Central Bedfordshire Council (CBC) is assessing 452 prospective development sites to accommodate 25,500 additional homes by 2050, highlighting regional growth pressures across local borders.
The target comes on top of 44,756 homes already allocated under the existing 2015-2035 Local Plan.
Neighbouring Bedford Borough Council and Luton Borough Council are also drafting new Local Plans, with both authorities set to launch public consultations on potential development sites within the next 18 months.
Bedford Borough Council has, however, already launched its official call for sites exercise, a key stage in drafting the upcoming Local Plan 2050 which will guide long-term development across the area.
Read: Bedford Borough landowners invited to put forward development sites for Local Plan 2050
Bedfordians, landowners and local businesses are being urged to help decide where new homes, shops and green energy projects will be built over the next quarter of a century.
Mega projects
The scale of proposed housebuilding coincides with major infrastructure initiatives across the county, including East West Rail, a potential New Town near Tempsford, and the proposed Universal Theme Park.
- Read: All our stories about EWR
- Read: All our stories about Tempsford new town
- Read: All our stories about Universal United Kingdom
Campaign group CPRE Bedfordshire warns that regional growth demands could alter the surrounding landscape, urging local people to scrutinise proposed developments before decisions are finalised.
The campaign group stated that many local people are worried about “countryside ending up under concrete” as large-scale projects combine with expanded village allocations.
Site assessment
Central Bedfordshire Council confirmed that putting a site forward during the consultation stage does not mean it will be included in the final Local Plan or approved for development.
Council officers initially searched for previously developed land before expanding the search to alternative locations and accepting site submissions from landowners and developers.
Proposed locations will undergo detailed technical reviews examining flood risk, impact on historic features, access to local services, and public transport connectivity.
Public consultation
The Central Bedfordshire consultation covers employment land and green spaces alongside residential sites, with responses organised by parish on the council website.
Local people have until Monday, 17 August 2026 to submit feedback on specific sites, with CPRE Bedfordshire publishing dedicated guides to assist individuals and parish councils.
To take part in the Central Bedfordshire Submitted Sites Consultation, head to CBC’s website.
