Central Bedfordshire Design Guide SPD

Comment

Representation ID: 16207

Received: 16/03/2023

Respondent: Cllr Victoria Harvey

Table 10 is very good as a basis but more flowering shrubs going later into the summer and creepers such as honeysuckle should be included. Field Rose ( not dog rose as it is so hard to manage) should be included. There should be a list of non native shrubs to cope with the changing climate over the next 30 years see the RHS guide on adapting to climate change. Areas of long grass are critical for nature and wildflower areas need to be cut and collected, leaving at least a third uncut for hibernating insects

A04

Object

Representation ID: 16208

Received: 16/03/2023

Respondent: Cllr Victoria Harvey

Spring into summer bulbs need to be included. Spring bulbs can make a huge difference for pollinators. A wide range of bulbs are needed as standard daffodils provide nothing for pollinators. There need to be areas of rotting logs, areas where hedgehogs can hide, areas of dead leaves for insects , and areas of bare earth especially on banks so that solitary bees can make nests. Long grass is needed for butterfly larva. Management of hedges need to follow the RSPB guidance otherwise they have very limited benefit for wildlife.

A04

Object

Representation ID: 16209

Received: 16/03/2023

Respondent: Cllr Victoria Harvey

There is not nearly enough mention of shrubs on their own. Often trees can be too big for streets or countryside areas but a shrub can be a perfect size. Shrubs can be far more beneficial for insects and birds than trees. So a range of native and non native freestanding shrubs should be included with reference to their biodiversity benefits especially for pollinators and nesting birds. Ivy is really important for bees and nesting. Wayfaring Tree is not mentioned nor is Broom which are really important shrubs, honeysuckle and Field Rose are very important.

A04

Object

Representation ID: 16210

Received: 16/03/2023

Respondent: Cllr Victoria Harvey

Risks to wildlife that need to be mitigated. Lighting especially security lighting on houses can be very detrimental to wildlife so conditions should be explored for this, Also cats are major destroyers of birds and so creating habitats for birds that are secure from cats and dogs so fenced off areas and thick bramble bushes so that fledglings can hide in them. Hawthorn trees surrounded by brambles so that birds can be safe from cats. Fenced off areas so that dogs cannot chase off any ground nesting or foraging birds. SUDS need to be managed for wildlife

A04

Comment

Representation ID: 16218

Received: 16/03/2023

Respondent: Cllr Victoria Harvey

we need really wild open spaces. i will be sending photos of some examples from Leighton Buzzard.

A04

Object

Representation ID: 16219

Received: 16/03/2023

Respondent: Cllr Victoria Harvey

There need to be public spaces in new developments where children can "Play out" and be seen by parents through the window. This is really important for children's activity levels and the whole spirit of the place. The might mean more than one play area. The present system of one play area stuck in the corner of the dveelopment so that it is a long distance to walk with a toddler is not helpful in terms of public health and activity for children.

A04

Object

Representation ID: 16220

Received: 16/03/2023

Respondent: Cllr Victoria Harvey

Covered areas of public space are very important with the changing climate of extreme heat and wind and flooding etc.

Object

Representation ID: 16222

Received: 16/03/2023

Respondent: Cllr Victoria Harvey

Town centres should include the space for artist workshops and studios and health facilities and also community and arts and culture. Having spaces for studios for artists in Margate was key to turning that town from dying town centre as highlighted by Mary Portas to a veyr vibrant town centre This has also been key in Deal and Folkestone and Many other towns. INvesting in culture creates huge benefits to the local economy. It also creates community. Commuinty arts and activities play a huge role in health. . These all make a huge diffference as regards attracting footfall.

A04

Object

Representation ID: 16224

Received: 16/03/2023

Respondent: Cllr Victoria Harvey

Town centres, especially market towns should link into their heritage and have links to the wider farmland around them, through public art and information. Heritage is very important to many people yet CBC has no cultural strategy and there is no heritage or exhbition space in Leighton Buzzard. there need to b indoor areas in the town centre where there can be activities for children so that there parents can take part in other activities. There needs to be exhibition, workshop and arts spaces

A04

Object

Representation ID: 16226

Received: 16/03/2023

Respondent: Cllr Victoria Harvey

12.2 This needs to be much stronger than consider. Orientation and sustainable transport links and green infrastructure need to be absolutely key to the development. The word should must be used for this section. There is not enough emphasis on sustainablity and biodiversity throughout the design guide. It is very confusing having this as a separate chapter to the previous chapter as low carbon design has a huge impact on what buildings look like and how they are designed.

A04