Central Bedfordshire Council adopted a Local Development Order (LDO) for Stratton Business Park in Biggleswade on 6 October 2015.
LDOs allow local planning authorities to extend permitted development rights for certain specified forms of development and set out standard conditions or restrictions to ensure that the interests of residents and others nearby are protected.
The Stratton Park LDO will make it easier for businesses to grow and expand by relaxing some planning restrictions so that they can do certain works without needing to apply for planning permission. The aim is to help businesses to save time and money, which puts them in a better position to respond quickly to opportunities and contribute towards the economic health of the area. Whilst the majority of benefits are open to any businesses on the site, there are certain elements which seek to provide further assistance to businesses in the agrifood industry and related bioscience companies.
The works which no longer require planning permission include a wide range of minor works such as certain changes of use, mezzanine floors, solar or PV panels, lighting, new fencing and a range of others including, for agrifood businesses, the installation of extraction and ventilation equipment. It also allows the expansion of existing buildings up to 1200sqm, or 1500sqm for agrifood businesses, provided they stay within their current plot.
If your premises are within Stratton Business Park and you wish to undertake works, please read the order (PDF 353.7KB) 
. This explains the exact works which can be undertaken, the precise area which is covered, and the conditions and restrictions which must be adhered to. Then, please complete the prior notification form (PDF 316.7KB) . This asks for details of the proposed works and their location, and then asks you to confirm that the proposed works adhere to any necessary conditions or restrictions. Once completed, please submit your notification to us at planning@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk or to Development Management, Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford, Bedfordshire, SG17 5TQ.
Once we receive your notification, we will review the information provided and within 28 days will reply to you to confirm that the proposed works can be undertaken without planning permission. If the proposed works do not fall within the terms of the order and so planning permission will need to be applied for, we will write to you to inform you of this. Alternatively, if the information provided is unclear or incomplete and we are unable to confirm the position, we will contact you to inform you of this and request further details from you.