Digital Consultation to shape the future of the OxCam Arc
In a Government consultation running until 12 October, people across Oxford and Cambridge Arc have the opportunity to contribute to the long-term development of our area.
The outcomes of the consultation will help to shape and enhance the infrastructure, environment and new developments in the counties of Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. The plan will be developed by Government, informed by engagement with local communities and stakeholders, and will have sustainability at its core.
Comments received in the consultation will help create the Spatial Framework’s vision for the area to 2050, and will help guide local planning and investment decisions in four areas; the environment; the economy; connectivity and infrastructure; and placemaking.
To make your views count, visit: https://placebuilder.io/futureofthearc
“This is a fantastic opportunity for people across the Arc to make their voice heard and help create the future for their community that they want to see.”
Housing Minister Rt Hon Christopher Pincher MP
In addition, a new expert panel to advise on sustainable economic and housing growth in the Arc. Chaired by leading development and regeneration expert, British Land’s Emma Cariaga, this will advise the Government on issues ranging from design and sustainability to delivery and investment models, with a primary focus between Bedford and Cambridge. Here the Government is examining opportunities to bring forward well-designed, inclusive and sustainable places.
This is particularly interesting for Woods Hardwick and our clients. Here in Bedford Borough we must consider this consultation alongside the early review of Bedford’s Local Plan. The Local Plan needs to ensure that strategies are suitably flexible to respond to the Spatial Framework and realise opportunities for growth where they arise. We are part of one of the fastest growing regions in the UK. The Arc presents a unique opportunity to create a transformational economic legacy, with far reaching implications for the whole country. Home to cutting-edge research, globally renowned science and technology clusters, nine world-leading universities, and some of the most productive towns and cities in the country. Bedford cannot afford not to be part of this exciting opportunity.
All across the Arc local authorities will face challenges in delivering upon the opportunities for growth but nobody has ever said that achieving this would be easy. This is a positive step forward with community engagement and sustainability at its heart – we must have our say on how our town and region is developed.
To discuss current and future opportunities across the region, get in touch with one of our team now.
