The Bedford Borough Local Plan 2040 was submitted for Examination, with Hearing Sessions held during 2023. In November 2023, the Planning Inspector raised significant concerns about the soundness of the plan, particularly around the deliverability of key infrastructure. Without sufficient justification and supporting evidence, the Inspector indicated that the plan may need to be [...]

Through the first half of 2025, the Government has continued to reaffirm its commitment to planning reform aimed at accelerating housing delivery and infrastructure development. In our Q2 news update, we review the progress of local plans, National Infrastructure projects and recent and forthcoming appeal decisions: National Planning Since April 2025, the UK government [...]

The Government has announced significant reforms to the planning appeals process under the written representations procedure, set to take effect by the end of 2025. These changes aim to streamline the system by restricting appeal evidence to what was originally submitted with the planning application. What’s Changing? Under the new rules: No new evidence or arguments can be introduced at [...]

The Greensand Ridge offers sweeping vistas over the Forest of Marston Vale, a community forest in Bedfordshire. Once a brickmaking hub, the area now features lakes formed from old clay pits. The Rookery South Energy Recovery Facility processes waste and generates electricity. In addition Universal Studios is set to open its first European theme [...]

Through the beginning of 2025 the Government has continued to reaffirm its commitment to planning reform to accelerate housing delivery and infrastructure development. In our Q1 news update, we review the progress of local plans and recent and forthcoming planning decisions: National Planning On 11 March 2025, the Government introduced the Planning and Infrastructure [...]

Central Bedfordshire are progressing a Full Local Plan Review in accordance with the Local Development Scheme (LDS)  updated in January 2025.  The LDS sets out the high-level timeframe for the development of an updated Local Plan. Community Engagement Over the past 12 months, Central Bedfordshire Council has been working closely with residents, town and [...]

In April, Anglian Water hosted a developer webinar focused on ‘Delivering Sustainable Growth’. Despite limited attendance, the key message was clear: following an internal review, Anglian Water (AW) has identified capacity issues at their wastewater recycling centres, formerly known as sewage treatment works. AW manages approximately 1,100 facilities across the Anglian region. Each facility [...]

Since March 2017, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority has been established as a Mayoral Combined Authority for the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough area. The Combined Authority works with the local councils, the Business Board (Local Enterprise Partnership), local public services, Government departments and agencies, universities and businesses to grow the local and national economy. Local government [...]

Planning in Buckinghamshire offers great opportunities due to its location with Greater London to the south-east, Berkshire to the south, Oxfordshire to the west, Northamptonshire to the north, Bedfordshire to the north-east and Hertfordshire to the east, together with its position in the Oxford  Cambridge (OxCam) Arc. Buckinghamshire is one of the home counties [...]

As 2024 comes to an end, we reflect on a year where planning has maintained a high profile, both in the general election campaigns and following the election of the new government. With the recognition of the housing crisis and the continued focus on the need to fix the planning system to facilitate housing [...]