A flat above a Bedford High Street leisure venue has been built and occupied before seeking planning approval.
The retrospective planning application relates to 38 High Street, where the second floor has been converted into a self-contained residential flat.
According to planning documents, the works were carried out in an area previously used as storage associated with the former Debenhams department store.
The application has been submitted to Bedford Borough Council to “regularise” the development after the conversion was completed without planning approval.
The applicants claimed that if the works had been applied for in advance, the conversion could potentially have been carried out under permitted development rights for buildings in commercial use
The new property contains two bedrooms, a living and kitchen area, and a shower room.
The building is located within the Bedford Conservation Area, although the planning statement says no external alterations have been made and that all works were internal.
The ground and first floors of the building are currently used as an “indoor sports and recreation venue” with an associated bar, a use that planning documents say has been confirmed as lawful by the council.
The noise and amenity note submitted as part of the application said “post occupation feedback indicates that the flat provides a satisfactory living environment”.
The applicant said converting upper floors to residential use makes use of previously “underutilised” space.
More information can be found on the council’s planning portal, reference 26/00384/S73.
The overall consultation expiry date is Friday, 3 April 2026.
by John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
