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28 August 2026
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Cllr Jonathan Abbott

Former Clintons Cards shop could become casino. Image: Google Stretview 19 Silver Street, Bedford in June 2018 (C)2026 Google

Councillors approve Bedford gaming centre after finding concerns were ‘real and credible’

A Bedford Borough Council licensing panel approved a new 24-hour gaming centre in Silver Street despite describing concerns about crime, disorder and vulnerable people as “real and credible”...
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Approximate location for planned coffee drive-thru near the Fairhill roundabout near Clapham in Bedford

Councillors approve coffee drive-thru despite Fairhill traffic concerns

Plans for a new drive-thru coffee shop near Bedford’s Fairhill roundabout were approved despite concerns about congestion at the busy junction. Councillors on Bedford...
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Land south of Bromham Road

Up to 40 homes approved in Biddenham despite objections over child safety

Bedford borough councillors approved plans for up to 40 homes in Biddenham despite concerns about the safety of walking routes. The planning committee (Monday, 27 April)...
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Approximate site boundary of three drive-through cafés and a major employment development near Kempston. Image: Google My Maps Map Data (C)2025 Imagery (C)2025 Airbus, Maxar Technologies via LDRS.

Plans for drive-through cafés near Kempston withdrawn after Environment Agency objection

Plans for drive-through cafés and an employment development near Kempston have been withdrawn after the Environment Agency said the site lies within a functional floodplain...
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Construction taking plane on the new EWR line Image EWR Co

Detailed EWR construction plans for Bedford still not available

Bedford borough councillors have voiced concern that key plans showing how East West Rail will be phased through the town are still not available, despite the project being expected to start building...
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Children draw a colourful picture with chalk on the playground tarmac Image Anuta23 Shutterstock

Decision on Oakley Pre-School play hours deferred for site visit

A decision on extending outdoor play hours at an Oakley pre-school has been deferred after councillors voted to carry out a site visit before making a ruling. Bedford Borough Council’s planning committee...
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The former bus garage in Kempston

Kempston MOT centre plans rejected after local objections

Borough councillors have refused plans to turn a former car sales site in Park Road, Kempston, into an MOT centre after residents warned it would worsen congestion and harm the character...
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Scaffolding erected around houses in a new housing development Image: Irene Miller/Shutterstock

Lack of five-year housing supply undermining Bedford Borough’s neighbourhood plans, warns committee

Borough councillors have warned that neighbourhood plans are being undermined as plans for a 75-home development in Clapham were approved. Last night (Thursday), the chair of...
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Robinson Pool, Bedford Image Bedford Independent

Councillors ask for more detail from leisure operator over question of value for money

Councillors have questioned whether Bedford Borough Council is getting value for money from its leisure services contract after officers confirmed the authority remains fully exposed...
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The foreboding entrance to Oasis Pool isn't inviting.

Decision on future of Oasis Beach Pool due this month

Bedford Borough Council is preparing to take an Executive decision later this month on the future of the former Oasis swimming pool site. Last week’s Environment and Sustainable Communities Overview...
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