The Woodside Link is a key piece of infrastructure without which the proposed growth development east and north of Houghton Regis cannot go ahead. The scheme has now reached the point where the Council will need to apply for planning permission to take it forward. Executive is being asked to agree to consult on this scheme prior to a planning application being made to the National Infrastructure Plan and to consider other matters relating to the scheme.

1.         That the submission of a planning application for the construction of the Woodside Link road be agreed and consultation on the proposed scheme commence in November 2012.

2.         That officers continue preparatory work on the acquisition of the land required for the scheme, including compulsory purchase if that proves necessary.

3.         That the addition of £450,000 to the 2012/13 capital programme be agreed to cover the costs of design and planning application development for the scheme.

4.         That the scheme be included in the review of the capital programme which is currently taking place and which will be recommended to Council.

5.         To instruct officers to do all they can to secure funding for the scheme.