Central Bedfordshire are progressing a Full Local Plan Review in accordance with the Local Development Scheme (LDS) updated in January 2025. The LDS sets out the high-level timeframe for the development of an updated Local Plan.
Early public and stakeholder engagement was undertaken during 2024, together with two Call for Sites, both brownfield and greenfield.
The sites will now be assessed to determine whether they are suitable for the development type proposed. This will include considering whether there is landowner commitment to bring the site forward, constraints such as flood risk and environmental and historic designations, and whether there is sufficient infrastructure capacity to support the proposed site. The Council anticipate that this will take them some time. There will be further consultation on the Local Plan and any shortlisted sites will be undertaken as part of the wider plan-making process.
The Local Plan is expected to continue to progress with the following key milestones:
- Public and stakeholder engagement – Draft Local Plan Formal Consultation (Regulation 18): February 2026 – April 2026.
- Publication of the proposed submission (Pre-Submission) plan for representations (Regulation 19): September 2027 – October 2027.
- Submission of Plan to Secretary of State for Examination (Reg 22): February 2028
- Examination Period: March 2028 – August 2028.
- Inspector’s Report: September 2028
- Adoption: December 2028
For the purposes of decision making, the current Local Plan will remain relevant until a new Local Plan is adopted.
If you would like to know more about the Central Bedfordshire Local Plan Review please contact us now for further advice.
