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.
They can also serve as a valuable resource when undertaking personal research and planning histories, such as conservation area plans.
The current adopted development plan (including the Bedford Local Plan) sets out the overall framework to guide decisions on planning applications.
Design guides and codes
Design guides and codes are essential project management documents used in the planning process to define the goals, scope, context, audience and strategy of the proposed development project.
The Bedford Borough Design Guide (adopted in 2023) provides general design advice to guide future development in Bedford Borough. It supports design policies that appear in the adopted development plan, including those in the Local Plan 2030.
- North of Bromham Road Design Guide (adopted in 2015)
- Residential Extensions, New Dwellings and Small Infill Developments (adopted in 2000)
- Technical Guidance: Waste Audits for New Developments (adopted in 2021)
- Technical Guidance: Waste and Recycling in New Developments (adopted in 2021)
Supplementary Planning Documents (SPD)
SPDs provide more detail on how the policies set out in the borough’s development plan or national planning policies will be implemented.
Once adopted, SPDs carry significant weight as a material consideration in the assessment and determination of planning applications and development proposals.
Open Space Supplementary Planning Document
The Open Space Supplementary Planning Document (adopted in 2013) provides guidance on how new housing developments should incorporate open space and recreation facilities.
Separate appendices from the document are outlined below.
- Appendix 2 - Financial contributions in lieu of on-site provision of open space (Excel)
- Appendix 3 – Example of calculations for contributions in lieu of on-site provision of open space (Excel)
- Appendix 4 – Commuted sums contribution table for management and maintenance where the facility is provided on site (Excel)
- Appendix 6 – Calculator for open space provision (Excel)
Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document
The Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (adopted in 2013) sets out our approach to securing planning obligations from new developments such as affordable housing, school places and site-specific mitigation that require planning permission. These are also called section 106 agreements.
Sustainable Drainage Supplementary Planning Document
The Sustainable Drainage Supplementary Planning Document (adopted in 2018) defines the requirements relating to the implementation of sustainable drainage systems as part of future development.
Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document
The Houses in Multiple Occupation Supplementary Planning Document (adopted in 2020) provides guidance on the management and development of housing in multiple occupation (HMOs).
Shopfronts and Advertisements in Conservation Areas Supplementary Planning Document
The Shopfronts and Advertisements in Conservation Areas Supplementary Planning Document (adopted in 2005) provides guidance on the design of shopfronts and advertisements in the borough, particularly in sensitive areas like conservation areas and town and district centres to supplement the policies set out in the Bedford Local Plan.
Parking Standards for Sustainable Communities: Design and Good Practice Supplementary Planning Document
The Parking Standards for Sustainable Communities: Design and Good Practice Supplementary Planning Document (adopted in 2014) provides detailed guidance on car, cycle, disabled, coach and motorbike parking, layouts and dimensions as well as standards in terms of the number and size of spaces needed in association with new development.
A Strategy for Bedford High Street Supplementary Planning Document
The A Strategy for Bedford High Street Supplementary Planning Document (adopted in 2010) sets out an approach to regenerate and restore Bedford's High Street. The centre of shopping in Bedford town centre has slowly shifted away from the High Street over the years, due in part to the opening of the Harpur Centre and changing shopping patterns.
Developing in the Forest of Marston Vale Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document
The Developing in the Forest of Marston Vale Design Guide Supplementary Planning Document (adopted in 2023) provides practical guidance on the design of developments to deliver 30% tree cover in the Forest of Marston Vale area in line with the adopted Local Plan.
Trees and Development Supplementary Planning Document
The Trees and Development Supplementary Planning Document (adopted in 2024) provides guidance on the application of the Bedford Local Plan policies and any future provision of trees and landscaping.
Development briefs
Development briefs provide detailed guidance on the development of specific development sites in the borough.
- Biddenham Loop Development Brief (adopted in 2003). This area is now known as Great Denham.
- Elstow New Settlement Development Brief (adopted in 1999). This relates to the new settlement at Wixams.
- Land at Shortstown Development Brief (adopted in 2003)
- Land North of Bromham Road Development Brief (adopted in 2003)
- Wootton Development Brief (adopted in 1999)
Briefing notes and other guidance
These documents relate to the application of specific policies set out in the current adopted local plans.