Planning
BuzzCycles and Planning
It is always difficult to talk about development because none of us really wants change and what appeals to one person or group inevitably can’t please everyone and what appeals to one person or group inevitably can’t please everyone.
So what is the approach from BuzzCycles?
Leighton BuzzCycles has been instrumental in shaping Leighton Buzzard’s cycling future. Through active participation in the Local Plan, LCWIP, and Leighton Buzzard Green Wheel, they’ve advocated for improved cycling infrastructure and safer routes. Their efforts have led to the inclusion of key cycling projects in these plans, ensuring a more bike-friendly town for generations to come.
There are very clear principles that we try to follow:
- We concentrate on the bigger changes to town – we don’t comment at all on the vast majority of planning applications for things like minor modifications to individual homes.
- We keep out of wider politics of whether something should go ahead at all – more housing, out-of-town shopping etc – that is for others.
- We focus on what we are trying to build as a network in our Cycle Town and whether the development is helping to achieve our aims or not.
So the questions are always about matters such as:
- Whether there is adequate cycle parking and whether it is appropriately secure or covered.
- Is there a clear cycle route to and through the site?
- Does it link sensibly into our proposed wider on-road and wider leisure network?
- Are there things that we want to achieve off-site that might be influenced by the development that we could reasonably ask for as part of it?
- Inevitably we may not succeed on all counts on all applications, but our comments do get taken up by the Town Council and Central Bedfordshire council staff and on the whole we end up with improved facilities within the developments and contributions to the wider network.
If you have early sight of proposals or hear anything just let us know because it is always easier to influence things in their early stages before applications are submitted to get the best proposal we can for Cycling, regardless of whether we as individuals agree with objectives of the development in any way.
Green Wheel
The Leighton Buzzard Green Wheel is an ambitious project aimed at creating a network of safe and attractive routes for walkers and cyclists around the town. By linking green spaces, schools, workplaces, shops, and the train station, the Green Wheel aims to encourage people to choose active transportation over car use, improving both individual health and the local environment. This initiative, a collaboration between Central Bedfordshire Council, Leighton BuzzCycles, and The Greensand Trust, will be implemented gradually, starting with the Inner Rim. While the project is long-term, it promises to enhance the quality of life for Leighton Buzzard residents and visitors alike.
The Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP)
The Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan (LCWIP) for Leighton Buzzard and Linslade outlines a vision for a safer and more accessible cycling and walking network. This plan aims to create routes that connect key destinations like schools, shops, and train stations, encouraging residents to choose active travel over car journeys. By improving existing paths, creating new routes, and implementing traffic calming measures, the LCWIP seeks to enhance the overall quality of life in the area by promoting healthier lifestyles, reducing congestion, and improving air quality.
The Leighton Buzzard Local Plan
The Leighton Buzzard Local Plan sets out a vision for the future development of the town, aiming to create a sustainable and thriving community. Key objectives include delivering new housing, improving transport infrastructure, and protecting the local environment. The plan also recognizes the importance of active travel, with proposals for improved walking and cycling routes to encourage residents to choose healthier and more sustainable modes of transport.
“We need to transform our roads into safe and inviting spaces for cyclists, not just motor vehicles. It’s time to invest in world-class cycling infrastructure that encourages more people to choose sustainable, healthy transport“
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London (2024).
