Bedford Borough Council has launched its Call for Sites and Development Opportunities as part of the preparation of the new Bedford Borough Local Plan 2050, with submissions invited until 30 October 2026. The Local Plan will guide future growth and development across the Borough up to 2050.

The Council is inviting landowners, developers, businesses, community groups, parish councils and residents to put forward sites and development opportunities that could help shape the Borough’s future. Opportunities may include:

• Housing and employment sites
• Leisure, recreation and community facilities
• Town centre and retail uses
• Open space and biodiversity enhancements
• Renewable energy and regeneration projects

The exercise is open to anyone promoting land, from small infill sites through to larger strategic locations, provided you own the land or have permission from the landowner to submit it.

It is important to note that submission of a site does not guarantee allocation within the Local Plan. All sites will be assessed against a range of factors including accessibility, flood risk, contamination and other planning constraints. Early engagement and a well-prepared promotion strategy can, however, significantly improve a site’s prospects as the Council seeks to identify sustainable opportunities for future growth.

If you would like professional support in identifying, assessing and promoting land through the Bedford Local Plan 2050 process, please get in touch with our Planning Consultancy Team to discuss at advice@waypointplanning.co.uk or 01284 700727.

For more information on the Call for Sites process, visit the Bedford Borough Council official website https://www.bedford.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy-and-place-making/bedford-borough-local-plan-2050/call-sites

Any additional information on the Local Plan 2050 timetable can be found at https://www.bedford.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy-and-place-making/bedford-borough-local-plan-2050/bedford-borough-local-plan-2050-timetable

It’s your future, your land, your Bedford Borough.

We look forward to hearing from you!