Shape Your Future

Posted on August 18, 2007

Did you know that by 2021, there will be 26,300 new homes in Luton and South Bedfordshire? The Government wants to increase housing supply in the South East and has identified South Bedfordshire and Luton as part of the 'Milton Keynes and South Midlands Growth Area'. South Beds District Council, along with Luton Borough Council and Bedfordshire County Council has been charged with delivering this growth, but we also need to deliver the jobs, schools, shops, community facilities and other important infrastructure that must go alongside it. Growth is coming, but in order to ensure that it brings benefits to the area and those who live here, we need to involve as many people as possible in making important decisions.

From 30 June until the end of September, the first stage of our on-going growth consultation is taking place. During this time we will be seeking public opinion on different options for where the growth could go (including an option which includes village expansion). We also want to know what you think about some other issues that need to be addressed alongside the growth, such as how we will travel, where we will work and how we will ensure that our new communities are sustainable and inclusive.

There are many opportunities to find out what is happening and have your say, including exhibitions in public locations, a summary leaflet (which was delivered to every house) and questionnaire and a website containing more detailed information; including the Core Strategy Issues and Options Paper which discusses the issues mentioned above in more detail).

The exhibition will be at Eaton Bray Village Hall on Tuesday 4th September from 5pm until 8pm. Please note that the exhibition will also be held in some other villages on different dates, so if you cannot make this date, there will be other opportunities to visit the exhibition. Please go to www.shapeyourfuture.org.uk for a list of village exhibitions or call 01582 474068.

We hope you can find the time to come along and tell us what you think and please do not hesitate to contact the Development Plans team South Beds District Council if you require any further information. Tel: 01582 474068

• Websites: www.shapeyourfuture.org.uk
• Email: [email protected]
• Address: Development Plans, South Beds District Council, The District Offices, High St North, Dunstable, LU6 1LF.

Source: Focus, August/September 2007