Universal runs internationally renowned theme parks, and we welcome Universal’s intention to come to Bedford Borough. While visitors will be happy to queue for rides, when it comes to Universal’s benefits, Bedford Borough residents and businesses must not be at the back of the queue.
Quite separate from the Government’s current consultation on the company’s planning proposals, Liberal Democrats locally have made the case internally that we need the Government to commit to specific funding to support Bedford Borough Council and its partners in planning for and dealing with the impact of such growth on our local community.
The significant impacts of vehicle movements, traffic and construction deliveries will not be left to chance by Universal, but it is vital the Council ensures that it can deal with any issues that might arise during construction and beyond.
There is also existing pressure on housing, even before construction starts and workers and visitors arrive. Bedford Borough residents, particularly those in Kempston Hardwick, Stewartby, Wixams and Wootton, need to be considered at all points in the process.
My Liberal Democrat colleagues and I are calling for Bedford Borough Council to formulate a housing strategy, a transport strategy and a finance strategy in view of major beneficial developments like Universal. This needs to be scrutinised and publicly available.
Again, separate to the planning process we will be seeking a substantial specific funding settlement with the Government which will future proof us against predictable pressures and prevent Bedford Borough Council taxpayers from picking up the tab.
The Mayor needs to get a grip of this and deliver a deal with the Government for Bedford Borough residents, not just sit back and expect good things to flow our way.
We must have a ‘Universal plan’.
Local engagement
There will be many huge benefits from the Universal project – it is brilliant to see Universal and Bedford College working together to develop their skills offer and Universal’s local engagement has been detailed, thorough and very much appreciated.
But, local residents and businesses need a champion in this process to ensure nothing is missed. We are willing to ask questions, push back, and demand the best for Bedford Borough.
Liberal Democrats have been scrutinising the planning proposals and are focusing particularly on infrastructure, both physical and service-based.
We encourage residents to view the proposals, which can be done online here: Universal proposals, or in person by appointment at Horne Lane, Bedford (details here).
The consultation on Universal’s planning application is open until 12pm on Sunday, 31 August 2025.
And, in the last few weeks, I have been meeting residents across the 58 villages of Bedford Borough.
We have been talking about important local issues such as this once in a generation opportunity from the Universal project. It is crucial that we get our response to the Government’s consultation right, for our community and local businesses.
This is a monthly guest column provided by Cllr Henry Vann,
leader of the Bedford Borough Liberal Democrat Group.
It is published unedited and does not reflect the
views of the Bedford Independent.
