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 Without sufficient justification and supporting evidence, the Inspector indicated that the plan may need to be withdrawn and a new strategy adopted. Since then, the Council has been working to address the Inspector’s concerns. However, the proposed Universal Studios theme park in Bedford has introduced major new planning considerations that were not accounted for in the submitted plan. As a result, the Inspector has now advised that the plan is no longer capable of being made sound and has recommended its withdrawal. At its recent meeting, the Council’s Executive resolved to recommend that Full Council: Note the Inspector’s response dated 10 June 2025. Agree to withdraw the Local Plan 2040 from the examination process. Authorise [...]

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 has advanced several planning reform initiatives. The Planning Reform Working Paper on Speeding Up Build Out proposes measures like incentivising faster development and introducing penalties for delays, while a related technical consultation—closing on 19 July 2025—seeks views on new transparency requirements for developers and powers for councils to decline applications from those with poor build-out records. A separate working paper on Reforming Site Thresholds published on 28 May 2025, proposes a tiered approach to site sizes—introducing minor, medium, and major thresholds—to better tailor planning obligations and support SME builders. Responses are invited by 9 July [...]

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 appeal stage for most written representation cases. The goal is to accelerate decision-making and reduce administrative burdens. While this may improve efficiency, it also places greater importance on the quality and completeness of the original planning application. What This Means for You To adapt to these changes, we strongly recommend that applicants: Engage early: Initiate pre-application discussions with your local planning authority to identify and resolve potential issues. Submit robust applications: Include all relevant technical reports, assessments, and justifications from the outset. Think ahead: Prepare your application as if it may be appealed—make it “appeal-ready” from day one. By [...]

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 park in Bedfordshire, on the site of the former Kempston Hardwick brickworks beside the A421. Scheduled to open in 2031, this major development is expected to create around 28,000 jobs and bring significant economic benefits to the region. This will complement the picturesque views of Marston Vale, enhancing the area's appeal to both locals and visitors. Planning in Bedfordshire is administered by three unitary authorities: Borough of Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Borough of Luton, after Bedfordshire County Council was abolished in 2009. The current Strategic Planning position in Bedfordshire is as follows: Bedford Borough The Local Plan 2030 was adopted in January 2020 [...]

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 Bill to Parliament. This bill aims to speed up planning decisions to boost housebuilding and remove unnecessary blockers to the delivery of vital developments like roads, railway lines, and windfarms. The bill is part of the Government's plan to build 1.5 million homes and make Britain a clean energy superpower. Green Belt guidance including the development of Grey Belt land was updated in the National Planning Practice Guidance (NPPG) at the end of February 2025. This aims to provide clearer guidance on the use and assessment of Grey Belt land, potentially making it easier to [...]

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 parish councils, ward councillors, and other key stakeholders to help shape the new Local Plan. The feedback received is now being used to inform the next stage of plan-making. The first formal consultation stage—known as Regulation 18 (‘Issues and Options’)—is scheduled to take place in early 2026. To share the outcomes of this engagement, a series of summary reports have been prepared, highlighting the main themes and issues raised. These reports are available to download from the Central Bedfordshire website. Call for Sites As part of the Local Plan process, the Council recently invited landowners, developers, [...]