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Planning Policy

The Planning Policy team researches, prepares, monitors and reviews land use policies and guidance. It is responsible for preparing the Bedford Development Framework and other policy documents, including Development Briefs and guidance notes. Input is made to regional and national planning issues. A key component in the planning framework for the Borough is looking ahead to the demands placed on the area and balancing these with the needs of the local community and the protection and enhancement of its environment. By monitoring current and future changes throughout the Borough and by proposing clear and precise planning policies the Council endeavours to direct future development into the most appropriate locations. The Head of Planning Policy and Housing Strategy is Ronald McKay.

Bedford Development Framework

The Bedford Development Framework (BDF) is a series of documents which will gradually replace the Local Plan (2002) and deliver the spatial planning strategy for Bedford. These will set out the Council’s policies for meeting the community’s economic, environmental and social aims for the future where they affect the development and use of land.  Preparation of the Local Development Framework will be a continual process with documents being prepared and reviewed in turn to ensure that they are up-to-date.

	Core Strategy and Rural Issues Plan Sets the long term spatial vision for Bedford Borough up until 2021		Town Centre Area Action Plan Sets out the spatial vision for the Bedford town centre.
	Allocations and Designations  Once adopted, will provide specific site allocations and land designations		Local Development Scheme 2011 The programme for the production of the Local Development Framework
	Statement of Community Involvement Community involvement in how the council plans for the future of the borough		Proposal Maps Interactive Maps Illustrating policies contained in adopted plans PDF versions of the Proposal Maps are also available
	Climate Change and Pollution SPD Provides guidance on sustainability issues including energy, pollution and waste storage		Annual Monitoring Report Monitors the Borough Council's planning policies year on year
	Gypsy and Traveller Sites Plan		Structure Plan
	Shopfronts and Advertisements in Conservation Areas		High Street Strategy Sets out the future vision for Bedford high Street
	Community Safety		Developer Contributions Strategy
	Studies and Monitoring

Bedford Borough Local Plan 2002

The Bedford Borough Local Plan was adopted in 2002 and sets the development vision for Bedford Borough until 2006. Policies still remain in effect until replaced by the Bedford Development Framework. Please click here to view the 'saved' Local Plan Policies as of October 2008.

Bedford Borough Local Plan 2002

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