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Planning and Local Plan Update

Written by Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce | 20 Aug 2021

Robinson & Hall, Land and Property Professionals have a few points they want to share with you on the ever changing world of planning.

1. Reminder of new Permitted Development Rights that came into effect on 1st August 2021 (see previous article here).
The changes enable the change of use of premises in a commercial, business or service purpose (Class E) to use as a dwelling house (Class C3). This is subject to limitations and, in particular, the building must have continuously been vacant for at least three months or comprised a Class E use for at least two years and cannot exceed 1,500 square metres.

2. Bedford Borough Local Plan
The review of the Bedford Borough Council Local Plan (adopted January 2020) is now open for a new consultation and concentrates on the following policy areas:
• Development Strategy to 2040
• Town centre and retail policies
• Updated Development Management policies (in relation to environmental net gain, quality of development and residential space standards, self-build and custom homebuilding).
The Council has defined a range of potential spatial strategies for the Plan that vary in focusing growth in the urban area to growth in villages and in new settlements proposed in both the A6 and A421 corridors. The consultation is welcoming views on these options and an opportunity to comment on the supporting documentation. The consultation runs until 3rd September 2021 at 5 pm. If you would like us to make a representation on your behalf as part of this consultation, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

3. Emerging Central Bedfordshire Plan
The Central Bedfordshire Local Plan has been found ‘sound’ by the Planning Inspector and was formally adopted at a Full Council meeting on 22nd July 2021. The new Local Plan now carries full weight in the determination of planning applications within Central Bedfordshire’s administrative area. The Plan shall be subject to an early partial review within six months of its adoption and this shall create new opportunities for the promotion of sites.

For more information or to discuss your project with Robinson & Hall’s Planning & Development team, please call Shannon Fuller, Assistant Planner, on 01234 362913 or email sef@robinsoandhall.co.uk

Topics: Robinson and Hall

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