Central Bedfordshire Local Plan Progress Update – July 2026

Central Bedfordshire Council has updated the timetable for preparing its new Local Plan following recent changes to national planning guidance. The revised process introduces several new stages in the preparation of Local Plans, including early consultation and formal “Gateway” reviews with the Planning Inspectorate.

Although the process has changed, the council is still aiming to adopt the new Local Plan by December 2028.

The Local Plan will guide housing, employment and infrastructure development across Central Bedfordshire over the coming years.

Central Bedfordshire Local Plan timetable and update (2026–2028)

The government has introduced a new approach to plan-making which requires local authorities to complete a number of additional steps before the first formal consultation on a Local Plan. As a result, Central Bedfordshire Council has reviewed and updated its Local Plan timetable to ensure it aligns with the new national guidance.

Updated Local Plan timetable

The ongoing key stages in preparing the new Central Bedfordshire Local Plan are expected to be:

July 2026 – Consultation on submitted sites
An opportunity for residents, town and parish councils, councillors and other stakeholders to comment on submitted sites and help inform the Council’s assessment of potential allocations for the new Local Plan. This consultation closes on 17 August 2026.

July 2026 – Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Scoping Report consultation
Running alongside the Submitted Sites consultation, this seeks views on the scope of the environmental assessment that will inform preparation of the Local Plan 2050. The consultation closes on 20 July 2026.

August 2026 – Gateway 1
A self-assessment stage confirming that the timetable, consultation, notice and project plan are in place. From this point, the council will have 30 months to prepare and adopt the Local Plan.

September to November 2026 – second formal consultation (6 weeks)
Consultation on the emerging Local Plan, including the proposed vision, objectives and the key planning policy areas that the plan will address.

March 2027 – Gateway 2
A formal review with a planning inspector to ensure the emerging Local Plan and supporting evidence align with national planning policy and guidance.

October to December 2027 – Third formal consultation (8 weeks)
Consultation on the final draft version of the Local Plan, including proposed site allocations for housing, employment and other development.

April 2028 – Gateway 3
An external assessment to confirm that the plan meets planning regulations and the “tests of soundness” before it can be formally submitted for examination.

June 2028 – Submission
The Local Plan will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for independent examination.

June to November 2028 – Examination
A planning inspector will conduct an independent examination of the Local Plan.

December 2028 – Adoption
The council aims to formally adopt the new Local Plan, which will then become the statutory development plan for Central Bedfordshire.

What this means for landowners, developers and residents

The updated timetable provides a clearer framework for the preparation of the new Local Plan and introduces earlier opportunities for engagement with communities and stakeholders.

If you are promoting land for development in Central Bedfordshire and would like advice on the Local Plan process or site promotion strategy, please contact us.

We will continue to monitor progress on the preparation of the Central Bedfordshire Local Plan and provide further updates as the process moves forward.