The Local Plan

The Town and Country Planning Act

The 1990 Town & Country Planning Act defines development as ‘the carrying out of building, engineering, mining or other operations in, on, over or under land, or the making of any material change in the use of any buildings or other land.’ 

Until recently, the Development Plan consisted of the Bedfordshire County Structure Plan, prepared by the County Council jointly with Luton Borough Council; and the Local Plan, prepared by Mid Beds which sets out more detailed policies to guide development in the district. In compliance with the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2003 and subsequent regulations which came into force on 28th September 2004, strategic guidance, in the form of Regional Planning Guidance Note 9, is now part of the development plan.   

Planning permission for most development is required from the District Council as local planning authority. Decisions on planning applications are required to accord with the Development Plan unless material considerations indicate otherwise, thus, the Development Plan provides the main component in a plan-led planning system.   

The Mid Bedfordshire Local Plan 

The First Review Deposit Draft, was published in November 1997. A Public Inquiry was then held by a government appointed Inspector which convened in April 1999 and closed in December 2000. All representations made and Pre-Inquiry changes proposed by the Council were considered by the Inspector in his report which was received by the Council in September 2002. The Inspector suggested proposed modifications to the Deposit Draft Plan. 

Consideration of all proposed modifications by Members of the Council took place in Spring 2003. The publication of these proposed modifications took place in November 2003 with a 6 week public consultation period. Further Proposed Modifications were published on 16th June 2004 with the period for consultation finishing on 28th July 2004.   

The Council formally adopted the Local Plan on 5th December 2005.

Where can I view the documents? 

Adopted Local Plan Written Statement
Interactive Local Plan and maps
Further Proposed Modifications
Inspectors Report

 
The Adopted Local Plan (2005) First Review Written Statement and Proposals Maps are published and now available. Both documents are available in hard copy and CD format - please see the Document Price list page for the correct payment. If you wish to purchase a copy please contact Sally Hicks on 01462 611353. The Local Plan is available to view online 

Please note:Side A, Sheet A and F of the Local Plan have been updated due to an incorrect inclusion of a County Wildlife Site (CWS). Sheet L has been updated due to the omission of Shefford Conservation Area. For those who have already purchased the Local Plan Proposals Maps, an updated copy can be obtained from us, free of charge.
 
The documents may also be viewed at the Ampthill and Biggleswade Citizone PoPS and at the main libraries within the District.