The Council is preparing three design-related documents which, once adopted will provide design advice on different types of development in the borough. They will support design policies that appear in the adopted development plan, including those in the Local Plan 2030 and the Bedford Borough Design Guide SPD, which was adopted in 2023. We would like to hear your views on these documents, which can be viewed below.
The Urban Area Design Code sets out common characteristics in different parts of the urban area of Bedford, looking at the town centre, urban neighbourhoods, suburban neighbourhoods and modern suburban neighbourhoods. It sets out how new developments in these areas should be approached in design terms.
- View draft Bedford Borough Design Code: Urban and Suburban Areas
- View Sustainability Appraisal Screening
The Urban Extensions and New Settlements Design Code sets out expectations the Council would have when site specific design codes are prepared for larger developments in the borough. Larger developments have the opportunity to create their own identity but should still take cues from the borough and its built history.
- View draft Bedford Borough Design Code: Large Urban Extensions and New Settlements
- View Sustainability Appraisal Screening
The Tall Buildings Design Guidance explains how to appropriately include tall buildings and higher densities into areas across the borough that have not, historically, included them in development.
View Interim Consultation Statement
How to have your say
You can have your say by emailing your comments on these documents to planningforthefuture@bedford.gov.uk with the subject heading ‘Design Codes Consultation’. Please clearly label in your email which document(s) your comment(s) is/are referring to.
There is no separate response form for this consultation.
The consultation will run from 6 March 2026 to 3 April 2026.
What happens next
Following the consultation, the Council will review the representations received and prepare the final documents.
Adoption is expected by Summer 2026.