For years, local councils have regarded the Marston Vale as an area in need of regeneration through new development.

We have benefited from the leisure use of Stewartby Lake and the wonderful resource around the forest centre.

New settlements have been considered for at least 30 years, but it was not until the area was designated a Growth Area in recent years that more serious attention seems to have been given to what this might mean.

For me, what it must mean is the creation of balanced communities, not sprawling housing estates. We need the jobs, schools, health centres, leisure opportunities and transport network.

We should also insist upon high environmental standards with respect to energy efficiency, solar thermal, water use and waste reduction and recycling.

In order to stand any chance of achieving these things, it is
essential to adopt a strategic planning approach and to involve
existing communities in the process.

As a symbol of reaching high, the term 'eco-town' has been coined. This is not about additional housing numbers but a better way of building some of them.

I am therefore disappointed at the way the idea of good planning is being distorted by opposition to new development.

If protesters succeed in putting off the eco-town approach, they will still have to address how we meet long-term housing obligations.

The worst case scenario would be a future of fragmented housing applications in the area, many of which would be won on appeal, and the
opportunity of securing balanced, sustainable development will be lost.

I note that Gallagher Estates has withdrawn its eco-town proposal for part of the Marston Vale. While its priority is to maintain the value of Wixams, it cites the need for an overarching vision.

I agree – and that is what we are talking about with an eco-town. There is much further to go yet in developing that plan and involving local
people.

One group of people whose opinions ought to be sought by the planning process and whose needs should be recognised are those hundreds of my constituents who are inadequately housed in Bedford and Kempston and cannot wait for decent, affordable family and single person accommodation to be built locally.