Lord Andrew Adonis, chair of the National Infrastructure Commission (NIC), has called on the Chancellor for massive investment into infrastructure to create a "brain belt" from Oxford to Cambridge, and the development of a million homes in the corridor that includes Milton Keynes, Bedford and large areas of Bedfordshire's countryside.

In September 2016, in his capacity as Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, Cllr James Jamieson signed a document which was submitted to the NIC consultation on development throughout the Oxford - Cambridge Corridor. Among other things, this document called for an additional one million new homes (37% increase) and an increase in the population of the corridor by 1.6 million people (25% increase).

This document was never made available to the people of Central Bedfordshire or, as far as we’re aware, discussed in detail at a Full Council Meeting.

In our letter we asked Cllr Jamieson to ensure that the democratic process is followed when making decisions about the development of Central Bedfordshire. Specifically we ask Cllr Jamieson:

• The document submitted to the NIC consultation should be made available on the CBC website with immediate effect so that all residents can read what CBC has proposed on their behalf.
• To present the NIC submission document to a meeting of the Full Council for debate.
• To advise precisely what commitments they have already given with regard to their share of the one million new homes committed to by the Leader of CBC.
• What actions have CBC already agreed to take to ensure their share of the increase of 1.6 million in the population across the corridor?
• How has this been reflected in the policies and housing numbers in the emerging draft Local Plan 2035?
• To confirm what formal approvals were obtained and processes followed to enable the Leader to sign the document on behalf of CBC. The minutes of meetings documenting these should be
  provided.