Local Plan Consultation Deadline - 3rd September

The deadline to take part in the Local Plan consultation is this week, on 3rd September.

The Government has decided Bedford Borough needs to allocate land for a minimum of 12,500 additional new dwellings and space for around 8,650 jobs in the period up to 2040.

Whilst I disagree with the methodology, we have no choice but to plan for this level of growth.

As a result the next phase of the Local Plan 2040 consultation has started and the Council wants to hear from you on a development strategy to 2040 and where growth can be delivered.

Local Plans set out where growth and development will take place - everything from homes and jobs to schools and infrastructure.

While the Local Plan 2030 was approved in January 2020, there are some policies that need updating earlier than normal in order to keep them in line with national policies, for example related to the Government's new formula for housing growth, and the Oxford to Cambridge Arc.Last year, the Council asked for your thoughts about the different kinds of location where growth might take place. These have fed into four short-listed options focused on the urban area, the A421 corridor and existing and planned rail stations. Three of these include one or two new settlements. More details and maps are available on the Council's website here.

This consultation is also asking for views on town centre and retail policies, and updated policies looking at impact on the environment, the quality of development and self and custom build homes.

Please take a look at the information on our website, and take this opportunity to have your say on the future of our Borough. The consultation closes at 5pm on Friday 3 September.

The full consultation paper, a summary leaflet, and a set of frequently asked questions about the paper can be seen at www.bedford.gov.uk/localplan2040. The summary leaflet will be delivered to every home in the Borough and you can also request a paper copy of the consultation document and/or response form by calling 01234 718070.