Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document for North Area
The Planning Obligations Strategy Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) for the north area has been amended to reflect the new policy framework set out in the Adopted Core Strategy and Development Management Development Plan Document. Other changes include updating the document to reflect the unitary status of the authority.
You can view or download the 
Planning Obligations Strategy (application/pdf; 274kB)and the Background Papers (application/pdf; 11517kB) from this webpage. Alternatively, to request copies of the documents and comments form please telephone 0300 300 8000 or email ldf@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk.
The Planning Obligations Strategy SPD can also be viewed at Central Bedfordshire Council Offices in Chicksands and the Customer Service Centres in Biggleswade and Ampthill or in the main libraries across the District (opening times vary).
What is a planning obligation?
A planning obligation is a legal agreement between the planning authority and the developer. A planning obligation may require the developer to do something or restrict what can be done with land following the grant of planning permission such as contributing money or facilities which enable the development to occur. For example, the developer of a large housing site may make a contribution to build a new classroom at the local school.
What is the Planning Obligations Strategy?
The Planning Obligations Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) sets out the Council’s Policy for an improved approach to negotiating and securing planning obligations associated with new development in the former Mid Bedfordshire area.
It provides users of the planning service in the former Mid Bedfordshire area with greater transparency and certainty of what planning obligations will be sought in conjunction with planning applications for development.
The SPD gives guidance on when and how the Council will enter into planning obligations and the type of facilities and other benefits the Council expects developers to provide. It introduces the idea of a standard charge which may be applied for new developments.
What work has been done to date?
The SPD, Background Paper and Residential Calculator were originally adopted on 20 February 2008, following formal consultation on a draft in 2007. The SPD became operative on 1st May 2008.
The SPD, Background Paper and Residential Calculator were updated 20 May 2008 to correct a small number of data entries.
The Planning Obligations Calculators were amended on 23 October 2008 to remove the need for contributions to Middle Schools in Biggleswade, Dunton, Edworth, Eyeworth and Northill as a result of a Review by the County Council Education Service.
The SPD, Background Paper and Residential Calculator were updated in November 2009 to reflect the new policy framework of the Core Strategy and Development Management Development Plan Document.
Template Agreements
All owners of the site will need to enter into the agreement or undertaking. This will include any tenants or lessees, and any Bank or other lending institution where there is a mortgage on the site.
If you are considering making a planning application to the Council then please contact the Development Management team. Where negotiations are required on a case by case basis the Council strongly advises applicants to engage in pre-application discussions.
All Template Agreements forms can be downloaded from the following webpage: http://www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/environment-and-planning/planning/apps/planning-obs-calculator.aspx