Infrastructure Project Plan

Contents

1 Introduction 3
Context 3

2 Infrastructure Projects Schedule 8

PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE 11
3 Highways and other transport related 11
infrastructure
Highway Schemes 12
Public transport 16
Public realm 19
4 Waste 19
5 Emergency Services 20
6 Utilities 21

7 SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY 27

INFRASTRUCTURE
Education 27
Leisure and Culture 28
Social care 30

8 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE 31

Appendix 1. Plans showing housing and 35-6

employment sites

2
 INTRODUCTION
1.0 Purpose of this document

1.1 This Infrastructure Project Plan was prepared to support the development of a
Community Infrastructure Levy for the borough. The purpose of this document is to
demonstrate whether there is a significant funding gap between the infrastructure
required and the funding available in order to support the councils emerging
Community Infrastructure Levy Charging Schedule. The document draws together
information from various sources to demonstrate the range of infrastructure
required to deliver the scale of growth in the councils development strategy as set
out in the Core Strategy and Rural Issues Plan adopted 2008, focussing on the
period to 2021. The project plan includes schemes to be delivered by mechanisms
other than by the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).

1.2 This document looks wider than the councils programme for spending on
infrastructure. It is not the purpose or the role of this document to prioritise or
identify infrastructure projects that may be funded partly or wholly through CIL
monies in the future. It is not a definitive list of the infrastructure items to which CIL
will contribute. The CIL regime does not limit CIL spending to the items in the
evidence base that is used to support the level of the charge in the charging
schedule. Authorities can respond to changing local circumstances, such as
changes in infrastructure requirements or funding sources by spending finance
collected through the levy on different projects from those identified during the rate
setting process. The councils Regulation 123 short list of infrastructure items for
which CIL will be sought and used under the Community Infrastructure Levy
Regulations 2010, will be prepared and published on the website at a later date.

1.3 The costs included and funding sources mentioned are also not set in stone. They
are the best information available at this time. It is likely that these will change as
schemes are refined and progress through their planning and design stages.

1.4 The document is set out as follows

Firstly, the context - the level of growth envisaged.

Secondly, a schedule of infrastructure projects based on information

currently available of projects and costs where known is used to compile
Table 1 which shows the extent of the funding gap between the
infrastructure required and funding available. This is followed by more
information about each of the items in the schedule and more general
information about the need for additional infrastructure or for funding
towards maintenance of existing infrastructure to support growth.

The Context

1.5 The councils estimated population at the 2001 Census was 147,911, of which just
over 100,000 live in the urban areas of Bedford and Kempston. There is, however,
also a large rural hinterland. Figures recently released for the 2011 census indicate
the population has grown to 157,479.

1.6 The Core Strategy and Rural Issues Plan (CSRIP) adopted in 2008 was prepared
before there was a requirement introduced in Planning Policy Statement 12 (now
replaced by the National Policy Planning Framework issued in March 2012) for a

3
 supporting infrastructure plan. PPS12 introduced the need for Core Strategy
documents to be supported by a plan comprising evidence of the physical, social
and green infrastructure needed to enable the amount of development proposed,
taking into account its type and distribution, and its funding and delivery
mechanisms.

1.7 However although no formal plan was prepared the extent of infrastructure
required to support the delivery of the growth in the CSRIP and regeneration of
Bedford Town Centre (as set out in the Area Action plan) has been identified
through various work undertaken and it is not therefore considered necessary to
undertake separate bespoke Infrastructure Planning work.

1.8 Strategic infrastructure proposals were included in the CSRIP, Town Centre Area
Action Plan and the emerging Allocations and Designations Plan local
development documents which have all been subject to wide consultation.

1.9 A large proportion of the housing requirements to 2021 in the CSRIP was to be
delivered through the development of major sites that had already been allocated
and the infrastructure needs for these had already been assessed is association
with service providers and included in Development Briefs which were subject to
consultation before adoption. The resulting infrastructure needs were to be
delivered in association with the developments.

1.10 A northern Marston Vale growth area infrastructure study was carried out covering
the parts of Bedford Borough in the northern Marston Vale growth area and a small
area of Central Bedfordshire on behalf of Renaissance Bedford, the local delivery
vehicle by GVA Grimley in 2008, which generally endorsed the level of
infrastructure provision required to 2021.

1.11 The council prepared and approved an Infrastructure Delivery Programme in 2009
and a Local Investment Plan in November 2010 focussing on highway projects and
projects with economic dimensions in the 2011-15 period.

The Core Strategy and Rural Issues Plan.

1.12 The Core Strategy and Rural Issues Plan sets out the targets for housing and
employment provision during the period 2001-2021. The CSRIP seeks to achieve
the completion of 17,570 new homes, the creation of around 16,000 jobs and the
provision of up to 75 ha additional employment land over this period. The strategy
is for new housing and employment development to be focussed in the Growth
Area (Bedford, Kempston and the northern Marston Vale) with only limited growth
in the rural policy area i.e. the rest of the borough outside the Growth Area.

1.13 Planned housing provision in the rural policy area has already been delivered and
the number of new dwellings between now and 2011 in the rural policy area is
likely to be very limited. Some 4,345 out of the planned 16,270 dwellings to be
located in the Growth Area between 2001 and 2021 have been completed by 31
March 2011. The remaining housing target to be delivered by 2021 amounts to
11,925 dwellings. Most of these large sites were allocations in the Borough Local
Plan 2002 and many of them already have planning consent. The table and plans
on page 35-6 identify the location and commitments at 31.3.2011 which were
provided to the infrastructure providers when updating information for this
document :-

4
A. Major housing sites at 31.3.2011 with planning permission and subject to
planning obligations

Major sites Outstanding dwellings

expected to be
completed by 2021
H6 Biddenham Loop, Great Denham 1,258
H7 Land west of Kempston 1,208
H9 Land at Shortstown 921
Shortstown -western land parcel 108
Shortstown - eastern land parcel 425
H10a North of Brickhill (site nearing 87
completion)
H10b Norse Road ( site nearing 12
completion)
Norse Road west of Cemetery 321
H12 Wootton, North of Fields Road* 610
H13 Stewartby 610
H14 Wixams Village 1 632
H14 Wixams Village 2,3,4 1,258
Stewartby, Hostel Site 80
H2 Britannia Works (except phaseF) 311
Town Centre BT Tower 153

* Figure reflects planning consent granted 2012.

B. Local Plan Housing Sites without planning permission

Major sites Outstanding dwellings

expected to be completed by
2021
H8 North of Bromham Road 1,200
H11 Wootton, South of Fields Road 500
Britannia Works, Phase F 100

There is also a range of mixed-use sites, which are identified in the Bedford Town
Centre Area Action Plan and collectively amount to 597 dwellings.

C. Committed housing sites identified in the emerging Allocations and

Designations Plan (approximate dwelling numbers only)

Site Dwellings
AD2 Wootton, Land at Hall End 50
AD3 Land at Old Ford End Road 10
AD4 Wixams northern expansion area 800 -1,000
AD5 South of Ford End Road 200
AD 6 Land east of Eastcotts Road 50
AD7 Dallas Road 122
AD9 Warwick Avenue 180
AD 19 Bedford Rd, Great Barford 50

5
 Employment

1.13 The Bedford Employment Land Study (BELS) underpins the policies in the CSRIP.
Para 4.45 notes that BELS supports the need for an additional 75 ha of high quality
B1 space 2001-2021. Appendix F of the CSRIP sets out the quantitative position at
the time that the Plan was adopted. It shows that taking account of completions
and commitments, the council had capacity for approximately 45 ha of B1 space.
This left 30 ha to be allocated in the emerging Allocations and Designations Plan.
In order to provide flexibility in the recovering market, the emerging Allocations and
Designations Plan makes provision for an estimated 36 ha of B1 space in the plan
period as well as additional B2 and B8 space as part of mixed strategic
employment sites. This is in addition to other locations identified in the Bedford
Town Centre Area Action Plan, and Bedford Borough Local Plan 2002

1.14 Several employment sites allocated in the Borough Local Plan 2002 already have
planning consent. The table and plan identify the locations of the commitments:

A. Major employment sites at 31.03.2011 with planning permission and

subject to planning obligations

Major Sites Use class Outstanding

developable area
/hectares
E2 Land south of B1/B2/B8 7.55
Cambridge Road
Land east of B530 B1/B2/B8 2.61
H7 Land West of B1 2
Kempston
H13 Stewartby B1/B2/B8 2.4
Coronation Business B1/B2/B8 4.09
Park
H14 The Wixams B1/B2/B8 11
Land off A428 Wyboston B1 5.8

B. Committed employment sites without planning permission

Major sites Planned Developable

employment use area/ hectares
TC13 Railway Station B1 2
Bedford
H8 North of Bromham B1/B2 4
Road
H11 Land at Wootton B1/B2/B8 8

C. Allocated employment sites identified in the emerging Allocations and

Designations Plan

Planned Developable
employment use area in ha
Land west of B530 B1/B2/B8 3.4

6
 AD4 Wixams northern B1 employment use 5
expansion
AD10 Land at Medbury B1 31
Farm
AD11 Land at Bell Farm B1/B8 18
AD12 Marston Vale B1/B2 10
Innovation Park Phase 2
AD13 Land at Cardington B1/B2/B8 7
Cross
AD14 Manton Lane B2/B8 1.6
Reservoir

In conclusion

1.15 Planned housing development for the rural areas has already been achieved and
further development to 2021 will be very limited.

1.16 Strategic employment allocations are emerging and do not yet have planning
permission. Most major housing allocations already have planning consent which
has been granted subject to S106 Agreements that aim to address the identified
infrastructure needs arising from those developments. However there are further
allocations proposed in the emerging Allocations and Designations Plan and each
year a small number of sites may come forward through planning applications
outside the local planning process.

1.17 Not all major developments may be completed by 2021. Developments at the
Wixams, North of Bromham Road and phase 2 of the Innovation Park at Wootton
for example may continue to be delivered beyond the plan period. The emerging
Allocations and Designations Plan acknowledges that some of the employment
space may be delivered in the next plan period.

1.18 A plan showing all major allocations housing and also plan showing employment
areas are included as Appendix A.
.

7
INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECTS SCHEDULE-

Project Funding Funding Indicative Notes

source required funding gap
PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Highways
A428-A6 link Grant/ 16,000,000 Second phase of bypass, Shown on Bedford
Developer/BBC Development Framework Proposals Map and CSRIP
key diagram. Funding likely through Grant/S106.
Signalisation of A6/ A421 junction S106 850,000 Identified as required in connection with sites in the
emerging Allocations and Designations Plan policy
AD4 and 10
Marsh Leys junction signalisation S106 400,000 Bedford Borough traffic model run in June 2012
supports improvement.
Wilmers Corner Signalisation CIL 2,200,000 2,200,000 Bedford Borough traffic model run in June 2012
supports improvement.
Prebend St/ Midland Rd/ Ford End S106 750,000 Bedford Borough traffic model run in June 2012
Rd junction improvements supports improvement.
Goldington Rd/Riverfield Drive CIL 800,000 800,000 Bedford Borough traffic model run in June 2012
roundabout supports improvement.
Batts Ford bridge CIL/Grant 20,000,000 2,000,000 May not be delivered before 2021. No current
business case
Bedford Urban Traffic Control CIL 1,550,000 1,550,000 To improve traffic flows.
Car Park Refurbishment BBC 4,450,000 Likely to be funded by Bedford Borough
programme All Hallows
Town Centre foot/cycle bridge S106 3,700,000 Estimate based on standalone cost, not as part of a
development.
Bedford cycle network, strategic CIL 4,600,000 4,600,000 Part Cycle network, policy AD41 in the emerging
network priorities Allocations and Designations Plan
National Cycle Network Route 51 S106/CIL 1,000,000 900,000 Figure 0.85m from project estimate for southwest
section
Public transport

8
Wixams Station and associated S106/Network 23,200,000 To be funded by Gallaghers/Network Rail
car park Rail
Bedford Bus Station Improvements BBC 7,600,000 May be delivered by Bedford Borough council
Park and Ride site (northern) S106 1,100,000 First phase S106 may be included in Land North of
phase 1 Bromham Rd S106. Site shown on Bedford
Development Framework Proposals Map and CSRIP
key diagram.
Park and Ride site (northern) CIL 1,100,000 1,100,000 Site shown on Bedford Development Framework
phase 2 Proposals Map and CSRIP Key diagram.
Clapham Rd Bus Lane/Bus Priority CIL 1,850,000 1,850,000 To complement Park and Ride site
East-West Rail CIL 4,000,000 4,000,000 Programmed for delivery by 2019.Estimate only.
BBCs proportion of 30m not yet known and amount
will depend on Department for Transport agreement
Real Time Information CIL 250,000 250,000
Public Realm
High St Improvements CIL 1,800,000 1,800,000 In line with adopted strategy for High St.
Public realm town centre CIL 1,200,000 800,000
improvements
Flood Management
Flood Protection/Flood Risk CIL TBC TBC For implementation and future maintenance
Management measures and SuDS.
SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
Education
Wixams secondary school S106/DfE 24,000,000 900 place secondary school needed to serve
Wixams. Largely unfunded.
Additional secondary school S106/DfE TBC TBC
capacity
New Primary Schools at Wixams, S106 TBC TBC To accommodate children from strategic housing
West Kempston, Wootton, Land sites.
north of Bromham Rd and
extension to Stewartby Lower
GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE

9
Green Wheel CIL 4,000,000 3,000,000 Part Cycle network, policy AD41 of the emerging
Allocations and Designations Plan for submission
Bedford Embankment/Mill CIL 1,500,000- 1,500,000 Supporting the Bedford Waterspace Strategy
Meadows 2,000,000
Sports Pitch Hub S106/CIL 750,000- 750,000 In line with boroughs Playing Pitch strategy
1,100,000
Bedford River Valley Park S106/CIL 1,500,000 750,000 Provisional estimates for draft plan.
North Marston Vale Access CIL 2,500,000 2,000,000 Aim of Rights of Way Improvement Plan
Network
Healthy Hubs CIL 800,000 - 500,000 In line with Public Health Strategy, draft Greenspace
1,000,000 Strategy.
BMX Skate/cyclepark CIL 250,000- 250,000 Destination facility for different wheeled sports
500,000
Bedford-Milton Keynes Waterway 5,000,000 5,000,000 Route shown in the emerging Allocations and
Park) Designations Plan for submission
Planting schemes in Forest of CIL 4,350,000 1,450,000 Funding gap for priority project in period to 2021
Marston Vale
Total 37,050,000
Note sums in table are rounded to nearest 50,000

10
2. INFRASTRUCTURE PLANNING
2.1 Guidance on the extent of infrastructure planning work needed to support a CIL
Charging Schedule is contained within the Charge Setting and Charging Schedule
Procedures, DCLG (2010) document.

2.2 Information is needed on the infrastructure needed to support the CSRIP and the
cost of that infrastructure and sources of funding available. Paragraph 14 of the
Guidance makes clear that the main focus of infrastructure planning in relation to
the preparation a CIL Charging Schedule is to provide evidence of an aggregate
funding gap that demonstrates the need to levy CIL. The Government recognises
that there will be uncertainty in pinpointing other infrastructure funding sources,
particularly beyond the shortterm. The Guidance goes onto clarify at paragraph 15
that the role of the infrastructure planning evidence is not to provide absolute
upfront assurances as to how CIL will be spent, but to illustrate that an intended
CIL target is justifiable given local infrastructure need which is based on
appropriate evidence.

2.3 The plan focuses on the major schemes costing 100,000 + and these are
summarised in the schedule immediately before this section which outlines the
proposed schemes and justification.

PHYSICAL INFRASTRUCTURE

3.0 HIGHWAYS AND OTHER TRANSPORT RELATED

INFRASTRUCTURE
3.1 The development strategy for the Borough was largely planned against the
expected delivery of strategic infrastructure projects and several of these have
been delivered since the CSRIP was prepared.

Great Barford Bypass opened 2006

First phase western bypass A421-A428 section opened Dec 2009
A421 dualling - opened Dec 2010

However several elements of the infrastructure identified in adopted plans and

development briefs remain outstanding.

A428-A6 link
High St traffic reduction and restoration
Batts Ford Bridge
Prebend St relief road
2 pedestrian bridges across the river in town centre area
2 pedestrian bridges over the river elsewhere in Bedford
Sustrans /NCN route 51.
Bedford Cycle Network
Green Wheel

3.2 Some of these may not now be needed until the end of or beyond the plan period
owing to the slower than expected delivery of housing and employment sites, and
other infrastructure needs have been identified that are not shown on adopted
plans.

11
The following tables set out the envisaged infrastructure requirements to 2021.

HIGHWAY SCHEMES

Project name (i) A428 A6 link

Brief description This is the second phase of the Western Bypass (the A421-A428
link opened in December 09) a single carriageway road linking
the A428 to the A6, planned to be delivered in association with
adjacent housing development.
Justification need The route has had long standing policy endorsement and is
or policy basis shown on the Bedford Borough Local Plan 2002 proposals map
and the Core Strategy and Rural Issues Plan (CSRIP) key
diagram.
Delivery of the scheme will assist in the achievement of a range of
strategic and local objectives and enable the development plan
strategy to be implemented. This includes facilitating the delivery
of major housing developments without overloading the existing
highway network, improving regional accessibility to the area
thereby assisting regeneration and economic activity and
improving the distribution of traffic around the urban area reducing
congestion and improving reliability. The Bedford Town Centre
Transport Study 2008 (BTCTS) recognises (para 5.3.1.3) that it is
important that the additional link between the A428 and A6 is
completed soon after the previous section to ensure that a
complete bypass is delivered.
Cost In region of 16 million
Delivery BBC
Main Funding S106 + public funding
Sources
Potential funding not yet known
gap

Project name (ii) Signalisation of A6/ A421 junction

Brief description The proposal is to signalise the existing 7 arm gyratory and to
provide a safe pedestrian / cycleway route across the junction
Justification need This would provide a fundamental required improvement to a
or policy basis strategic cycle route. Policy AD41 Cycling provides the policy
justification for the required improvement to the cycle network.
Policy AD10 Medbury Farm and Policy AD4 Wixams northern
expansion. The works would improve strategic movement north-
south from these development areas to the main urban area.
Without the signalisation, the A6/A421 is currently too dangerous
for cyclists and pedestrians to cross. The Bedford Borough traffic
model (run in June 2012) supports the need for improvement at
this junction indicating that signalisation will reduce queuing and
relieve delays.
Cost 834,000 (source: Atkins 2012).
Delivery Developer
Main Funding S106
Sources

12
Potential funding
gap

Project name (iii) Marsh Leys junction signalisation

Brief description Installation of signalised crossings on each arm of the roundabout
Justification need The Bedford Borough traffic model (run in June 2012) supports
or policy basis the need for improvement at this junction indicating that
signalisation will reduce queuing and relieve delays.
It will also improve the pedestrian and cycle network safety
linking the employment area to the main urban area.
Cost 380,000 (source: Atkins 2012).
Delivery Developer
Main Funding S106
Sources
Potential funding -
gap

Project name (iv) Wilmers Corner Signalisation

Brief description 5 arm roundabout currently with no signalisation.
Justification need This roundabout is significant to a strategic north-south route and
or policy basis an east to west route, located just south of the town centre. It is
very heavily congested with competing flows of traffic. This
junction was identified as one of the worst congested junctions in
the Bedford Town Centre Transport Study. By 2021 delays will
have increased above present levels. The Bedford Borough traffic
model (run in June 2012) supports the need for improvement at
this junction indicating that signalisation will reduce queuing and
relieve delays.
Cost 2,219,000 (source: Atkins 2012).
Delivery Developer/BBC
Main Funding CIL
Sources
Potential funding 2,219,000
gap

Project name (v) Various strategic junction improvements

Brief description There are some key junctions in Bedford urban area where it is
recognised improvements are needed to improve traffic flows or
aid pedestrian and cycle movements.
Justification need Heavily congested junctions causing regular tail backs or highway
or policy basis safety issues particularly for pedestrians and cyclists .
Cost 986,000 (source: Atkins 2012 based on costs of
Ashburnham/Shakespeare Rd junction).
Delivery Developer
Main Funding S106/CIL
Sources
Potential funding TBC
gap

13
Project name (vi) Prebend St/ Midland Rd/ Ford End Rd junction
improvements
Brief description Currently a 4 arm roundabout located on a major north south
route through the town but with conflicting east to west
movements. Requires junction improvements including
signalisation.
Justification need The junction acts as the constraining factor for traffic travelling
or policy basis north/south to the west of the town. Improvement of the junction is
listed in the recommended strategy in the BTCTS. By 2021
delays will have increased above present levels. The Bedford
Borough traffic model (run in June 2012) supports the need for
improvement at this junction indicating that the worst delay is
seen on Ford End Rd. A scheme is needed that enables this
traffic to exit the junction.
Cost 771,000 (source: Atkins 2012).
Delivery Developer
Main Funding S106
Sources
Potential funding
gap

Project name (vii) Goldington Rd/Riverfield Drive Improvements

Brief description Improvement scheme
Justification need By 2021 delays will have increased above present levels. The
or policy basis Bedford Borough traffic model (run in June 2012) supports the
need for improvement at this junction to relieve congestion.
Cost 800,000 source ( based on Atkins costs for similar schemes,
Wilmers Corner /Ashburnham)
Delivery BBC
Main funding CIL
sources
Potential funding 800,000
gap

Project name (viii) Batts Ford Bridge

Brief description A new river crossing is proposed at Batts Ford, connecting across
from the junction of River Street and Horne Lane to the north
linking onto the highway network at the junction of Kingsway and
Cauldwell St. It is intended the bridge would be one lane in both
directions with footway/cycleway links to cater for all modes of
traffic.
Justification need Policy - The bridge is in the adopted Bedford Town Centre Area
or policy basis Action Plan and is shown on the updated Proposals Map. The
bridge will improve route choice, accessibility and with the
reduction in queuing should improve air quality in Prebend St. It
will support a range of measures including enabling removing
private and commercial vehicles (except delivery vehicles) from
the High St. The proposal forms part of the BTCTS strategy; the
modelling indicated that the closure of the High St, which is
important for improving the vitality of the Town Centre, would
create significant levels of congestion without the Batts Fords
bridge crossing being provided. No business case at present.

14
Cost In region of 20 m (source: BBC estimate)
Delivery BCC
Main Funding Not known.
Sources
Potential funding Suggest funding gap based on 10% total cost 2m.
gap

Project name (ix) Bedford Urban Traffic Control

Brief description Signal optimisation around the town centre which better co-
ordinates the traffic signals across the town to enable an
improvement in traffic flow.
Justification need At various key locations across the town congestion is
or policy basis exacerbated by queuing associated with junctions that are
backing up over other junctions.
Cost Total cost estimate 1,558,600
Costs include: Outstation Units (OMU) and Outstation
Transmission Units (OTU) upgrades, additional Automatic
Number Plate Recognition cameras, CCTV for traffic monitoring,
traffic signal upgrades and ongoing maintenance.
(Source: Draft UTMC position statement and future strategy,
prepared by AMEY for BBC May 2011).
Delivery BBC
Main Funding CIL/ Local Transport Plan funding
Sources
Potential funding 1,558,600
gap

Project name (x) Car Park Refurbishment programme All Hallows

Brief description Refurbishment of multi story car park to bring it up to standard in
terms of layout, signage and reducing anti social behaviour.
Justification need Refurbishment of Allhallows multi storey car park has been
or policy basis delayed due to uncertainty over the Town Centre West
development.
Cost 4,483,000 (source: Atkins 2012).
Delivery BBC
Main Funding
Sources
Potential funding may now be funded by BBC
gap

Project name (xi) Town Centre foot/cycle bridge

Brief description A foot/cycle bridge link from Riverside Square to St Marys
Gardens to improve north south links across the town as part of
the strategic foot and cycle network.
Justification need BTCAAP Policy TC11.
or policy basis BTCTS identified the need for improved connectivity of pedestrian
and cyclist routes in the town centre. Identified the need for
dedicated pedestrian cycle way links across the river in the
vicinity of Riverside Sq St. Marys Gardens.
Cost 3,705,000 ( source: Atkins 2012, cost if delivered
independently of a scheme).

15
Main Funding S106
Sources
Potential funding -
gap

Project name (xii) Strategic Cycle Network urban area

Brief description Key improvements needed to improve the strategic elements of
the planned comprehensive cycle network including radial routes,
routes into town and routes across town north -south and east-
west including safer junctions.
Justification need The network was incorporated in the emerging Allocations and
or policy basis Designations Plan for Submission which identifies existing routes,
proposed routes and required improvements to the network.
A good network will encourage a greater number of cycle trips for
both leisure and every-day utility trips to cater for the residents in
the Borough and will take pressure off the road network in line
with the recommended demand management strategy of the
BTCTS.
Cost 4,600,000 (source: June 2012 BBC estimate based on schedule
of improvement works required.)
Delivery BBC
Main Funding CIL, local links through S106
Sources
Potential funding 4,600,000
gap

Project name (xiii) National Cycle Network route 51

Brief description The Borough section of NCN route 51 passes from Willington to
close to Marston Moretaine including use of the river corridor
through Bedford. The route west of Bedford is the subject of a
realignment project to improve its safety and amenity. Surface
and other improvements to the east of Bedford will help to further
improve this popular amenity.
Justification need Supported by the sustainable transport policy context and it is a
or policy basis stated aim to link, improve and extend NCN route 51 in the
councils Rights of Way Improvement Plan.
Cost 1,000,000 (source : based on Sustrans Review 2011)
Delivery BBC / Sustrans
Potential funding 900,000
gap

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Project name (i) Wixams Station and associated car park

Brief description This new station will provide a regular service to London providing
a sustainable form of travel for the residents and new businesses
in the new settlement at Wixams.
Justification need The station is required as a key principle of the allocation as set
or policy basis out in Bedford Borough Local Plan 2002, is referred to as a

16
 requirement in the adopted development brief for the settlement
1999, and is shown on the Core Strategy and Rural issues Plan (
CSRIP) 2008 key diagram.
It will provide a convenient alternative station for the area
including the additional growth south and west of Bedford, thus
relieving pressure and congestion around existing stations.
Cost 23,200,000 including car park (source: Gallagher/Network rail
estimate at 2008 prices)
Delivery Network Rail/Developer
Main Funding Major part by Gallaghers developers of the Wixams development
Sources and remainder Network Rail.
Potential funding -
gap

Project name (ii) Bedford Bus Station Improvements

Brief description Improving the attractiveness of using public transport including
improving the environment in and around the bus station.
Justification need There is long standing recognition of the need to improve the bus
or policy basis station and its facilities. Originally it was hoped the bus station
would be redeveloped as part of the town centre west proposal
and it may be developed as part of a smaller scheme.
Cost 7,624,000 (Source: Atkins 2012)

Delivery BBC
Potential funding May be delivered by the council
gap

Project name (iii) A6 Park and Ride first phase

Brief description Park and ride accessible from A6-A428 link
Justification need This site is shown on the CSRIP key diagram and is shown on the
or policy basis updated Proposals Map.
Park and Ride provision forms part of the recommended demand
management strategy of the BTCTS supplementing Bedfords first
Park and Ride at Progress Park close to the southern bypass
which opened in 2005 and is operational.
Cost 1.1 m also+ need for subsidy in early years of operation.
(Source: based on cost of Elstow Park and Ride).
Delivery BBC
Main Funding S106
Sources
Potential funding -
gap

Project name (iv) A6 Park and Ride second phase

Brief description Park and ride accessible from A6-A428 link
Justification need This site is shown on the CSRIP key diagram and is shown on the
or policy basis updated Proposals Map.
Park and Ride provision forms part of the recommended demand
management strategy of the BTCTS supplementing Bedfords first
Park and Ride at Progress Park close to the southern bypass
which opened in 2005 and is operational.

17
Cost 1.1 m also+ need for subsidy in early years of operation.
(Source: based on cost of Elstow Park and Ride.)
Delivery BBC
Main Funding CIL
Sources
Potential funding 1,100,000
gap

Project name (v) Clapham Rd Bus Lane/Bus Priority

Brief description Provision of a dedicated bus lane from A6/A421 link roundabout
to Union Street/Roff Avenue roundabout
Justification need Bus lane would ensure efficiency of bus services linking the west
or policy basis of the conurbation to the town centre, including the proposed park
and ride site at A6/A421 junction.
Cost 1,868,000 (Source: Atkins 2012)

Delivery BBC
Main Funding CIL
Sources
Potential funding 1,868,000
gap

Project name (vi) East /West Rail

Brief description Rail improvements to provide a faster service between Reading -
Oxford-Bicester-Bletchley- Bedford-Cambridge-Ipswich and
Norwich. Programmed for delivery by 2019. Delivery of the
central section, Bedford-Cambridge, considered to be the most
challenging section, is supported by the borough but is unlikely to
be delivered within the period to 2021.
Justification need CSRIP CP27 sets out support for the scheme (although it only
or policy basis states Oxford-Bedford)
LTP3 implementation plan action PT15 Support the work of the
East West Rail Consortium for the reinstatement of rail services
between Oxford/MK/Bedford/Cambridge.
Cost Local contribution 30m and reasonable efforts to secure at least
a future 20m. Source East West Rail Consortium advice.
Delivery East West Rail Consortium
Main Funding DfT likely to provide most of the funding, but this is on the basis of
Sources councils also contributing.
Potential funding The borough has signed up to the principle of local contributions
gap and indications are that the boroughs contributions could be at
least 4 m. The consortium are suggesting a percentage of CIL
raised by authorities should be ring fenced.

Project name (vii) Real Time Information (RTI) for bus services
Brief description This is available in the town centre and some routes in the
Borough and this is being extended into the new development
sites as they are developed along with bus shelters to encourage
travel by public transport.
Justification need LTP3 Passenger Transport Strategy action task is to improve the
or policy basis use of technology for information, security and ticketing.

18
 Allocation sites such as AD5 Land South Ford End Road and AD7
Dallas Road Kempston require provision of RTI.
Cost 250,000 ( 5,000 X 50 key locations) source: based on current
actual costs.
Delivery BBC
Main Funding CIL
Sources
Potential funding 250,000
gap

PUBLIC REALM

Project name (i) High St Improvements

Brief description Reducing the impact of traffic in the High Street.
Justification need Reducing traffic in the High Street is listed in the recommended
or policy basis strategy in the BTCTS. This is considered important in improving
the vitality of the town centre. There is an adopted strategy for
Bedford High St which has a key action list that includes exploring
opportunities to redress the balance between the space give over
to pedestrians and traffic by improving pavement widths
Cost 1,803,000 (Source: Atkins 2012).
Delivery BBC
Main Funding
Sources
Potential funding 1,803,000
gap

Project name (ii) Public Realm improvements

Brief description Projects for the improvement of pedestrian areas of town centre
Justification need Policy TC32 public spaces recognises the benefits of high quality
or policy basis public realm.
Cost 800,000 1,200,000 million. Based on historical costs of town
centre schemes
Delivery BBC
Main Funding TBC
Sources
Potential funding 800,000
gap

4.0 WASTE
4.1 The council currently operates one Household Waste Recycling Centre (HWRC)
located at Barkers Lane in Bedford. The site is made available for the disposal of
domestic waste and recyclables as part of the Authorities statutory obligations as a
waste disposal authority. The need for additional HWRC during the plan period
was identified in the Bedfordshire and Luton Minerals and Waste Local Plan 2005.

4.2 The current site serves residents living in Bedford and the south eastern fringes of
the Borough well, it is however harder to access for those on the west of the

19
 Borough where much of the new development within the Borough will be
concentrated. A second site on the north/west of the Borough may be required,
but it is not clear if this will be in the period to 2021.

5.0 EMERGENCY SERVICES

Police

5.1 The maintenance and creation of safe, sustainable, liveable and mixed
communities is a fundamental element of national planning policy. Bedfordshire
Police is committed to fulfilling its role in the achievement of this.

5.2 The elected Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) is responsible for ensuring the
Police tackle the issues which matter most, through the effective and smart
utilisation available funds and resources.

5.3 The Government continues to place pressures on Bedfordshire Police to accept

much reduced income and improve service levels, under the Comprehensive
Spending Review. Collaboration with Cambridgeshire Police and Hertfordshire
Constabulary, workforce management and efficiency improvements will enable
major reductions in expenditure, but leave infrastructure upgrades deferred and
capacity constrained in the short term. A key issue is maintaining, and adapting as
necessary, existing operational infrastructure and staffing whilst ensuring that
appropriate additional capacity is provided to meet the challenge of growth. This
involves securing appropriate capital and revenue resources to address such
growth.

5.4 Aims include:

strengthening delivery by the Local Policing Teams made up of police officers

and Police Community Support Officers;
creating small satellite operational facilities as appropriate to support the more
strategic units working with partners to examine innovative ways of delivering
police services, including the sharing of facilities as appropriate.

5.5 Bedfordshire Police and Police Authority have produced their 2012-16 Strategic
Plan and Annual Policing Plan 2012-13. However, with the continuation of
ambitious collaboration with Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire locally (and police
forces nationally on larger scale projects) its operational and estates strategies
remain under ongoing review to ensure achievement of stated objectives. The new
PCC will be considering the current plans and establishing a new Policing Plan for
2013/14 onwards. Until that time, Bedfordshire Police will follow the existing 2012-
2016 Strategic Plan.

5.6 Bedfordshire Police have recently made moves to centralise dedicated bases
towards the urban centres in Bedfordshire, but have not precluded the use of
shared community facilities to meet residents, representatives and businesses in
their own local environments. The use of centralised bases increases the reliability
on these shared partnership facilities in the community, especially for Police
Community Support Officers and the wider police family. Satellite shared
partnership facilities in the community, especially for Police Community Support
Officers and the wider police family remain on the agenda.
Fire and Rescue

20
5.7 The Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service (BFRS) Long Term Strategic
Direction 2007-Beyond aims to maximise the safety of our communities by
whatever means possible and deliver a modern well managed and effective fire
and rescue service of which we can all be proud. The service operates with strong
partnership working integrated across authority boundaries and works closely with
the other emergency services, health authorities and local authorities.

5.8 The service operates 14 fire stations in the BFRS area including 2 whole time
stations at Bedford (Barkers Lane) and at Kempston, together with 1 station at
Harrold on the retained duty system. The Combined Fire Authority, which covers
three local authority areas, delivers:

prevention, protection and response to a wide range of emergency situations,

including fires in the home, public, commercial and industrial buildings, road
traffic collisions, rail and air accidents; and
resilience capability against the largest risks, including terrorism, chemical,
biological, radiological or nuclear incidents and flooding.

5.9 The Department for Communities and Local Government Fire and Rescue Service
National Framework 2008-11 requires Fire Authorities to:

publish a three year Integrated Risk Management Plan, reviewed annually.

Locally, this document is referred to as the Community Risk Management Plan
(CRMP).
The local CRMP 2012-16 focuses on a number of public facing and internal
service improvement projects. The Plan does not identify a capital
infrastructure requirement for additional premises or extensions to the services
buildings.
Some limited growth may be absorbed within the current infrastructure.
Possible infrastructure requirements should significant development occur
could potentially include:
Provision of adequate water supplies for effective firefighting
Provision of firefighting appliances
New stations - building and land costs
Associated operational IT infrastructure
Personnel recruitment
Training
Personal protective equipment
Increase in community safety initiatives

5.10 Any development being considered would require provision of adequate water
supplies for effective firefighting. Existing Fire and Rescue Service funding may be
insufficient to meet the cost of providing fire hydrants in all new residential
developments across the districts, and BF&RS will be looking for developer
contributions towards their continuing provision in response to growth.

6.0 UTILITIES
6.1 Most of the utilities providers have their own arrangements for funding
infrastructure required by development. However occasionally more strategic
projects may require an element of public funding.

Broadband

21
6.2 Provision of a broadband to new homes and businesses is not a statutory
requirement. However, good service provision is vital to attracting inward
investment and supporting business needs and making new homes (and business
land and premises) sales easier and is increasingly important for the delivery of
and access to a range of public and commercial services. The Governments
immediate target is superfast (>24 Mbps) broadband access to a minimum of 90%
of premises with a minimum of a 2Mbps service for the remainder, but consumer
expectation is higher and business expectation considerably higher. Surveys,
national and local, are showing increasing demand for faster speeds.

6.3 Traditional copper wire cabling has limitations with both distance from cabinet or
exchange and the number of users sharing the infrastructure affect the service
level. Fibre optic cabling can overcome this limitation. Fibre-To-The-Cabinet
(FTTC) service is much better than full copper and direct Fibre-To-The-Premises
better still.

6.4 The main broadband providers in Bedford Borough are BT Openreach, using
mainly copper cabling but with increasing FTTC provision, and Virgin, largely using
the optical fibre network installed decades ago by NTL.

6.5 Both BT Openreach and Virgin are increasing their broadband speed delivery but
this is mainly for urban or large village communities. The council, working jointly
with Central Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes councils and with the support of the
Partnership Board is therefore accessing and matching Government funding,
provided through its broadband delivery arm (BDUK), to deliver a project to
achieve the target of 90% premises with superfast access and a minimum of 2
Mbps broadband for the remaining 10%. Rural areas are the main focus.

6.6 The current key broadband issue is therefore how to achieve in the reasonably
short term, eg by 2016 or thereabouts, the delivery of superfast broadband to
100% of premises in the Borough bearing in mind this would have a circa 170m
economic benefit for Bedford representing a massive 85:1 financial return on a
required circa 2.1m public investment (matched by the selected broadband
supplier), leaving aside extensive social and environmental benefits. The size of
any infrastructure gap will only become clear when the current investment projects
are completed.

Electricity

6.7 The structure of the privatised electricity market was established under the
Electricity Act 1989 and the Utilities Act 2000 - the market is regulated by the Office
of Gas and Electricity Markets (OFGEM) under pricing policies set by the Gas and
Electricity Markets Authority.

6.8 Electricity provision involves generator companies, distribution companies and

supply companies. Broadly, generators own and operate power stations; seven
distribution companies, operating in 14 geographically distinct areas, own, operate
and maintain the electrical supply system; 20 supply companies buy electricity from
distribution companies and sell to customers. For the purposes of this document,
the focus is on network infrastructure provided by distribution companies rather
than the developers infrastructure within a site.

6.9 The Distribution Network Operator (DNO) for three of these areas, London, the
south east and the east of England, roughly from Littlehampton in Sussex to the

22
 Wash, is UK Power Networks. A DNO is a natural monopoly licensed by OFGEM
to operate and maintain the electrical supply system under a strict price-based
regime, with funding levied from consumer bills. Current improvements being
delivered by UK Networks Power to serve the area include:

6.10 Additional capacity is planned at Eaton Socon Supergrid which will provide for the
long term network security of Bedford, St Neots, Huntingdon and Cambridge.The
132kV double circuit tower line from Sundon Grid to Bedford Grid has been
refurbished and strengthened to accommodate higher capacity conductors.
Construction of a new 90 MVA Grid station at Marston Moretaine, to serve the
Marston Vale, including Wixams, and to take load from Bedfords Grid Substation
in Kempston, thus freeing capacity for expansion in other areas of the town; and
construction of a new switching station at Cut Throat Lane to manage the load
between Sundon and Eaton Socon Superggrids. A new 24 MVA Primary
Substation (33/11kV), connected to the new Grid Substation at Marston Moretaine,
is to be built near the junction of the Western Bypass and the new A421 dual
carriageway. This will supply the West of Kempston, Biddenham Loop and Fields
Road developments.

6.11 The OFGEM regime presents challenges for connections to new development,
particularly multi-phase and multi-developer sites. DNOs are obliged to treat all
development as speculative, regardless of whether it is included in an adopted
Core Strategy, until a service contract is signed and to operate on a first user pays
basis, where the first developer to commit pays the whole cost of any new
infrastructure. Once the infrastructure is delivered, DNOs are obliged to offer any
spare capacity to the first developer that asks regardless of multi-phase site
intentions. To assist in resolving the situation, the 2009 EEDA Power Infrastructure
Study recommends:

education to ensure developers, local authorities and other organisations

understand the options within OFGEMs regulatory framework;
developing methods to ensure a projected site demand estimates are realistic;
early engagement of all developers in identifying a solution to the site power
requirement;
greater use of the five year rule as a mechanism to enable the first developer
on a multi-occupancy site to gain a rebate from subsequent developers who
share the benefits within five years; and
exploring opportunities to increase competition for connections through
Independent Distribution Network Operators and Independent Connections
Providers. IDNOs are licensed by OFGEM to compete for installation and
supply to a specific development and own the asset. ICPs compete for the
installation and then transfer the asset to the DNO or an IDNO.

6.12 With the major capacity upgrades programmed electricity infrastructure does not
present a barrier to growth. Most of the committed housing and employment
development will be served by the existing or planned infrastructure. Development
of local plan sites H13 Stewartby, H8 North of Bromham Road, Land off A428
Wyboston as well as the employment proposed allocation AD14 Manton Lane
Reservoir and AD15 Land West of Manton Lane may require additional developer-
funded reinforcement. As more specific electricity infrastructure is negotiated
directly with the developer, no electricity projects are included in this document.

Gas

23
6.13 The structure of the privatised gas market was established under the Gas Act 1986
and the Utilities Act 2000 - the market is regulated by the Office of Gas and
Electricity Markets, OFGEM, under pricing policies set by the Gas and Electricity
Markets Authority.

6.14 Gas is delivered from offshore production facilities to seven onshore terminals;
from these, the high pressure National Transmission System is operated by one
distribution company, National Grid, which comprises eight geographic Gas
Distribution Networks (GDNs). National Grid also owns and operates eight of the
twelve low pressure Local Distribution Zones (LDZs), including the East of
England. Each GDN and LDZ operates as a natural monopoly regulated by
OFGEM. Sales of gas to domestic and most commercial customers is via 20
supply companies, although there is provision for large user companies to deal
direct with the LDZ. For the purposes of this document, the focus is on network
infrastructure provided by distribution companies rather than the developers
infrastructure within a site.

6.15 Competition to provide infrastructure to sites is well established. As well as

National Grid as the LDZ, a number of Independent Gas Transporters (IGTs) are
licensed to own and operate gas network assets and Utility Infrastructure Providers
are licensed to install networks for adoption by the LDZ or an IGT.

6.16 It is understood that Bedford Borough does not require major capacity upgrade and
therefore gas infrastructure does not present a barrier to growth. As gas
infrastructure is negotiated directly with the developer, no gas projects are included
in this document.

Water and Sewerage

6.17 The structure of the privatised water market was set by the Water Industry Act
1991, modified by the Water Act 2003, and it is regulated by the Office of the Water
Regulator, OFWAT. The licensed water and sewerage provider for this area is
Anglian Water Services (AWS). Although it is possible for an inset company to
provide services to a specified area such as a large housing site or large employer,
there are none operating in Bedford Borough and all services are provided by
AWS.

6.18 For the purposes of this document, the focus is on network infrastructure provided
by water and sewerage companies rather than the developers infrastructure within
a site.

6.19 A Water Cycle Study was prepared by the Bedford and Marston Vale Growth Area
for Bedford Borough and northern Central Bedfordshire in partnership between the
local authorities, the water industry and other relevant bodies. The Outline Study
2009, which assessed the infrastructure need for the area, provided part of the
evidence base for Anglian Waters business plan submission to OFWAT for Asset
Management Period 5, 2010-15. With the OFWAT determination 2010 (i.e.
business plan approval), funding is in place for a number of improvements,
including projects that remove barriers to growth.

6.20 As part of the Water Cycle Study, Anglian Water have undertaken an assessment
of the scale of infrastructure required at each of the waste water treatment sites
that may be affected by committed or allocated development. These include
Marston Moretaine Sewerage Treatment Works, Stewartby Sewage Treatment

24
 Works and Bedford Sewage Treatment Works. At this stage Anglian Water have
no identified need for additional wastewater treatment sites outside their current
site boundaries.

6.21 However, Bedford Sewage Treatment Works is expected to reach capacity around
2015, depending on the rate of development. Anglian water has secured significant
investment in order to deliver upgrades at the Bedford Sewage Treatment Works
by March 2015. Marston Moretaine Sewerage Treatment Works is at capacity.
Located in Central Bedfordshire, the works serves a number of villages in the Vale,
both in Bedford Borough and in Central Bedfordshire. Expansion of the Marston
Moretaine Sewerage Treatment Works is constrained by its proximity to houses
and its water quality discharge limit (set by the Environment Agency) into the
Elstow Brook.

6.22 The Water Cycle Study identifies the Asset Management Planning (AMP) Process
and developer contributions as mechanism through which waste water
infrastructure and will be delivered. If additional waste water infrastructure
requirements arise, Anglian Water will apply for funding in the next AMP period,
AMP6 (2015-2020).

6.23 The impact of additional treated effluent on flood risk has also been assessed, but
increases in river flow are considered to be minimal and risks at Marston Moretaine
and Stewartby are calculated as low with no further action required.

6.24 Anglian Water also has responsibility to provide sufficient quantity and quality of
water, whilst minimising the impact on the environment. Anglian Waters
Water Resources Management Plan was published in 2010 and identifies a
number of activities that will ne needed to ensure the supply demand balance will
remain positive until 2034/35. Again, the WRMP process is funded through the
AMP.

6.25 The Water Cycle Study identifies a number of projects for inclusion in Anglian
Waters AMP6 2015-20 business plan, including upgrade of the Clapham Water
Treatment Works. In the longer term, a new water main from the River Trent to
London will pass to the west of the town and provide additional supply.

6.26 At present a list of infrastructure where CIL may be an appropriate source to plug
gaps cannot be identified. However, the Environment Agency is currently
investigating potential new infrastructure requirements. This is part of the UKs
responsibilities under the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) to ensure that
there is no deterioration in water quality, and where possible, quality of inland
waters is improved. The process is in early stages, but upon completion Anglian
Water will provide information on identified WFD improvements.

Flood Management

6.27 Under the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, flood risk management is
undergoing a period of transition. It is moving from responsibility previously shared
between Drainage Authority partners including the Environment Agency, upper tier
and unitary local authorities and Internal Drainage Boards, to the upper tier and
unitary local authorities taking responsibility as Lead Local Authorities.

6.28 Sustainable drainage is the practice of controlling surface water runoff as close to
its origin as possible, before it is discharged to a watercourse or sewer. The
provisions of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 will, when implemented,

25
 require Sustainable Urban Drainage Schemes (SuDS) on all new developments
where practicable. SuDS proposals may be strategic or site specific and can be
designed for flood protection purposes, or to address the drainage needs of the
site. DEFRA guidance will be published on standards of construction and to clarify
arrangements for approval and adoption of SuDS by the SuDS Approving Body
(SAB).

6.29 As DEFRA is proposing to largely remove the ability to seek commuted sums from
developers for SuDS, and it is suggested that strategic SuDS schemes not part of,
or related to, specific new development(s) and the maintenance of SuDS could be
funded in part or whole through the Community Infrastructure Levy. Site related
SuDS may be required in association with planning permissions for a range of
developments, both those including new buildings or for engineering works that
affect the normal drainage patterns such as for road schemes for example.
However, where SuDS serve a single property a commuted sum for maintenance
may be required. Where the surface water system is provided to serve any
particular development, the construction costs should be fully funded by the
developer to the National Standards.

6.30 There are a number of Individual Property Protection Projects (IPPs) in Kempston,
Riseley, Roxton and Clapham, which seek to deliver local protection from flooding
and are identified in the Environment Agencys Medium-Term Plan (MTP). Funding
for these projects has been secured through the governments flood defence grant.
In addition, the MTP requires local contributions for all schemes to support
government grants.

Project (i) Flood Protection/Flood Risk Management measures and

SuDS.
Brief description Appraisal, implementation of flood protection measures and future
maintenance
Justification need To be identified through local flood risk management strategy and
or policy basis Surface Water Management Plan.
Cost TBC
Delivery BBC/other agencies
Main funding CIL/BBC/other agencies
sources
Potential funding Not known
gap

26
7.0 SOCIAL AND COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTURE
Education

7.1 The council currently operates a three tier education system although some areas
of the Borough will be moving to a two tier system over the next few years. In
addition there is early years provision in the form of free standing nurseries or on
site for new schools.

7.2 The council currently has some 3 nursery schools, 48 lower schools, 4 primary
schools , 14 middle schools, 7 upper schools and 3 special schools. In addition a
secondary Free School has recently opened.

7.3 There is little spare capacity in the existing schools. This shortage is particularly
acute within the primary and lower schools. All the major residential allocations
over 500 dwellings are likely to have requirements for additional education
infrastructure which will be wholly or partly funded by S106 agreements.

7.4 In summary in addition to the expansion and relocation of the Shortstown school
which is currently under construction the additional provision is required

5 lower/primary schools + I major expansion

1 secondary school
Expansion to 2 or more upper schools

Project name (i) Wixams Secondary school

Brief description School for ages 11-16, initially 6 forms of entry (fe)
Justification need To serve the new settlement of 4500 homes, (which will with the
or policy basis planned expansion areas eventually comprise some 7000 homes)
parts of which is in Central Bedfordshire. A site is provided by the
developer but the school is largely unfunded. The 6fe size of the
school is based on the councils pupil generations rates (set out
adopted Developer Contributions Strategy 2007 and draft
Planning Obligations Strategy).

Cost 25m including ICT. (Source: Based on cost of similar schools

elsewhere.)
Delivery Not yet known
Main funding S106/ DfE /CIL
sources
Potential funding 24,000,000
gap

Project name (ii) Extensions to existing upper/secondary schools

Brief description Extensions to provide additional capacity at upper/secondary
schools
Justification need To accommodate children from the strategic housing sites at
or policy basis Great Denham/West Kempston, land North of Bromham Rd,
Fields Rd, Wootton etc for pupils aged 11-18 and address other
pressures due to growth.
Cost TBC
Delivery BBC
Main funding S106/DfE/CIL

27
 sources
Potential funding Not known
gap

Project name (iii) New primary age school provision

Brief description New Primary Schools at Wixams (2), West Kempston, Wootton,
Land north of Bromham Rd and extension to Stewartby Lower ,
Justification need On site provision to accommodate children from the strategic
or policy basis housing sites. The scale of provision is based on the boroughs
pupil generations rates (set out adopted Developer Contributions
Strategy 2007 and draft Planning Obligations SPD).

Cost 6.6m for each 2 FE, 420 place primary school, and 1,000,000
for the school extension- 33.5 m (source: based on costs of 2 fe
schools currently being built.)

Delivery Not yet known

Main funding S106
sources
Potential funding In region of 11,000,000
gap

Further Education

7.5 There are also proposals by Bedford College to renew parts of its Cauldwell Street
Campus; and for the University of Bedfordshire to renew and expand its offer at the
Polhill Campus.

Leisure and culture

Indoor sports facilities

7.6 The existing provision of built indoor sports facilities such as sports halls and
swimming pools which have a high level of community access is described in the
Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study, November 2007 and forms part of the
evidence base of the emerging Allocations and Designations Plan.

7.7 There are a range of built sports facilities in the borough. These include swimming
pools some with associated gym and fitness facilities and other buildings for indoor
sports suitable for use for badminton, five-a side, volley ball, netball, table tennis
etc.

7.8 Based on the existing level of provision of council controlled provision / 1000
population a local provision standard - minimum of 15.62 sq.m/1000 sports hall
space, and 6.177 sq. m / 1000 population water space based space is proposed
and this is included in the emerging Allocations and Designations Plan as a
standard. Facilities are to be within 20 minutes travel time, walking in urban area,
drive time in rural areas.

Community Halls

7.9 The existing provision of village and community halls is described in the Open
Space, Sport and Recreation Study, November 2007.

28
7.10 In line with the current level of provision a recommended standard is proposed of
146sq.m hall/community space/1,000 population within 20 mins travel time
(walking in urban area, drive time in rural)

7.11 Whilst no existing specific deficit of community meeting halls have been identified
community halls or rooms are planned to be provided in association with new
developments of 1,000+ dwellings at Wixams x 3 , Great Denham, West
Kempston, Wootton and land North of Bromham Rd. These will provide a base for
local community groups, toddler groups etc..to meet to help the development of
new communities. Provision would be subject to there being a local parish council
or community group taking responsibility for running the facility without council
resources.

7.12 Provision should include main hall, small meeting room(s), kitchen, toilets, storage,
car parking and disabled provision.

Libraries

7.13 Across the borough residents, visitors and employees access a variety of library
and information services through the 5 static libraries and mobile library service.

7.14 The former county council considered that settlements of more than 6,000
population should have a static library in the contest of meeting the standard that
85% of population should be within 2 miles of a library. Provision was therefore
sought through S106 agreements when planning permission was granted for
those sites at the largest new development sites: Wixams (4,500 - 7000 dwellings)
which is likely to be located in Central Bedfordshire and Great Denham/West
Kempston (2750 dwellings) although the delivery model for this need to be
discussed. For example this could be run by the local community in association
with the village hall.

` Health

7.15 The government is currently reforming the health system in England. Key reforms
are laid out in the Health and Social Care Act 2012, which represents the most
extensive reorganisation of the National Health Service to date. The new system
involves a shift from Primary Care Trust led commissioning to General Practitioner
led commissioning. Legislative reforms abolish NHS primary care trusts (PCTs)
and Strategic Health Authorities (SHAs). In addition, commissioning or health care
funds are to be transferred from the abolished PCTs to clinical commissioning
groups (CCGs).

7.16 A Healthier Bedfordshire is NHS Bedfordshires five year plan, which sets out a
range of strategic priorities and objectives. The strategy is to move traditional
hospital based out patients services into district or local centres closer to the
population. This will allow the General Hospital to concentrate and develop a wider
range of more complex specialist services which will offer patients improved
choices and reduce the need of outside county area referrals.

7.17 NHS Bedfordshire identified their strategic locations where they wish to have a
strong presence and wants to control the level and standard of care and the
facilities the services are operated from. The priority locations in Bedford Borough
were identified as Bedford North/Town centre, Bedford South including station
quarter and other strategic locations, such as West Kempston, Great Denham,

29
 Wootton and Wixams. The strategy is in the process of being revised by the
emerging CCG but is not expected to change fundamentally at this time.

SOCIAL CARE

Childrens Centres

7.20 There are currently some 15 childrens centres in the borough located in schools,
nurseries or free standing buildings providing wide range of services to children,
young people and their families.

7.21 There are also a number of day centres for people with disabilities and for elderly
people.

30
8.0 GREEN INFRASTRUCTURE
8.1 Green Infrastructure is recognised as an essential component of delivering
sustainable growth. This was the driver behind the preparation of the overall Green
Infrastructure (GI) vision to 2021 in the Bedfordshire and Luton Strategic Green
Infrastructure Plan 2007 which taking into account guidance including standards for
provision looked at the overall strategy for the wider area and the Bedford Green
Infrastructure Plan 2009 (BGIP) which looks at the assets and opportunities in the
borough. The GI network proposed in the BGIP responds to the needs identified in
the plan for both existing residents and the planned growth - which was based on
an assessment of assets, (existing informal greenspace, natural greenspace, parks
and gardens, and areas biodiversity value) opportunities and needs for landscape,
biodiversity, heritage, access and open space.

8.2 On the basis of this assessment, a multifunctional GI network comprising a series

of corridors has been identified. This network is the priority area for GI protection,
enhancement and creation. This network meets identified needs through
enhancing and linking existing assets and taking opportunities to extend and
strengthen the network.

8.3 The aim is to deliver this network over the GI Plan period to 2021 which is the
same as the timescale of the CSRIP; the six opportunity zones represent areas of
greatest multi-functionality and where there are significant opportunities for the
enhancement, creation and/or protection of green infrastructure assets A list of
priority projects for each zone are set out in the emerging Allocations and
Designations Plan. Key challenges to delivering this GI network are around
resourcing acquisitions and funding the long term maintenance of GI sites.
Delivery will vary for individual projects. Some projects will be delivered by
developer contributions, (for example on site provision of country parks in
association with major schemes), others through council mainstream budgets,
voluntary and community sector groups and other partner programmes.

8.4 The Bedford Borough Greenspace Strategy has been produced to provide the
council and all other public green space providers with a shared long term vision
and set of supporting aims and objectives for the provision of good quality,
inspirational public green space across the Borough over the period 2012-21. The
strategy covers the whole of the borough and focuses on publicly accessible public
green space types in public, voluntary & community and private sector ownership.
The strategy will be used to guide how public green space is planned, developed
and managed to meet the communitys needs, both now and in the future, and to
identify the associated public green space partnership opportunities and
investment priorities. The council invites other public green space providers to
adopt the strategy and to work as partners on its delivery. The document went out
for consultation in summer 2012 with subsequent adoption expected at the start of
2013. The action plan includes objectives to develop and implement the playing
pitch strategy, the rights of way improvement plan and to pursue opportunities to
develop the NCN 51 and the Bedford Green wheel.

8.5 The Playing Pitch Strategy for Bedford has been prepared focusing on the Bedford
and Kempston urban area. The purpose of the strategy is to identify and consider
the options available for future provision of pitch space for football and cricket,
based on information obtained during previous studies and a recent playing pitch
audit. The strategy will help to prioritise areas of improvement to improve capacity

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 and quality of facilities in the context of considering the current budget constraints
within the local authority.

8.6 In the borough urban parks, formal gardens and country parks provide a wide
range of facilities within them including play space, informal recreation and sport.
New country parks are proposed in association with planned development at
Freemans Common, Great Denham and in the future on land north of Bromham
Rd.

8.7 At Borough wide level some 47.68 ha of allotments is available which equates to
0.32 ha/1000 population. There is a high take up of allotments and little vacancy.
The priority for additional provision is the urban area and larger villages/key service
centres.

8.8 A range of greenspace projects are identified below which range from those
already identified with project plans existing such as the green wheel and Bedford
River Valley Park to more aspirational schemes such as Health Hubs initiative and
the BMX/Cycle park. Some project elements could be partially delivered through
grants, partner investment etc and this is partly addressed by the indication of a
funding gap. Where this is an unknown a funding gap of 75% is assumed i.e 25%
of costs may be able to be met from other sources with CIL meeting 75% of costs .

Project name (i) Bedford Green Wheel

Brief description The Bedford Green Wheel project is a project to build on the
existing network of traffic free paths and quiet routes for cyclists
and walkers around Bedford, and to improve these by adding new
high quality routes linking homes with parks, nature reserves and
countryside. The first priority is to complete a continuous urban
fringe route to provide the rim of the wheel.

Justification need The CSRIP objective 8 supports the delivery of co-ordinated

or policy basis transport improvements with the emphasis on non-car modes in
order to deliver the vision of the Plan. A route was identified
through the Bedford Green Wheel Master Plan on which public
comments was sought. This was incorporated in the emerging
Allocations and Designation Plan as part of the Bedford Strategic
Cycle Network which identifies existing routes, proposed routes
and required improvements to the network.
Cost 3,000,000 - 4,000,000 (source: costing for Green Wheel
Master Plan 2009 is in process of being updated)
Delivery BBC
Potential funding 3,000,000
gap

Project name (ii) Bedford Embankment / Mill Meadows improvements

Brief description The deterioration of infrastructure and declining health of many of
the key trees means that a programme of refurbishment and
replacement will be needed to maintain the profile of the
Embankment are as Bedfords most valued greenspace location.
The way forward with this project will be mapped out as part of
the Embankment / Russell Park management plan to be produced
in 2012.
Justification need The principle need is to maintain the value of Bedfords most

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or policy basis iconic landscapes but the improvements will be a key element in
supporting the aims and initiatives arising from the Bedford
Waterspace Strategy (2011) which was commissioned jointly by
the council and Environment Agency
Cost T 1.5 to 2 million based on similar schemes.. Source : BBC
estimate
Delivery BBC
Potential funding 1.5 million
gap

Project name (iii) Sports pitch hub

Brief description To develop a 4 to 6 pitch sports facility that can be managed
effectively as principle pitch site supplementing existing sites at
Mowsbury Park and Hillgrounds. Land availability is a key
determinant and one potential location is the council land to the
north of Priory Business Park but this would be subject to further
feasibility work.
Justification need The councils Playing Pitch Strategy (2012) assesses demand
or policy basis and facility supply and highlights a shortfall in both junior and
senior football pitches.
Cost 0.75 to 1.1 million (source :based on cost similar schemes in
Bedford)
Delivery BBC
Potential funding 750,000
gap

Project name (iv) Bedford River Valley Park (BRVP)

Brief description To create 3.5 square miles of wildlife habitats, waterbodies and
recreational facilities to the east of Bedford in the Forest of
Marston Vale. Infrastructure projects on council land will be
outlined in a masterplan, a draft was under preparation in
summer 2012.
Justification need The BRVP enjoys considerable council policy support including
or policy basis Local Development Framework documents. The evidence for
local need and support was clearly shown from the consultation
work done to support the production of a BRVP framework
masterplan. Enabling development will be needed to help fund the
watersports lake which is an integral part of the plans for BRVP.
Cost 1.5 million based on provisional estimates in draft BRVP
masterplan for BBC holdings.
Delivery BBC / Marston Vale Trust / Environment Agency
Potential funding 750,000
gap

Project name (v) North Marston Vale Access Network

Brief description To improve and enhance the rights of way network in the north
Marston Vale to provide sustainable transport and recreation
opportunities for the residents of expanding communities at
Wootton, Stewartby and the Wixams. It will be important to have
due regard to nearby growing settlements in Central Beds.

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Justification need Supported by the sustainable transport policy context, the location
or policy basis within the Forest of Marston Vale and it is a stated aim to review
and develop a (north Marston Vale) access plan in the councils
Rights of Way Improvement Plan.
Cost 2,500,000 source : BBC estimate based on costs associated
with Green Wheel and other strategic access schemes
Delivery BBC
Potential funding 2,000,000
gap

Project name (vii) Healthy Hubs key park locations to be determined.

Brief description To create 2 purpose built hubs utilising existing park buildings
following minor works to serve as focal points with additional
facilities (e.g. outdoor gym equipment) for the encouragement of
improved and wider public use of parks as exercise and health
facilities.
Justification need Public health strategy , Greenspace Strategy
or policy basis
Cost 0.8 to 1 million (TBC) source: BBC estimate based on known
costs for similar building improvements and estimates of
additional facilities
Delivery BBC
Potential funding 500,000- 800,000
gap

Project name (viii) BMX / skate / cycle park

Location TBC
Brief description To create a destination facility for different wheeled sports
potentially including BMX, skate sports, mountain biking. Formal
partnerships with local clubs and / or sports bodies would be
needed to ensure best standards and longer term surety of
management. This could be a possible consideration for the
BRVP.
Justification need Policy context could include public health, ASB diversion, specific
or policy basis sports strategies.
Cost 250,000 - 650,000
Delivery BBC plus clubs / sports bodies
Potential funding 250,000 - 500,000
gap

Project name (ix) Funding to complete first section of Bedford Milton

Keynes Waterway Park
Brief description The new 20 mile waterway in the form of a broad leisure canal
with a green corridor from Bedford Milton Keynes is to be
delivered over a period of 10-20 years
Justification need The council supports the creation of the waterway park as a
or policy basis sustainable green infrastructure link. The route is shown in the
emerging Allocations and Designations Plan for submission and
referred to in policy 27 of that plan.
Cost Total cost 200m of which about 50m is in Bedford Borough.
Source : estimate prepared for Bedford and Milton Keynes

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 Waterway Trust.
Main funding First phases through S106 works sources for funding of 50m still
sources to be clarified but likely to be part developer part CIL.
Potential funding 5,000,000 in period to 2021
gap

Project name (vi)Planting schemes in Forest of Marston Vale including

Bedfords Green gateway expansion
Brief description The Forest of Marston Vale is a long term strategic environmental
regeneration initiative and a key green infrastructure project for
the area. The aim is to use trees and woodlands to deliver major
environmental regeneration, facilitating broader economic and
social regeneration of the 61 square mile once-degraded
landscape of the Marston Vale, 50% of which lies within Bedford
Borough. The Government target is to increase tree and
woodland cover to 30% by 2031. As of 2011, the woodland cover
in the area has increased from 3% to 9%. The Forest of Marston
Vale is one of 12 Community Forests in England, designated by
Government as national priority areas for environmentally-led
regeneration.
Justification need The CSRIP spatial vision, objective 11, and policy CP24 support
or policy basis the creation of the Forest of Marston Vale, as does policy AD25 of
the emerging Allocations and Designations submission plan.
Community Forests are also supported within the National Policy
Planning Framework.
Cost Total cost of up to 157m, of which 78.5m (i.e. 50%) relates to
Bedford Borough (source: analysis done for Central Bedfordshire
Council). Priority project 1.9m (source : Forest of Marston Vale
estimate based on cost of similar schemes).
Delivery The Marston Vale Trust (MVT) leads on the creation of the Forest
of Marston Vale, engaging a broad partnership of public, private
and third sector organisations.
Potential funding An estimated 4,350,000 will be needed in the next ten year sif
gap existing delivery rates are to be maintained of which 0.9-1m
may be funded from grants etc. A priority project is the planting of
a 50ha area of land in the Bedford Gateway area. Total project
cost in the region of 1.9m of which an estimated 0.45m of
match funding can be secured by various fund raising activities of
the Marston Vale Trust funding gap 1.45m

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Reference documents referred to

Bedford Borough Partnership Sustainable Community Strategy 2009-2021

Core Strategy and Rural Issues Plan April 2008

Bedford Town Centre Area Action Plan October - 2008

Allocations and Designations Plan for Submission 2012

IDP Infrastructure Delivery Programme

LIP - Local Investment Plan approved Dec 2010

Bedfordshire and Luton Strategic Green Infrastructure Plan 2007

Bedford Green Infrastructure Plan Nov 09

Open Space, Sport and Recreation Study

Update: March 2010

Cycle Network Background paper 2010 background paper for Allocations and
Designations Draft Plan.

Bedford Green Wheel Master Plan December 2009.

NHS Bedfordshire Estates Strategy March 2010

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