Planning

All the latest planning news from across Bedford Borough. Everything you need to keep you up to date with what’s happening in Bedford Borough on your mobile or desktop via the Bedford Independent.

The Bedford Independent was founded to provide the people of Bedford Borough with a modern news desk that would give them easy access to genuine and unbiased Bedford news. We are independent in ownership and opinion.

Our mission is to inform and inspire the people of Bedford. To do this we will work hard to bring them the news that matters to them from our town centre to the most rural of the Borough’s villages.

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The hand of a builder placing bricks as they build a wall
The Planning Inspectorate has raised concerns about Bedford Borough Council’s new Local Plan, saying that there is a shortfall of "at least 2,000 homes". In a letter published today, Inspector Darren McCreery...
Cllr Charles Royden (Lib Dems, Brickhill)
Filling in a disused quarry is “ecological vandalism”, a Bedford borough councillor has said. Plans to build temporary facilities as part of the restoration of Elstow South Quarry were discussed...
26 Harpur Street Screenshot Google Streetview (C)2023 Google Image capture June 2023
Bedford Borough Council is reopening a temporary rough sleeper assessment hub in Bedford to meet “ongoing need”. Yesterday’s Planning Committee (November 20) voted unanimously to grant...
Another drive-thru coffee shop could open in Bedford  – if new plans are approved. Bedford Borough Council has received plans for a Costa Coffee on land within the existing B&M Bedford (Goldington)...
The preparations are underway for Winter Wonderland to launch later this month. (Image Bedford Borough Council)
Bedford Borough Council has responded to questions over this year's Winter Wonderland event in Bedford Park after residents said they had not been consulted until after the construction had begun...
5G mast protest sign no consultation Barkers Lane 5 November 2023
The way Bedford Borough Council engages with local people during planning applications is outdated, not fit for purpose and it's keeping taxpayers in the dark. For quite...
Cpt Tom Cranfield Uni
Captain Tom’s daughter has been ordered to pull down the luxury spa complex she built in her garden. Hannah Ingram-Moore, 53, and her husband Colin, 66, have lost an appeal against Central Beds...
Given that Winter Wonderland is already being set up in Bedford Park, the granting of planning permission is a “foregone conclusion”, an objector has said. An application for the temporary change of...
Land East of 8 Fetlock Close Clapham (in October 2009) Image Google Streetview (C) 2023 Google. Image: capture October 2009
A village near Bedford has a new ‘village green’ after satisfying a council committee that all the relevant criteria had been met. A report presented to the General Purposes Committee...
Borough Hall. Image: LDRS
A new care home for up to two children could become available in Bedford if plans are approved. Bedford Borough Council has received a retrospective change of use application to convert...
Solar power
An archaeological dig on a solar farm site near Bedford has led to a change of plans so the “significant” find can be protected. Planning permission for the solar farm on land north of College Farm, Green Lane...
128 Bedford Road. Image LDRS
Plans to double the occupancy of a Kempston house in multiple occupation have been submitted to Bedford Borough Council. The house in multiple occupation (HMO) at 128 Bedford Road currently...