The Proposed Development will be transformative for the region and deliver significant benefits to bthe UK as a whole. A summary of the socio-economic benefits arising from the Proposed Development is contained within Appendix 6 which will include:
- creation of 8,050 direct operational jobs in the ERC on opening year;
- creation of 25,195 net additional jobs across the UK through the supply chain in the first year of operation, growing to 42,485 jobs across the UK by the 20th year of operation;
- creating 5,380 direct jobs at its peak construction; and
- providing an overall contribution of £35 billion net additional GVA (NPV) to the UK economy over a 30-year appraisal period (comprising construction and the first 25-years of operation) which would inject substantial additional spending into Bedford and the surrounding area’s economy, together with a significant boost to the tourism industry of Bedford, the region and the UK as a whole.
- generating £14 billion (NPV) in net additional tax returns to HM treasury over the 30-year period. A further £104 million (NPV) would accrue to Bedford BC (i.e. via business rates retention), facilitating the delivery of additional local services.
The economic growth delivered by the Proposed Development will be transformational for Bedford BC and the surrounding communities. The role of the UK planning system is to support such growth, and make sure it is delivered in a sustainable way, minimising any negative impacts and enhancing positive impacts as far as practicable.
UDX has also committed to specific targets in its Employment and Skills Plan (Document Reference 6.12.0) which will ensure that the opportunities created by the development are realised for local and young people, disadvantaged groups and those in unemployment or economically inactive.
In addition to the socio-economic benefits identified above, the Proposed Development delivers
road and rail infrastructure improvements by providing a new public road through the centre of the Site and a new railway station at Wixams which will also benefit local communities. Wixams railway station was granted planning permission in March 2024, with a commitment by Network Rail and Bedford BC to deliver a two-platform station. The Proposed Development expands the Wixams railway station further west to enable the opportunity to serve the ERC as well as the local community. The Proposed Development is therefore not only delivering a sustainable solution to meeting its own transport needs but is facilitating the wider growth of Bedford. Other benefits include the enhancement of the water environment, with the creation of new or reprofiled watercourses and water bodies and measures to protect riparian and aquatic habitats from disturbance or degradation, to support protected or important plant and animal species. Enhanced SUDS features and strategic rainwater harvesting will in turn reduce on and off-site flood risk.