Strategic themes relating to the farm estate
Access to the countryside
By providing public rights of way through farmland, the Farms Estate can form part of a broader network joining up countryside sites, parks and open space. Collaboration between holdings, neighbours and National bodies such as the Greensand Trust, RSPCA, National Trust can also provide opportunities for development of rural businesses and employment; providing facilities such as outdoor leisure and recreation, rural retail and catering and leisure accommodation.
The Local Plan
Our Local Plan is the key strategic planning document for Central Bedfordshire and will guide and support the delivery of new infrastructure, homes and jobs. It sets out the long-term vision and objectives for the area, what is going to happen, where and when and how this will be achieved and delivered up to 2035.
The farm estate has significant land holdings around major settlements. By holding this land we have more control and influence over the countryside, and more control over the pace and type of development that takes place to meet local housing and employment need.
Supply of minerals
One of the non-agricultural uses of land in the farm estate is the supply of minerals. This activity generates income and supports delivery of the joint Minerals and Waste Plan that Central Bedfordshire, Bedford Borough and Luton Borough Councils have which ensures a steady and adequate supply of sustainably sourced minerals, and that extraction sites will be planned, located and operated so as to protect the environment.
Environmental responsibilities
The Natural Environment and Rural Communities Act (2006) requires all public authorities to have regard to conserving biodiversity, for example, by creating ecological networks, and buffering biodiversity sites. In 2018 the UK Government published “A Green Future” setting a series of goals and policy objectives.
The Farms Estate provides greater influence and control to maximise environmental benefits to Central Bedfordshire, whether this be improved ecological activity and biodiversity, protecting key landscapes or mitigation of flooding.