First language not EnglishEvidence Studies
1. Employment Land and Premises Review
The Employment Land Study was undertaken by Halcrow on behalf of the joint working councils and was completed in January 2008. The purpose of the study is to assess whether the Joint Area’s employment land portfolio is fit for purpose in terms of meeting current and future demand. The Study also identifies areas that have the potential to meet future employment needs. The document can be viewed here.
2. Retail Study and Retail Study Update
The Retail Study Update was prepared by White Young Green on behalf of the joint working councils and was completed in January 2009. The study evaluates current and likely future trends in the retail market at the local level, and provides an assessment of existing retail provision and the need for additional retail floorspace up to 2031. The study can be viewed below.
The 2009 Retail Study represents an update to the original 2005 study, also undertaken by White Young Green. The original document can be viewed below.
3. Urban Capacity Study and Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment
The Urban Capacity Study (UCS) was undertaken by Scott Wilson on behalf of the joint working councils and was completed in January 2008. The purpose of the study is to identify sites with the potential for housing and to assess the number of dwellings that could be accommodated on each site. The study can be viewed here.
The Strategic Housing Land Availability Assessment (SHLAA) was undertaken by the joint working councils and was completed in March 2009. The study builds on the Urban Capacity Study by reflecting the requirements of revised Government guidance. Unlike the UCS, the SHLAA outlines whether the sites are considered to be deliverable, and if so, when they are likely to be developed. The study can be viewed here.
The updated housing trajectory can be viewed here. Please note that this housing trajectory does not include the 2008/09 housing completions. A revised housing trajectory is anticipated to be published in September 2009.
4. Transport Modelling and Accessibility Study
The Transport Modelling and Accessibility Study was prepared by Halcrow on behalf of the joint working councils and was completed in March 2009. The main aim of the study is to assess the transport related impacts of the Core Strategy Preferred Options and other alternative scenarios. The study can be viewed below
| Final Report | Final Appendices 1 | Final Appendices 2 | Final Appendices 3 |
5. Environmental Sensitivity Assessment
An Environmental Sensitivity Assessment covering southern Bedfordshire was prepared by Bedfordshire County Council’s Heritage and Environment Service and was completed in April 2008. The study, which was subsequently reviewed in December 2008, assesses the landscape, biodiversity and historic features of the Growth Area. The study can be viewed here.
In addition, a further Environmental Sensitivity Assessment was undertaken by Land Use Consultants covering potential areas of growth outside of Bedfordshire. This study, which was completed in December 2008, can be viewed here.
6. Social and Community Infrastructure Study
The Social and Community Infrastructure Study, completed in August 2008, was prepared by Colin Buchanan and the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment at University College London on behalf of the joint working councils. The purpose of the study is to identify the types of community infrastructure that will be needed to support development in Luton and South Bedfordshire up to 2021 and 2031. In addition, the study outlines how such schemes could be delivered and how much they would cost. The study can be viewed below.
| Final Report | Report Appendices |
