Bedford Borough is preparing a new Local Plan 2050 under the revised plan-led system introduced through the Levelling Up and Regeneration Act and associated regulations. The new plan will provide a comprehensive, long-term framework to guide development across the borough to 2050.

Key dates and milestones

The approved timetable sets out a structured programme of plan preparation:

  • April 2026 – Publication of the notice of commencement and Local Plan timetable, formally starting the plan-making process
  • June/July – October 2026 – Call for sites exercise inviting landowners, developers and other stakeholders to promote development and regeneration opportunities
  • September – October 2026 – Six-week scoping consultation on the scope of the plan, including a digital baseline, SWOT analysis, engagement strategy, site selection methodology and key priorities
  • January 2027 – Publication of submitted sites and summary of consultation responses (no decisions will be made at this stage)
  • April 2027 – Gateway 1 assessment to confirm readiness to move into the formal plan-making stage

The process then moves into the formal plan preparation phase:

  • February – March 2028 – First statutory consultation on the emerging draft Local Plan, including options for growth and early policy approaches
  • October 2028 – Gateway 2 assessment (Planning Inspectorate review of the draft plan for soundness and compliance)
  • January – March 2029 – Final draft Local Plan consultation, including preferred site allocations and detailed policies
  • March 2029 – Gateway 3 assessment confirming readiness for submission
  • April 2029 – Submission of the Local Plan to the Secretary of State for independent examination
  • April – October 2029 – Independent examination, including hearing sessions
  • November 2029 – Anticipated adoption of the Bedford Borough Local Plan 2050, subject to a sound outcome

This programme reflects the Government’s new 30-month plan-making framework, with defined gateway checks to ensure legal compliance and soundness at each stage.

Current policy position

In the interim, the Bedford Borough Local Plan 2030 remains in force and continues to provide the statutory framework for development. Planning applications will be assessed against its policies, alongside national planning policy.

The Council’s latest five-year housing land supply position indicates that only 3.35 years of deliverable housing land can currently be demonstrated, which is below the required five-year supply. This shortfall means the Council is increasingly vulnerable to speculative development proposals, particularly where schemes can demonstrate sustainability and compliance with national policy.

Development opportunities

Against this backdrop, there are clear opportunities for landowners, developers and investors:

  • Promotion of new sites, or reconsideration of previously discounted opportunities, particularly where aligned with emerging infrastructure and strategic growth priorities
  • Early engagement in the preparation of the Bedford Borough Local Plan 2050 to help shape the future spatial strategy
  • Advancement of planning applications where proposals are supported by robust evidence and respond positively to current policy and housing supply constraints

We encourage stakeholders to engage proactively with the emerging Local Plan process. Should you wish to discuss development opportunities or site promotion, we would be pleased to provide advice and support.

We encourage you to check back regularly for updates and to contact us for advice and support with your projects.