§ Sir Trevor SkeetTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment what assessments have been made of population projections for Bedford, including Kempston, in 1995, 2000 and 2010 and the number of new houses likely to be built(a) south of the River Ouse and (b) north of it.
§ Mr. Michael SpicerPopulation projections below national level are prepared by OCPS, in consultation with the Department of the Environment, for areas down to county level only. Assessments of expected population levels, and the equivalent requirements for house building at district level and below are a matter for county and district councils in reviewing and updating the development plans for their areas.
The approved structure plan for Bedfordshire is currently being reviewed to 2001, taking into account the current regional planning guidance for the south-east. That review is expected to be submitted in the autumn of this year, and the population proposed, including that for the Bedford area, is expected to be assessed at an examination in public early in 1991.
North Bedfordshire district council published a draft districtwide local plan for its area in July 1988 for public consultation. This was updated by an interim strategy published in February of this year. It is understood that the district council expects to place the local plan on deposit later this year, following the submission of the structure plan review by the county council. A local public inquiry into that plan by an independent inspector will provide an opportunity for the proposed levels of house building in Bedfordshire to be assessed.