEASEL, the local conservation group. Some of the research of the Environment Group has already been included in the Green Infrastructure Plan for Stotfold, produced by the BRCC and endorsed by Stotfold Town Council. The Health and Social Care Group took advice from the practice manager at 7 The Environment The open countryside around Stotfold should be restricted to Larksfield Surgery, as well as the local surrounding the town As in other sections, the responses brownfield sites. dentist, pharmacist and optician. The is of great importance reflected residents’ high valuation of the Business and Employment and Town to its rural character. rural character of the town and its rivers, 7.2 Areas that residents visit Centre and Shops Groups benefited woodland and green spaces. Emphasis from the involvement of the Chair of the It is clear from analysis of residents’ should be placed on the importance of Chamber of Trade and a local business responses that open spaces in and retaining and enhancing these, with management consultant. around Stotfold are greatly valued. greater attention to tree planting, linked All groups met regularly to ensure a The most visited area is The Green pathways and cycle ways. The areas of consistent approach. (47% of respondents), while 57.9% of open countryside east of the town, • Detailed data from each section is respondents visit the green spaces and alongside the River Ivel and its historic available as a separate document on open countryside east of the town. Ford Bridge, are particularly valued. request or can be downloaded from the The proposed Local Nature Reserve Town Council website. 7.3 Areas to be preserved at Mill Meadows will help to encourage knowledge and appreciation from development 6 About Respondents’ Households of local habitats, particularly amongst Well over half of respondents stated This section provided evidence of the demography of the 2,442 residents who completed young people through the Education that the River Ivel and its surrounding the questionnaire, a significant return of 41%. The only recommended action for this section Programmes, based at Stotfold Mill green spaces and open countryside, relates to the community’s sources of information. and the new Wildlife Watch group, east of Stotfold, forms the area that is which will complement the Education most important to conserve and protect 6.1 Sources of Information – Recommendation Table Programmes already running. from all kinds of future development. It is to be hoped that planning Heavy traffic should be removed Action Method The Stotfold Priority Timescale Partners officials at all levels will recognise the from our quiet lanes by placing a To improve the i) Review the extent of use of Stotfold High 1-2 years Community; amenity value that the Stotfold community weight restriction on the roads Town Council’s own Town Council notice boards. Stotfold Town community places on its rural places great connecting with the A1, and so protect communication with Council; Fairfield the Ford Bridge, part of the residents. ii) Provide notice board at Fairfield Park Residents’ environment for recreation and and at the Community Building on the Association relaxation, taking this into consideration amenity value acknowledged heritage of Stotfold. Land South of Stotfold site. when making future planning decisions. on its rural iii) Encourage use of new Town Council 7.4 Planning green areas website including the News section. 7.1 Future large-scale environment 97.2% of respondents thought that development for recreation attention should be given to the planning iv) Propose that younger residents have 92.8% of respondents thought that of new green areas and the planting of a section on the Town Council’s website. future large-scale development in or and relaxation trees in new areas of development.

8 9 Ref: Action Method Priority Timescale Partners 7.5 Linking footpaths, 7.3 Ensure that the wishes of i) As above. Immediate/ Immediate/ Community; byways etc. Stotfold residents, to protect high ongoing Central its green spaces and open ii) Refer the above parties Bedfordshire 74.4% of respondents thought that the countryside from all kinds of to the Stotfold Green Council planning linking of footpaths, byways, bridleways development – particularly Infrastructure Plan. officers and and cycle paths into a Public Rights of those surrounding the River members; Stotfold Way network is very important in order Ivel Valley, east of Stotfold – Town Council are fully recognised relative to enjoy the local environment. Only to future planning initiatives 2.8% said it is not important. (as above). The existing roads, including Malthouse 7.6 Residents’ use of Lane and its historic Ford footpaths, byways etc. Bridge, must also remain as quiet lanes. 54.1% of respondents often use Stotfold’s footpaths, byways, bridleways and cycle- 7.4 Ensure that the wishes of Consult with all parties Medium Ongoing Community; The negative effects of cars on the Stotfold residents, to see involved in the planning and Central paths. Only 4.8% never use them. environment are also noted, with some new green spaces and the development processes, Bedfordshire residents stating that the issue of climate planting of trees in new ensuring that this Town Plan Council planning 7.7 Encouraging use of Public change should be addressed. areas of development, are is referred to during the officers and fully recognised relative to consideration of planning members; Stotfold Rights of Way future planning initiatives, as applications and the Town Council; Well over half of respondents thought 7.9 Environmental initiatives to above. formation of 106 agreements developers that the clearing and linking of footpaths Stotfold’s Rights of improve quality of life and future planning policy. Way network is used would encourage greater use of Stotfold’s 7.5 Plan a works programme i) Arrange meetings with all Medium Ongoing Community; regularly by most Stotfold residents are broadly supportive Public Rights of Way network. for the eventual linking of parties and stakeholders, Central respondents. of environmental initiatives to improve the quality of life in Stotfold, even at Stotfold’s footpaths, byways, to produce a map of the Bedfordshire 7.8 Environmental problems bridleways and cycle paths proposed new network, with planning officers some financial cost to the community. into a Public Rights of Way due consideration of each and members; 67% of respondents suggested that dog However, it should be noted that there is network. activity (firstly researching Stotfold Town fouling is the most significant no clear front runner in terms of the existing, disused or Council; TEASEL; environmental problem faced by the numbers of residents supporting historical Rights of Way, Countryside town, with litter a close second, particular initiatives, with “frequent litter then considering proposals Access and Rights registering 59%. Fears concerning the collection and street cleaning” (53% of for the enhancement or of Way officers; extension of existing routes landowners strain placed on local infrastructure (by respondents) edging ahead of and the creation of new existing pressures and further “encouragement for the agricultural routes). development) are also a major concern sector” (49%) and “greater protection for for 49% of those responding. wildlife and plant life” (44%). ii) Refer the above parties to the Stotfold Green Infrastructure Plan. 7.10 The Environment – Recommendation Table 7.6 Ensure that the importance Draw this matter to the Immediate Ongoing Community; Ref: Action Method Priority Timescale Partners of the Public Rights of Way attention of all appropriate Central network in Stotfold is fully and interested bodies. Bedfordshire 7.1 Ensure that the wishes of Deliver this Town Plan to Immediate/ Immediate/ Community; recognised by all planning Council planning Stotfold residents, for Central Bedfordshire high ongoing Central officers/officials, officers and large-scale development to planning officers, and all Bedfordshire environmental groups and members; Stotfold be restricted to brownfield other parties involved in the Council planning landowners. Town Council; sites, are fully recognised planning process, so that it officers and TEASEL; relative to the formulation of may be referred to during members; Stotfold Countryside all future planning policies, formation of future planning Town Council Access and Rights within the Site Allocations policy, within the Site of Way officers; process and in the Allocations process and in landowners consideration of planning the consideration of planning applications. applications. 7.2 Ensure that the wishes of i) As above. Immediate/ Immediate/ Community; Stotfold residents, to high ongoing Central conserve its green spaces ii) Refer the above parties to Bedfordshire and open countryside, are the Stotfold Green Council planning fully recognised relative to Infrastructure Plan. officers and future planning initiatives members; Stotfold (as above). Town Council

10 11 7.10 The Environment – Recommendation Table (continued) 8 Business and Employment Ref: Action Method Priority Timescale Partners Much of the population works outside the town and the majority of respondents 7.7 Implement a works Arrange meetings with all Medium Ongoing Community; programme to include: parties and stakeholders Central would prefer this to continue if the clearing and linking of involved in this process to Bedfordshire alternative is further loss of green fields, footpaths; creating safe produce a map of the Council planning especially the open countryside, access where Rights of Way proposed new network, with officers and including water meadows, along the Ivel Stotfold linked to the establishment cross or run alongside the due consideration of each members; Stotfold A1 or A507; upgrading some activity. Consider how Town Council; Valley. In this century, home-working of more shops and small businesses. footpaths into bridleways and proposals are to be Countryside and the growth of small businesses is 32% want to see the encouragement cycle tracks; clearer signs implemented and relevant Access and Rights likely to increase and there may be a of jobs in agriculture; slightly fewer indicating Rights of Way; works carried out. of Way officers; need to provide further small business (25%) want light industrial work to greater availability of landowners information leaflets and units and services to facilitate this. be available. maps promoting Rights of Way; better access for those 8.1 Increased employment Most respondents 8.3 Business facilities needed with mobility problems. would welcome new opportunities in Stotfold businesses concordant Where people had commented on 7.8 Ensure that the views of Arrange meetings with Immediate Ongoing Community; While 39% of respondents believe that with Stotfold’s rural which facilities might be helpful to Stotfold residents are fully relevant representatives of Central there should be active strategies to environment. small businesses, computer/internet recognised in all planning public or private sector Bedfordshire initiatives. Seek assurances organisations to seek the Council planning encourage more employment access, parking for a van or small from all parties involved that most positive outcome for and highways opportunities in Stotfold, 61% stated it lorry and office space are regarded as all relevant policies and laws the resolution of particular officers and was better for people to work outside having most importance. will be applied and enforced. problems on a case-by-case members; Stotfold the town if it meant there would be less basis. Town Council; 8.4 Where to locate Environment development. More jobs Agency; Highways businesses Agency; Internal 8.2 Types of new business in agriculture The overwhelming response (93.5%) Drainage Board; needed should be was that there should be no further utility companies; Nearly half of respondents want to see development of any kind in the town, more employment opportunities in encouraged except on brownfield sites. 7.9 i) Explore all funding i) Arrange meetings with Immediate Ongoing Community; opportunities for initiatives to all parties and stakeholders Central improve the environment. involved in this process to Bedfordshire 8.5 Business and Employment – Recommendation Table seek the most positive Council planning ii) Promote environmental outcome for the promotion and highways Ref: Action Method Priority Timescale Partners responsibility in schools. of particular initiatives on a officers and case-by-case basis. members; Stotfold 8.1/ Publicise small business Information to appear in Medium Ongoing Community; iii) Make more public Town Council; 8.2 units on Mill Lane and Stotfold News and on the Stotfold Town information about ii) Consider how proposals Environment elsewhere locally. Stotfold Town Council and Council; Central environmental issues are to be implemented and Agency; Highways Central Bedfordshire Council Bedfordshire available locally, including in relevant works carried out. Agency; Internal websites. Council; Business Stotfold News. Drainage Board; Link; Stotfold News utility companies 8.3 Seek to provide facilities for i) Liaise with private service Medium 3-5 years Community; iv) Resist over-development. small businesses; book- providers locally. private service Ensure implementation of keeping; computer /internet providers; existing policies and laws. access; parking for van/ ii) Develop promotional Stotfold Chamber small lorry. strategy to advertise services. of Commerce; Stotfold Town Council; Central Bedfordshire Council 8.4 No new developments Deliver this Town Plan to Immediate Immediate Community; except on brownfield sites. Central Bedfordshire Council, Stotfold Town so that it may be recognised Council; Central during formation of future Bedfordshire planning policy, within the Site Council planning Allocations process and in the officers and consideration of planning members applications.

12 13 9.5 Town Centre and Shops – Recommendation Table Ref: Action Method Priority Timescale Partners 9.1 Improve area of shops near i) Discuss a co-ordinated Medium 3-5 years Stotfold Town Co-op/High Street as plan for future of the area with Council; Central follows: improve parking local councillors and Central Bedfordshire provision; landscape area; Bedfordshire planning and Council; local introduce traffic calming highways officers. shops, including measures; provide a Co-op; Stotfold directory of businesses, ii) Draw up list and map using News displayed in suitable places, an artist and local expertise; with map. also promote businesses on Town Council website and in Stotfold News. 9.2 Monitor provision of a Engage with developers, Immediate Immediate Stotfold Town community building and local councillors and Central Council; Central new shop at north end of Bedfordshire planning Bedfordshire; the Land South of Stotfold officers to consider how a developers development. more cohesive town centre might be delivered. 9.3 i) Seek provision of a bank i) Approach banking Medium 3-5 years Banks; Stotfold in Stotfold. companies, including the Town Council; Co-op, regarding the Stotfold Chamber provision of banking of Trade services, which would encourage greater footfall in this area.

ii) Establish Farmers’ ii) Approach local Farmers’ Medium 3-5 years Stotfold Town Market. Markets organisation and Council; Central investigate Farmers’ Markets Bedfordshire locally. Seek suitable site, Council; Farmers’ consulting local councillors Market network; and Central Bedfordshire Tastes of officers. Bedfordshire; local farmers 9 Town Centre and Shops Commercial premises 9.2 Factors to encourage 9.4 Ensure retention of Stotfold Monitor any future change in Immediate Ongoing Community; on the High Street and Post Office. relevant Government policy. Post Office; Stotfold has grown up over the years Hitchin Road. shopping in Stotfold Stotfold Town without a clearly defined town centre More people would shop in Stotfold Council; Central and the current businesses and services if there was a wider variety of shops Bedfordshire Council are spread throughout the town. There and a bank located in the town. A more would be significant benefit in the clearly defined town centre (near the improvement of the area around the existing Co-op), with an improved current Co-operative Store to create a street scene, would also encourage more coherent shopping area. Many local residents to shop here. respondents would like to be able to purchase locally produced fruit and 9.3 Additional shops and vegetables at a Farmers’ Market. amenities desired Over half the respondents would wish 9.1 Use of shops and Stotfold would to see a greengrocer and/or a services in Stotfold benefit from Farmers’ Market in Stotfold. The majority of respondents do not shop in, or obtain services in, Stotfold having a 9.4 Use of Stotfold Post Office (67% and 73% respectively), though clearly defined The majority of respondents use the percentage using local shops and Stotfold Post Office, located in the services increases relative to age. town centre Co-operative Store.

14 15 10 Housing 10.6 Housing – Recommendation Table A significant number of large Ref: Action Method Priority Timescale Partners developments for housing (Fairfield 10.1 i) Attempt to limit further Deliver this Town Plan to High Immediate Community; Park, Land South of Stotfold) have developments to a small Central Bedfordshire Stotfold Town already been agreed by local planners scale to retain character of planning officers, and all Council; and will place local infrastructure the town. other parties involved in the Central including schools, health services, planning process, so that it Bedfordshire ii) Seek to ease ‘change of may be referred to during Council drains and roads under even greater use’ restrictions in order to formation of future planning strain. The town lies along the River promote the conversion of policy, within the Site Ivel and there are worries about existing buildings. Allocations process and in current and future developments on, the consideration of planning applications. or close to, flood plains and water meadows, as well as on open 10.2 i) Seek the provision of Deliver this Town Plan to High Ongoing Community; accommodation for the Central Bedfordshire Council Stotfold Town countryside valued by local residents elderly – to replace and other parties involved in Council; for recreation and relaxation. Hallworth House – and the planning process, Central Recent developments have seen more sheltered housing and including developers. Bedfordshire large numbers of houses crammed starter homes in Stotfold. Council; Aragon Housing; into small spaces, with poor provision ii) Seek greater provision developers of trees and green areas and lack of of affordable housing within adequate parking, occasionally causing any future developments. neighbourhood tension. 10.3 Investigate means to i) Lobby actively against any High Immediate Community; Planners should note that merely Clockwise from top: However 25% of responses stated that achieve protected status for development in Malthouse TEASEL; restricting road widths and parking recently constructed no more land should be developed. Malthouse Lane area with Lane area, seeking its Stotfold Town houses within the the appropriate bodies. designation as an area of Council; spaces in new developments without Fairfield Park local/conservation/scientific/ Central efficient, local public transport only development; an 10.3 Locations for natural/beauty/interest. Bedfordshire increases congestion on the roads. older thatched development Council property in central ii) Seek advice from Many more people are actively 10.1 Types of future housing Stotfold; Grade II appropriate bodies to achieve listed Fairfield Hall, against development of specific areas protected status for it within development now converted into of Stotfold, compared to the number existing planning laws. There was a clear majority (64%) in luxury apartments. who favour certain areas for future 10.4 Encourage greater Promote public planning High Ongoing Community; favour of the conversion of redundant development. A clear majority of community involvement with consultations and encourage Stotfold Town buildings to create further housing the existing and emerging residents to comment on Council; respondents of all ages consider that planning process. specific planning applications. Central provision. Otherwise, the prevailing Malthouse Lane, and the surrounding Bedfordshire view is that any future development open countryside, is not suitable for Council should be on a small scale. It is felt development, regardless of where they 10.5 Ensure that the wishes of Deliver this Town Plan to High Ongoing Stotfold Town that large-scale development or edge- currently reside; the Fairfield area is Stotfold residents, for Central Bedfordshire Council; Central of-town expansion, which would considered the most acceptable place large-scale development to planning officers, and all Bedfordshire be restricted to brownfield other parties involved in the Council planning significantly change Stotfold’s for future development. sites, are fully recognised planning process, so that it officers and character, should be avoided. by all parties involved in may be referred to during members; the planning process, and formation of future planning Stotfold News 10.4 Design of new buildings relative to all future planning policy, within the Site 10.2 Types of housing that are Malthouse 90% of respondents stated that they are initiatives. Allocations process and in appropriate Lane, and the interested in the design of new housing the consideration of planning Many respondents (approximately and any future developments. applications. 71%) thought that future housing surrounding provision for special groups and the countryside, elderly is as important as starter and 10.5 Restriction of development family homes. Younger respondents is not to brownfield sites showed a bias towards starter homes, suitable for 90.1% of respondents are in favour of whereas the over-60 age group showed development being restricted to a clear bias towards retirement homes. development brownfield sites.

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