Blakeney Estates Ltd has submitted a new application to Bedford Borough Council seeking approval to amend the layout of two homes within its 20-dwelling development south of Keely Lane in Wootton.
The request applies to Plots 3 and 15, where the developer proposes to update the approved plans to include a “room in the roof” comprising a bedroom and en suite bathroom.
These changes would be achieved by converting loft space and adding skylights to the front and rear elevations.
The existing Bedroom 3 would be removed, allowing Bedroom 1 to be enlarged, meaning the dwellings would remain as three-bedroom properties.
The developer is asking to change one of the conditions of a previous planning approval (reference 24/01842/M73), which says the homes must be built exactly as shown in the approved plans.
They want to update the drawings for the house type for Plots 3 and 15to reflect changes to the inside layout and roof design.
Earlier, in June 2025, the Planning Inspectorate approved an appeal that restored some of the usual building rights for the site.
However, one condition (Condition 9) still blocks certain roof changes on four plots, including Plots 3 and 15, because adding more bedrooms in the roof could lead to a need for more parking spaces.
The developer argues that the revised layout does not increase the number of bedrooms and therefore does not trigger additional parking requirements.
According to the appeal decision, the original concern related to a potential rise in demand for on-street parking due to increased bedrooms, not to overlooking or harm to neighbouring amenity.
The supporting statement notes that the rooflight sill heights are 1.1 metres, in line with building regulations, and that both plots meet or exceed minimum separation distances set out in the council’s design guidance. Plot 15’s rear garden, for example, is 11.8 metres deep, above the 9-metre minimum.
More information can be found on the council’s planning portal, reference 25/01515/M73.
The overall consultation expiry date is Friday, 29 August 2025.
by John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
