Bedford Borough Council has submitted a retrospective planning application after relocating a town centre sculpture from Harpur Square to St Paul’s Square as part of regeneration works in Bedford town centre.
The application relates to “The Meeting” sculpture by artist John Mills, and planning documents submitted to the council say the sculpture was removed from Harpur Square during redevelopment works designed to create more open space for events and performances.
The retrospective application seeks permission for the sculpture’s relocation to St Paul’s Square, beside the Old Town Hall.
The application form said the work began on 22 April 2025 and was completed on 17 November 2025.
The submitted heritage statement argues the relocation causes “no harm” to nearby heritage assets.
Bedford Borough Council was approached for comment on why retrospective planning permission was required after the sculpture had already been relocated, whether planning permission was originally considered necessary, and the cost of the relocation works.
A spokesperson did not respond at the time of publication.
More information can be found on the council’s planning portal, reference 26/00774/DC3.
The overall consultation expiry date is Tuesday, 23 June 2026.
by John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
