Timetable published: 5 October 2026
Publish ‘Notice of intention to commence minerals and waste plan document preparation’
When: 5 October 2026
The notice of intention gives communities and stakeholders advance notice of plan making and sets out when and how they can get involved.
Start of first formal consultation (notice of scoping consultation)
When: 12 October 2026
We will ask people what the plan should contain and how they wish to be engaged in the preparation of the plan. We will also ask for suggested locations for new development.
Date when comments on the scoping consultation must be received
When: 20 November 2026
All comments (representations) on the scoping consultation must be received on or before this date.
Gateway 1 (publication of self assessment summary)
When: 31 March 2027
This summary confirms that we have published the timetable and notice, completed the scoping consultation, and have a project plan in place to begin the next stages of plan preparation. Once we complete Gateway 1, we have 30 months to prepare and adopt the plan.
Start of second formal consultation (proposed plan content and evidence)
When: 30 August 2027
This second consultation sets out the proposed vision, aims and objectives, and a summary of the policy topics the plan will cover. We will also publish a summary of the evidence proposed to support the plan.
Date when representations to the proposed plan content and evidence consultation must be received
When: 15 October 2027
All comments (representations) on the proposed plan content and evidence consultation must be received on or before this date.
Gateway 2
When: 1 September 2028
We will obtain feedback from a planning inspector on the draft plan and supporting evidence, ensuring our approach aligns with national policy, guidance and legislation.
Third formal consultation (proposed plan consultation)
When: 25 September 2028
This 8-week consultation is on the final version of the plan and includes site allocations.
Date when comments on the proposed plan consultation must be received
When: 24 November 2028
All comments (representations) on the proposed plan consultation must be received on or before this date.
Gateway 3
When: 8 January 2029
This is a final check by an external assessor to confirm the plan meets regulations and tests of soundness, before formally submitting it for examination.
Submission of the proposed plan to the Secretary of State for independent examination
When: 30 March 2029
The proposed plan must be submitted for an independent examination carried out by a Planning Inspector. The examination should last no longer than 6 months.
Consideration of adoption of the proposed plan
When: 28 September 2029
Consideration of adopting the proposed plan by Bedford, Central Bedfordshire and Luton councils.