9 November 2026

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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.

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Plans submitted for flats above former Waterstones shop

Plans have been submitted to transform the space above the former Waterstones in Bedford town centre into flats. Proposals have been submitted to Bedford Borough Council to change...

Homelessness charity submits plans for new property after Clarendon Street night shelter closes

A homelessness charity has submitted plans to increase its provision in the Queen’s Park area of Bedford following the closure of its Clarendon Street night shelter. The King’s Arms Project (KAP)...

Developer submits plans for 500 new Sharnbrook homes

A planning application for up to 500 new homes in Sharnbrook has been submitted to Bedford Borough Council. The development, located east of the village at Hill Farm, Mill Road, will...

Go-ahead given for garage despite claims it overhangs neighbour’s property

Retrospective planning permission for a detached double garage in Odell has been granted despite a claim that part of the development was overhanging a neighbour’s property. The plans...

Guest Editor: When I needed a shelter were you there?

As a teenager I lived with my Dad in what we called our ‘Batchelor pad’ in the centre of a town not far away. During a turbulent time in my life, my Dad was made redundant from...

Planning application submitted for 20 new homes in Wootton

An outline planning application for 20 new homes in Wootton has been submitted to Bedford Borough Council. The application from Rainier Developments is to develop land to...

Guest editor: Homeless for 15 years but now housed and happy

I first became homeless when I was 15. At 16 I was put in a bedsit by social services and left to it – I had no idea of what to do. Then I spent the next 15 years living in hostels and...

Great Denham residents face ‘mind-boggling’ maintenance costs of £1,257 per light

A local councillor has slammed estate management companies for the "iniquitous and mind-boggling" charges faced by residents in Great Denham. Cllr Jim Weir...

Changes to government calculations mean additional 12,000 new houses in Bedford Borough

Bedford borough will have to find sites for an additional 12,000 new homes following changes to government calculations, a meeting heard. Bedford mayor, Dave Hodgson told the...

Planning meeting told “The council’s function is not to determine the ownership of the land”

Bedford council has said it won’t get involved in rows over who owns land when planning applications are submitted. The comment came during a discussion over retrospective...