Consultation on submitted sites now open
We are inviting residents, local businesses and organisations to comment on sites that have been put forward for possible inclusion in the new Local Plan.
Last year, we invited landowners, developers and others to put forward sites they thought had potential for future development through a call for sites. We looked first at previously developed land, but as there were not enough suitable sites identified in that category, other sites were also put forward. We have also carried out our own search for additional sites that may need to be considered as part of preparing the Local Plan.
What are submitted sites?
Submitted sites are pieces of land that have been put forward to us for possible future development.
Putting a site forward does not mean it will be included in the Local Plan or that any decision has been made about it. There is a detailed process we must go through to decide which sites might be suitable to take forward.
As part of that process, all sites will be carefully assessed. This includes looking at a wide range of evidence, such as flood risk, the impact on historic features, access to services, and whether places can be reached by walking, cycling or public transport rather than relying mainly on the car. We must also take account of national planning policies and guidance.
What are we asking you to do?
We want to hear your views on the sites that have been submitted, including any local concerns about particular sites and the reasons for them.
We welcome all views, but are asking residents to focus on the sites in their own ward or local area, where their local knowledge will be most valuable. We also want to understand which sites they would prefer to see developed in their area. You do not need to comment on every site across Central Bedfordshire.
Your views will be considered alongside detailed evidence, national policy and environmental information before any decisions are made about which sites may be suitable to take forward.
The consultation opens on 6 July 2026 and closes on 17 August 2026.
Planning applications
This consultation is separate from the planning application process.
Some submitted sites may already be the subject of planning applications, but comments made through this consultation will only be considered as part of preparing the new Local Plan.
If you want to comment on a planning application, you must do so through the separate planning application process.
How to take part
Find out how to have your say on submitted sites
Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Scoping Report
Alongside the sites consultation, we are also consulting on the Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) Scoping Report.
This report is a technical document that helps set out the issues that will need to be considered to assess the potential environmental impacts of the Local Plan as it develops. Feedback on the SEA Scoping Report will help inform the wider preparation of the Local Plan.
The consultation opens on 6 July 2026 and closes on 20 July 2026