A planning objection by East West Rail to Bedford Hospital’s expansion has been resolved, but the NHS trust has warned that major concerns remain over access, parking and construction impacts.
Minutes from a February 2026 meeting between Bedford Borough Council and East West Rail (EWR) show the rail company submitted a “holding objection” after concluding the “footprint of the hospital design has now caused a problem”.
The issue related to a potential overlap between the hospital’s proposals and East West Rail’s plans for a multi-storey car park linked to the wider scheme.
Precaution
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) asked EWR about its objection.
A spokesperson said: “We did submit a temporary holding objection to Bedfordshire Hospitals Foundation Trust’s proposed planning application.
“However, this was not an objection to the development itself, but rather a precaution focused on the geographic location of their proposals and a potential overlap with East West Rail’s plans for a multi-storey car park.
“We have a strong and constructive working relationship with the Trust and following a series of constructive and collaborative design workshops between East West Rail and the Trust’s technical teams, these issues have now been successfully resolved.”
They added that the “agreed” outcome delivers a “stronger” solution for all parties involved.
“We will ensure there is no overall loss of car parking spaces during construction or once the work is complete,” they added.
However, the Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust said it remained concerned about the project’s impact on access and parking.
A spokesperson told the LDRS: “The Trust is aware that East West Rail previously submitted a holding objection in relation to our planning proposals.
“This matter has since been resolved and we look forward to the objection being withdrawn.
“At present, the Trust has been well sighted and fully engaged with EWR’s consultation plans and processes, but are yet to see detailed traffic, access or parking management plans associated with the EWR proposals.
“Without this level of detail, it is difficult to give specific assurances or commentary on how access and parking will be maintained.”
“Critical areas”
The Trust said it is “supportive” of investment in infrastructure that improves transport connectivity, but it is “equally clear” about the “significant” challenges that proposals such as East West Rail could present for hospital access.
It said it has “consistently” highlighted two “critical areas” that must be fully addressed: the protection of adequate on-site parking capacity for patients, visitors, and staff, and the “safe and reliable” access to the hospital during and after any construction period.
“The safe operation of the hospital is fundamentally dependent on reliable access for ambulances, patients, staff and deliveries, and this cannot be compromised,” the Trust spokesperson said.
They added that the Trust remained committed to working with EWR and the council to address the issues.
By John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
