Why are these proposals needed?
The land is being promoted to Bedford Borough Council on the basis that it is a sensible and sustainable location for growth and that it can meaningfully contribute towards an urgent and increasing need for new housing in the borough.
Planning Policy Context
The Council does have an adopted Local Plan; however, this became five years old in January 2025. As it is over five years old, it is considered out of date.
The Council progressed work on a new Local Plan (known as the Bedford Local Plan 2040), which was prepared and submitted for examination in January 2023.
Following major changes, including the announcement of the proposed Universal theme park project, the Planning Inspector wrote to the Council in June 2025 stating that the Local Plan would need such significant changes that the process should restart. The Council therefore withdrew the Local Plan 2040 from examination and will now prepare a new Local Plan 2046.
This means the Council currently does not have enough approved sites to meet future housing needs, including affordable and family homes.
As the Council is currently unable to demonstrate a five-year Housing Land Supply (5YHLS), we are progressing with an Outline planning application in the absence of a new Local Plan being in place.
What is a five-year Housing Land Supply (5YHLS)?
- Councils must identify sites that can realistically deliver homes within the next five years.
- The number of homes required is based on the local housing need or housing target.
- If councils cannot demonstrate a five-year supply, planning policies restricting development can carry less weight, making it easier for housing developments to be approved.