Deadline extended for consultation on planning policies
Tuesday, 28 February 2023
There is still time for residents to have their say on two Supplementary Planning Documents (SPDs), the Design Guide and Housing Policy Technical Guidance.
The consultation opened on 17 January 2023, however, to allow more time for residents to respond, the deadline for comments has been extended by an additional two weeks. Therefore, the deadline is now Thursday 16 March 2023.
We are committed to ensuring all new development is of the highest possible quality and the Design Guide is an important planning policy document, that sets out the key principles and standards of design in Central Bedfordshire. The current Design Guide has been updated to take account of our new adopted Local Plan, changes to national planning policy and guidance and other local strategies such as the council’s Sustainability Plan and 2050 Vision.
The Housing Policy Technical Guidance supports the implementation of the housing policies in our adopted Local Plan. The guidance sets out what we expect from developers and how applications will be assessed on a range of policies, including housing mix, housing standards, housing for older people, affordable housing, rural exception sites and self and custom build housing.
Councillor Kevin Collins, Executive Member for Planning and Regeneration, said:
The delivery of high-quality design and the right type and quantity of new housing is fundamental to achieving sustainable communities across Central Bedfordshire. Both the updated Design Guide and Housing Policy Technical Guidance will further support the policies in our adopted Local Plan. We welcome people to have their say on the documents.
After the consultation ends, we will consider all the comments received and will make changes to the documents where necessary. The final documents will then be presented to committee for adoption, which is expected to be around summer 2023.