Public consultation over thousands of new homes and jobs

VIEWS are being sought on how 29,000 new homes and 27,000 new jobs can be delivered in the next 20 years.

Central Bedfordshire Council is asking the public for its views on a new Development Strategy, which sets out how it will plan the number and location of jobs and homes across Central Bedfordshire.

The strategy also identifies that new services and facilities are required to support growth, such as roads and schools as well as leisure centres, play equipment and open space.

A public consultation will begin on Wednesday and will run until August 8.

The council’s executive member for sustainable planning and economic development, Cllr Nigel Young, said: “We know how much our residents love the area they live in, but we also know they are concerned about things too.

“Fears about job prospects have doubled in the past two years and families are worried whether it will ever be possible for the next generation to get on the housing ladder. We need to address these issues.

“Thanks to new powers, we are no longer required to meet housing targets imposed by central government.

“We are masters of our own destiny and have reduced the scale of planned development, whilst also ensuring there will be enough new and affordable homes our communities need.”

The Development Strategy can be viewed at www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/strategic-planning Copies are also available to view at council customer service centres and libraries. Summary leaflets will also be available in these locations.