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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Housebuilder submits “long overdue” plans for 296 new homes on former Biddenham golf course

A local councillor has welcomed plans for nearly 300 new homes on the site of the former Ouse Valley Golf Club in Biddenham, nearly 15 years after the plan was first mooted. The 33.7-acre site...

Rogers Court homeless housing project gets off the ground

A 20-unit facility providing housing for the homeless will be open to residents next month, less than six months after building work began. The Mayor of Bedford, Dave Hodgson, SMART CJS CEO...

Have your say on the future of Bedford Borough in the Local Plan 2040 consultation

Bedford Borough Council wants to hear from residents as the next phase of the Local Plan 2040 consultation begins. Local Plans set out where growth and development will take place - everything from...

Government inspector rejects second attempt to build homes on Cople village back gardens

A Government planning inspector has rejected a second attempt to build homes on back gardens in Cople. Five landowners, including the Shuttleworth Trust, took their case for building up to five homes on land...

New settlements on drawing board as council is set target of 12,500 new homes

Two new settlements with thousands of homes each are on the drawing board as the Government tells Bedford Borough Council that it needs to find space for an extra 12,500 homes...

Four new parish Neighbourhood Plans to shape Borough development

Neighbourhood plans covering Bletsoe, Bromham, Stevington and Thurleigh parishes are set to be formally adopted by Bedford Borough Council’s executive. Each neighbourhood plan was overwhelmingly...

Anger and agony as councillors approve wonky Stevington chapel being turned into house

Borough councillors in Bedford have overturned part of a village’s neighbourhood plan – just 11 days after it was resoundingly approved by the community. More than half the 482 electors of Stevington...

Car rental firm allowed to take over waiting room at Elstow park and ride site

A waiting room intended to help users of Bedford’s park and ride to keep out of the elements while they wait to hop on a bus into town is set to be taken over by… a car rental company...

Flats for homeless people plan approved with acclaim

A plan to convert a former college building into supported flats for homeless people in Bedford has been greeted with acclaim by councillors. Rogers Court, on the corner of Kingsway and Cauldwell Street

Council chiefs admit ‘small risk’ that new doctor’s surgery in Biddenham won’t be built

Council planners and legal experts say they are doing all they can to make sure a new doctor’s surgery is built on the outskirts of Biddenham. A year’s worth of talks has taken place behind the scenes to sort out...