Central Bedfordshire are progressing a Full Local Plan Review in accordance with the revised Local Development Scheme (LDS) under the new legislation. The LDS sets out the high-level timeframe for the development of an updated Local Plan.
The Local Plan Engagement Strategy has now been finalised. The Council recently undertook a consultation which included a survey form and a map-based questions opportunity. This closed for responses on 23 September 2024 with the exception of the Youth Survey which is open until 8 November 2024.
A call for Brownfield sites only is expected to commence on 4th November. If this does not yield enough land to meet potential housing needs then they expect to launch a full Call for Sites on 9th December. The Call for Sites process will conclude at the end of January 2025.
Following this the Local Plan is expected to progress with the following key milestones:
- Outcomes of evidence, site assessment, drafting of plan – Jan – Dec 2025
- Public and stakeholder engagement – Draft Local Plan Formal Consultation (Regulation 18): February 2026 – April 2026.
- Publication of the proposed submission (Pre-Submission) plan for representations (Regulation 19): September 2027 – October 2027.
- Submission of Plan to Secretary of State for Examination (Reg 22): February 2028
- Examination Period: March 2028 – August 2028.
- Inspector’s Report: September 2028
- Adoption: December 2028
For the purposes of decision making, the current Local Plan will remain relevant until a new Local Plan is adopted.
If you would like to know more about the Central Bedfordshire Local Plan Review please contact us now for further advice.
