The Bedford Borough Local Plan outlines how much growth is needed and where it should take place in the borough to address future demands like housing, jobs and supporting infrastructure, while addressing climate change and safeguarding natural resources.
Adopted plan
The current adopted version of the Bedford Local Plan is made up of the following documents:
- Local Plan 2030 (adopted in 2020)
- Allocations and Designations Development Plan
- Local Plan 2002 (adopted in 2002)
Maps
An interactive online map (known as the Policies Map) illustrates the policies and proposals set out in the Bedford Borough Local Plan.
Inset maps of the Policies Map can be viewed or downloaded below in PDF format. Some of the files are large and may take a few seconds to open:
- Bedford Borough
- Bedford and Kempston
- Bedford Central Area
- Bletsoe
- Bromham
- Cardington
- Carlton
- Clapham
- Colmworth
- Cople
- Cotton End
- Dean and Shelton: Upper Dean
- Felmersham
- Great Barford
- Harrold
- Knotting and Souldrop: Souldrop
- Little Staughton
- Melchbourne and Yelden: Yelden
- Milton Ernest
- Oakley
- Odell
- Pavenham
- Pertenhall and Swineshead: Swineshead
- Podington
- Ravensden: Church End
- Renhold: Salph End
- Renhold: Green End
- Riseley
- Roxton
- Sharnbrook
- Shortstown
- Stagsden
- Stevington
- Stewartby
- Thurleigh
- Turvey
- Wilden
- Willington
- Wilstead
- Wixams
- Wootton
- Wymington
Other relevant development plan documents
The following development plan documents are used alongside the adopted Bedford Borough Local Plan to assess and inform decisions on planning applications in the borough.
- Neighbourhood Plans
- Minerals and Waste Local Plan
- associated policy maps listed above
These documents collectively form part of Bedford Borough's development plan, which is the legal framework that guides all planning and development decisions in the borough.
Withdrawn Bedford Borough Local Plan 2040
The previous emerging Bedford Borough Local Plan 2040 has now been withdrawn from examination after the government deemed it unsound, primarily because of fundamental concerns over infrastructure funding to support the growth levels proposed and the impacts of the proposed Universal Studios theme park.
The decision to withdraw the plan Local Plan 2040 was taken at the full council meeting on 8 October 2025. The withdrawal of the plan Local Plan 2040 from examination signifies the closure of the examination.
Whilst the withdrawn plan Local Plan 2040 does not carry any legal weight in planning decisions, some of the evidence used in its preparation can still be a relevant material consideration. View the relevant evidence documents here.