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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Practical magic: Turning everyday homes into dream spaces with smart extensions

In Bedford and the surrounding area, the allure of smart home extensions is revolutionising how we envision living spaces. Merging functionality with modern design, these enhancements are not just expanding...

Government planning changes will offer “limited help” to those in temporary housing

The government has said its changes to the planning rules will “protect” residents from being pushed out of their communities by excessive short-term lets. But Bedford Borough Council said this would...

Planning approved for drive-thru Costa off Riverfield Drive

Bedford will have another coffee drive-thru after planning was approved for a site off Riverfield Drive. A 24-hour Costa will be built by the B&M store despite objections from residents and their...

Patch of land meets “minimum size standards” for home, developer claims

A new home on a patch of land in Kempston will meet the “minimum size standards” and “will not have an adverse effect” on future occupiers, a developer has claimed. Bedford Borough Council has...

Great Barford to lose a coffee shop and gain a chippy if plans are approved

A Great Barford coffee shop could become a chippy – if plans are approved. The applicants applying to change the use of the coffee shop at 31 Bedford Road said the café has “not proved viable”, hence...

Applicant says children’s home would bring “significant benefits” to Kempston community

If approved, plans to convert a Kempston house to a children’s home would bring “significant benefits” to the local community, an applicant has claimed. Bedford Borough Council has received an application...

Mixed response to Grace community hub planning application in Kempston

A planning application for a community hub in Kempston has been welcomed by the Borough Council, but local councillors and the MP are opposing the project. A hybrid planning application by the...

Reapplication for new homes in Harrold described as “nonsense” by objector

A planning application for new homes in Harrold is the “same rejected application dressed up as a change of use”, an objector has claimed. Last month an application for 17 new homes – including the six...

Too late to restore quarry say planning consultants

It’s now too late to enforce planning conditions to restore a Stewartby quarry, planning consultants have claimed. An application for a certificate of lawfulness has been sent to Bedford Borough...

Shortstown in line for up to 1,000 new homes if planning approved

Up to 1,000 new homes could be coming to a village near Bedford, if planning is approved. A hybrid planning application for a development in Shortstown has been submitted to Bedford Borough Council...