Planning Future Cornwall - Impact on Bude

Finally got the "Planning Future Cornwall" info from the Council (for which the consultation period ends on 2nd March, 2012). Bear in mind this is a 20 year plan and that this is only my (quick) reading of the info.

So, here's what's said in the Bude Community Network Area section which includes Bude-Stratton, Jacobstow, Kilkhampton, Launcells, Marhamchurch, Morwenstow, North Tamerton, Poundstock, St Gennys, Week St Mary and Whitstone.

Population overall: 16,800 with 9,900 of these living in Bude, Stratton, Flexbury and Poughill.

Bude Town Council expressed a preference for low growth (38,000 houses in Cornwall overall, rather than the 48,000 suggested by Cornwall Council) with an economy-led distribution which locally means (development in Bude rather than spreading to outlying areas).

The key local issue appears to be affordable housing. Any growth in housing also needs economic growth, however, and currently the local economy is based on tourism plus some specialist biotechnology activities. The town wants to reduce seasonality and extend the tourism seasons. It would also prefer to grow a knowledge based industry rather than manufacturing, to provide some highly paid jobs.

Cornwall Council talks of 900 homes in Bude and 350 homes elsewhere in the community network, requiring a better balance of housing in terms of affordability, tenure and type, and enhancement of heritage  and environmental assets to benefit the local community and enhance tourism.

It is felt that Bude, Stratton, Flexbury and Poughill could comfortably accommodate approximately 605 new dwellings (bear in mind again that this is a 20 year plan). Binhamy is included in this figure with 428 dwellings. 

Of course, this doesn't take us to the 1250 mentioned overall, so other sites have to be considered:

Bagbury, SW of Bude, to the east of the A3073 could accommodate all 900 - advantage = sustainable transport links via cycleway and footpath along canal to town centre.

Poundfield could accommodate 250 dwellings . It rather brings Stratton closer to Bude and would impact upon the tranquil environment……

Land north of Broad Close Farm - 265 dwellings, a neighbourhood extension to Bude towards Flexbury

Land west of Poughill - up to 225 dwellings which could bring benefits to Poughill but could also increase traffic as it is detached from most facilities. 

Land south of A3072 Stratton - 55 dwellings as a neighbourhood extension to Stratton.

Infrastructure:

Talk of a summer park and ride scheme and walking/cycle tracks for access to the countryside, but nothing much on roads. 

Schools - projected growth over the period at primary level only looking like about 100 pupils (much of this will be alleviated short term by the Stratton Primary School expansion). At secondary level, predictions are for a surplus of approximately 90 places by 2014 (7%) but longer term, growth and expansion may be needed. Suggestions are that there isn't certainty on the scale and distribution of any growth yet.

One additional GP would be needed (at least) to cater for projected growth in population; ditto additional dental services likely to be required. 

Concern about burial and crematoria capacity.

Check out the Cornwall Council website for more info and don't forget to feed in to the consultation.