Here you will find information about our policies, guidelines and best practice on the future planning of the borough, including the development plan, design guides and relevant guidance.
The Local Plan sets out how much growth there should be in the borough in coming years (housing, jobs and associated infrastructure) and where it should take place.
Work has formally commenced on the Bedford Borough Local Plan 2050. The new Local Plan will set out the long-term planning framework to guide the future development of the borough up to 2050.
Statement of Community Involvement (adopted in January 2025) sets out how and when local communities and stakeholders such as residents, community groups, businesses, statutory bodies can get involved.
These documents include supplementary planning documents, design briefs and topic-based guidance, which provide detailed information and advice to inform and help determine planning applications.
Key technical evidence such as research studies, detailed reports and regeneration blueprints that will help inform and guide the assessment and determination of planning applications, ensuring decisions are based on robust information.
Self-build and custom housebuilding is housing built by individuals, or groups, for their own use, either by building the home on their own or by working with builders.
The Council is preparing three design-related documents which, once adopted will provide design advice on different types of development in the borough.
