Last night, the Town Council Planning and Licensing Committee reviewed the preliminary plans for HRN1, the major housing development site north of Houghton Regis expected to include over 5,000 homes. In my remarks, I focused on reducing car dependency in this new community.
While the current plans reference walking and cycling routes, more can be done to minimize car use. I suggested the developers explore options like a carpool system, especially for higher-density areas, and a shuttle bus to connect residents to Leagrave train station. Similar programs have worked well elsewhere. Offerings like these could make HRN1 more appealing to buyers who value sustainability.
Thinking more broadly about transportation planning for Central Bedfordshire, I also proposed a park-and-ride facility near the future M1 Junction 11a. This could encourage locals and visitors alike to use coaches and public transit rather than contributing to traffic congestion in the Luton-Dunstable-Houghton Regis area.
Additionally, I asked that alternative routes be built around shopping areas. This way, necessary road works won’t force major detours.
My colleagues raised valid points about the lack of land allocated for a cemetery or places of worship. The cash generating schemes like a car showroom and a supermarket had been specifically mentioned at this early stage. Isn't it telling that a loss-making community facility like a chapel or a cemetery, is too far down the developers thinking to be included at this stage?
While other councillors offered insightful feedback as well, it would be inappropriate for me to attribute specific comments to them here, as per council rules. The full remarks will be published pending approval.
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