Local Plan Consultation Ends 3 September- Make Sure You Have Your Say

This phase of the Local Plan consultation closes at 5pm on Friday 3 September. If you haven't already, the Council is reminding you to make sure you have your say.

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.

This consultation is asking for your views on a development strategy to 2040 and where growth can be delivered.

Based on the Government's latest methodology, the new Local Plan needs to allocate land for a minimum of 12,500 additional new dwellings and space for around 8,650 jobs.

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.

Mayor Dave Hodgson said "Throughout the summer, local people have been responding to this Local Plan consultation, having their say on the future of their Borough. Local Plans set out where houses and jobs can be in the future, and policies around town centres and more. We know how much people care about their area and we really want to hear your views. Visit www.bedford.gov.uk/localplan2040 to find out more details, see maps and give us your views. The team have also been holding drop-in sessions over the summer and there is one more taking place this Saturday (21 August) at 11am-2pm at The Howard Centre by the indoor entrance to TKMaxx. This won't be your last opportunity to have your say on the Local Plan 2040, but we want to hear from as many people as possible to help us plan for the future together."

The full consultation paper, a summary leaflet, and a set of FAQs about the paper can be seen at www.bedford.gov.uk/localplan2040 where you can also have your say. You can also request a paper copy of the consultation document and/or response form by calling 01234 718070.

You can also respond by post to Planning Policy Team, Bedford Borough Council, Borough Hall, Cauldwell Street, MK42 9AP.

If you have any questions not addressed in the FAQ, the team can be contacted on 01234 718300 where you can leave a message and the team will come back to you.