Bedford Borough Council is starting an important conversation about the future planning of our Borough - the places we live in, work in and enjoy every day.
And we want to hear your views on the challenges and opportunities ahead, as well as the priorities that should shape how the Borough grows and develops over the next 20 to 25 years.
Our Borough is changing in ways that will benefit residents, communities and businesses alike. Major investments such as Universal United Kingdom Resort and improved transport links will strengthen our connections across the UK and Europe, helping to create new jobs, homes and opportunities across the borough and the wider region.
To help guide how the Borough grows and develops over the coming decades, we are preparing a bold and forward-looking Bedford Borough Local Plan 2050.
We want to hear your ideas on
- Potential improvements such as new facilities, open spaces and other development projects that should be prioritised in your local neighbourhood
- The focus and direction of the policies in our new plan
- How potential development sites across the borough should be assessed and selected.
The consultation includes a series of questions on what the new plan should cover and how you can help shape it. It outlines an ambitious vision of the borough as an innovative and vibrant river town, with world-class leisure, education and entertainment uses, connected and vibrant communities and easy access to nature.
Councillor Andrea Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Prosperity, Planning, Housing and Regulatory Services said; “Don’t miss your opportunity to share your thoughts and help shape the future of the whole of Bedford Borough.
“This consultation is a chance for you to share ideas or suggest land suitable to build homes, businesses or community spaces, so we can decide where development should happen. As one of our key priorities, your feedback will directly inform how we get the right mix of homes and jobs alongside the local services including the leisure and green spaces we want, while protecting our most valued assets.
“Together, we can make the Borough an even better place to live, work and spend time.”
Taking part is simple: visit our online consultation portal at https://localplan.bedford.gov.uk, register and share your views no later than 11.59pm on Monday 23 November.
We have also extended the call for sites deadline to align with this end date. Landowners, developers and other interested parties can continue to submit potential development sites, such as housing and employment opportunities.
For further information, please email planning.policy@bedford.gov.uk or call 01234 718070.