We were thrilled to have our Millfield End Development Brief and Design Code endorsed by the Great Barford Parish Council on 18th July. A truly collaborative effort with the Neighbourhood Plan steering group, Countryside and Axiom Developments. We will now begin work on an outline application for 500 new homes, open space and community facilities at Millfield End.
The Levelling-Up and Regeneration Bill: Reforms to National Planning Policy Consultation
On 22 December 2022 the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) published their proposed revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF) through a consultation that will end on 2 March 2023.
Key policy objectives
Building beautiful and refusing ugliness
Securing the infrastructure needed to support development. New Infrastructure Delivery Strategies
More democratic engagement with communities on local plans
Better environmental outcomes
Empowering communities to shape their neighbourhood
Deliver more homes in the right places, supported by sustainable and integrated infrastructure for our communities and our economy
Some of the proposed changes:
Removal of requirement to demonstrate a 5 year housing land supply (subject to housing requirement in strategic policies being less the 5 years old)
Greater protection of Green Belt in plan making - no requirement to review GB boundaries
Giving Neighbourhood Plans more weight as a consideration when determining speculative development
Changes to the tests of soundness for Local Plan-making with the removal of the “justified” test and amendment to “positively prepared” test
The “Standard Method” to continue to be used for assessing housing need (as a guide rather than a rule), but an alternative method where justified by exceptions (eg high proportion of elderly people or students)
Food production value of land as a consideration in planning decisions from Spring 2023
Regular referencing to supporting ‘beauty’ in design and placemaking and stronger emphasis on local design codes
The proposed revisions to the NPPF are in advance of a ‘fuller’ review of the Framework, dependent on the implementation of the Government’s proposals for wider change to the planning system, including the Levelling-up and Regeneration Bill
This early Christmas present from Michael Gove is seen as a comprimise deal to appease backbench housing rebels rather than the opportunity to overhaul the planning system that is required. Many in the industry are concerned that the proposed changes - particularly to housing targets will lead to less homes being delivered…
Great News for the Great Barford Neighbourhood Plan!
The Great Barford Neighbourhood Plan was approved at Referendum on 16th December by 304 votes to 77. The outcome is a great result for the Parish Council and formally allocates our land at Great Barford West which will provide 500 new homes and community facilities west of the village.
Central Bedfordshire Local Plan Adopted
At Full Council meeting on 22 July, the Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) Local Plan 2015-2035 was formally Adopted. This follows the receipt of the Inspectors’ Report which concluded the CBC Local Plan was sound, subject to recommended Modifications.
The Local Plan Adoption formally Allocates CBC’s Local Plan Policy SA3, promoted by Axiom, for 2,000 new homes, a relief road and country park over a total of 500 acres on Land East of Arlesey.
Axiom’s promotion of the site began in 2015 and has been a true team effort; with Axiom working closely and collaboratively with our Landowners Partners and Central Bedfordshire Assets, the CBC Local Plan Team and a bespoke team of specialist Planning and Technical Consultants to bring Axiom’s Vision for the Land East of Arlesey through the Public Consultation and Examination in Public processes to Reality.
We are delighted to enter this next ‘Post Allocation’ phase of the project which will focus on the creation of a Development Brief and Design Framework for this exciting new sustainable extension east of Arlesey, and soon thereafter to commence Community Engagement to inform the evolving Masterplan for the Land East of Arlesey.
EV Charging Station
Axiom’s Hermitage solar project at Clayhill in Bedfordshire - one of the first subsidy free solar parks in the UK now powers the UK’s first electric charging service station!
Great Barford West Allocation
Since Spring 2019 Axiom has promoted 18.1 hectares of land West of Great Barford, adjacent to the Bedford Road and closest the the Village through the Great Barford Neighbourhood Plan process.
On 15th January 2020 the Bedford Borough Council Local Plan was Adopted and Allocated 500 new homes be delivered by the Great Barford Neighbourhood Plan.
On 1st April 2021 the Great Barford Neighbourhood Plan was submitted to Bedford Borough Council for Approval, including its Allocation of the 64.1 hectares of land off Bedford Road (outlined blue above) identified as ‘Great Barford West’ as the preferred Allocation within which area the requisite 500 new homes for the Village are to be delivered.
Following a short period of public consultation the Great Barford Neighbourhood Plan is expected to be submitted to an Examiner before the end of May 2021 before being put to a Referendum late Summer.