A couple of slightly esoteric updates:
A planning inspector from the national Planning Inspectorate has
granted Bedford Council a further delay in the process for examining and approving their 2040 local growth plan. This delay was
requested by Bedford Council because of the uncertainty around Universal's proposals for its theme park. Prior to Universal's purchase of the plot of land at Kempston, that site was being considered by Bedford Council in their 2040 plan as a potential
new housing settlement. As there has not been a conclusion to the negotiations between Universal and the Government, Bedford Council has for a number of months put the examination of their draft local plan on pause. The Planning Inspectorate has now agreed to continue that pause until 31 May, but has asked for monthly updates on the situation from 1 March.
In unrelated news, the local MP, Blake Stephenson, has secured a debate on '
Government Support for the Tourism Industry'. This debate takes place during '
English Tourism Week'. Wonder if that would be considered a good opportunity to confirm that Universal and the Government has reached an agreement and they will now move to the next stage of the planning process? In bidding for this debate Mr Stephenson highlighted Universal's possible investment in his constituency. A government minister will be required to respond to points raised during the debate on 20 March, and I'd guess this will be Sir Chris Bryant, Minister for Tourism and the lead minister for negotiations with Universal.