Planning
Background
We take an evidence-based approach when delivering healthy, happy places.
Little Barford Garden Community is within the agricultural estate of the late Nigel Alington which we acquired in 2022. The estate comprises 1,119 acres including the hamlet of Little Barford which includes 17 tenanted properties, as well as a vacant Manor House in need of renovation, a Listed farmhouse with ancillary barns, and a disused former schoolhouse.
We are in the early stages of developing plans for Little Barford Garden Community. This process starts with the production and adoption of a Supplementary Planning Document.
What is a supplementary planning document?
A Supplementary Planning Document is a set of site-specific planning policies which, once approved by Bedford Borough Council, will form a key consideration in making decisions on future planning applications.
The Supplementary Planning Document will be prepared alongside Bedford Borough Council and is designed to expand on the policies contained with the Draft Local Plan, including outlining a set of design principles for future planning applications.
Can I get involved in shaping the Supplementary Planning Document?
Yes.
Over the coming months, we will be undertaking a comprehensive and transparent multi-stage consultation programme, reviewing all feedback received throughout, and where possible, incorporating this into a final draft Supplementary Planning Document.
The draft Supplementary Planning Document will then be consulted on by Bedford Borough Council. Some amendments may follow before the document is finalised and adopted.
Allocated for Development
The site is allocated within Bedford Borough Council’s emerging Local Plan (Policy HOU19) to deliver a new community of at least 4,000 homes and four hectares of employment land.
The draft allocation requires the provision of all the key services and facilities to address its own needs, including health, education, retail, culture and community components, and will foster a strong local community based approach to the ownership and long-term stewardship of assets.
In 2023, the site was scrutinised by a Government appointed Inspector at a public examination and no concerns were identified with the deliverability of the site. The Council is currently producing additional evidence to address other matters raised and expects to adopt its Local Plan by mid-2025.