The Council in its capacity as a licensing authority adopted three Cumulative Impact Areas in 2018.
Where a licensing authority has adopted a Cumulative Impact Policy it is required to review the assessment periodically to establish if the evidence is still relevant and publish said review.
A detailed review of the cumulative impact of licensed premises has been undertaken for the Council by a specialist company, MAKE Associates.
On the 18 September the Licensing Committee resolved to consult on the evidence contained in the Cumulative Impact Assessment research report based on the following opinion:
That, subject to any relevant new information provided during the public consultation, the Council, as licensing authority, proposes to maintain the borough’s three longstanding CIA Areas in Bedford Town Centre (with their existing boundaries) and proposed that they will apply to the following types of licensable activity (under the Licensing Act 2003):
- The High Street (on-sales, off-sales and late-night refreshment).
- Midland Road (off-sales and late-night refreshment).
- Tavistock Street (off-sales and late-night refreshment).
We are now seeking your views on this assessment.
- View the Cumulative Impact Assessment Research Report (PDF).
Timetable for this consultation
The timetable for the Bedford Cumulative Impact Assessment consultation is set out below:
| Stage | Date begins | Date ends |
|---|---|---|
| Notification of consultation and general invitation of comments on assessment | 6 October 2025 | 16 November 2025 |
| Collation and examination of responses received to the consultation. | 17 November 2025 | 26 November 2025 |
| Determination by the LA 2003 Licensing Committee of recommendations to Council on assessment. | 3 December 2026 (papers for committee meeting) | 11 December 2025 |
| Consideration by Council of the recommended Policy from the (Licensing Act 2003) Licensing Committee | 7 January 2026 (papers for full Council published) | 15 January 2026 |
Have your say
Please submit your responses by email to licensingconsultations@bedford.gov.uk