News

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 [...]

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 [...]

During Q1 of 2026, the pace of planning reform has continued to accelerate. The Government’s commitment to boosting housing delivery and unlocking major infrastructure remains firmly at the forefront of the agenda. In this update, we reflect on progress over the first quarter of the year—reviewing national planning updates under the new system, tracking key National Infrastructure projects entering examination, and highlighting appeal decisions [...]

Suffolk County Council are responsible for planning for minerals, waste, and county council developments such as schools and fire stations. Current Local Plans in Suffolk include: Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Council Part 1 of the Babergh and Mid Suffolk Joint Local Plan was adopted by Mid Suffolk District Council and Babergh District Council in November 2023. A live online Policies Map supports the [...]

Local government is currently divided between Cambridgeshire County Council and Peterborough City Council, which is a separate unitary authority. Under the county council, there are five district councils, Cambridge City Council, South Cambridgeshire District Council, East Cambridgeshire District Council, Huntingdonshire District Council and Fenland District Council. All seven councils were invited to submit Local Government Reorganisation proposals in February 2025, with final submissions made [...]

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 with towns such as High Wycombe, Amersham, Chesham and the [...]

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 [...]

Hertfordshire County Council are responsible for planning for waste, minerals (mostly sand and gravel quarries) and for services they provide like schools, libraries and roads. A local government reorganisation proposes to replace the current two-tier system (county council and 10 districts/boroughs) with unitary councils. Following a 7-week government consultation ending 26 March 2026, a decision is expected Summer 2026. Pending the outcome of the [...]

In 2021, the eight former councils in Northamptonshire were abolished and replaced by two new unitary authorities: West Northamptonshire Council – covering Daventry, Northampton, and South Northamptonshire. North Northamptonshire Council – covering Wellingborough, Kettering, Corby, and East Northamptonshire. Current Local Plans in Northamptonshire include: North Northamptonshire The current Local Plan for North Northamptonshire includes the Joint Core Strategy and supporting area-based plans. The Joint [...]

As a New Year dawns, so too does a renewed focus on planning reform. The Government’s drive for faster housing delivery and critical infrastructure upgrades shows no sign of slowing. In this Q4 update, we look back at the final months of 2025—tracking local plan progress, spotlighting major National Infrastructure projects shaping the future, and reviewing appeal decisions that could influence what lies ahead. [...]