Latest News

Here’s a roundup of the latest Local Plan updates:

Bedford Borough Council – Bedford Local Plan 2040

The Bedford Local Plan 2040, submitted for examination in January 2023, faced scrutiny by the Planning Inspectorate over housing land supply and infrastructure deliverability. The examination process was paused to allow the Council to complete the required work initially by October 2024, and subsequently by the end of May 2025, following the announcement of the Universal Studios project in December 2024. In light of the recommendation to withdraw the Local Plan, a full Council meeting on 8^th October agreed to withdraw the Plan and begin work on a new Local Plan extending to 2046.

Buckinghamshire Council – Local Plan to 2045

Buckinghamshire Council is currently consulting on its spatial strategy for meeting housing and employment needs, as well as development management policies covering housing, employment, infrastructure, and the natural environment. In parallel, the Council is conducting a targeted Call for Sites to support the needs of Gypsy, Traveller and Travelling Show people, aiming to identify approximately 681 pitches and 30 plots for the period until 2045. These two engagement exercises run until 29^th October 2025. 

Huntingdonshire District Council – New Local Plan

Huntingdonshire is progressing toward its Preferred Option Local Plan. Following site consultations in late 2024 and mid-2025, the Preferred Options Draft Local Plan to 2046 and its supporting Sustainability Appraisal will be published for public engagement from 5^th November to 17^th December 2025.

Central Bedfordshire Council – Local Plan to 2050

Central Bedfordshire completed its Call for Sites consultation in January 2025, and all submissions are now undergoing a Strategic Land Availability Assessment (SLAA). A first draft of the Local Plan, identifying potential new development locations, is expected in February 2026.

Milton Keynes City Council – MK City Plan 2050

Milton Keynes is moving forward with its long-term vision. Following a robust consultation on the draft MK City Plan 2050 (July–October 2024), the Council is refining its proposed policies and allocations based on approximately 7,000 public comments. The final draft (MK City Plan 2025) will undergo Regulation 19 consultation between November and December 2025, with submission to the Planning Inspectorate scheduled for March 2026 for independent examination.

Following the above updates to various Local Plans, particularly the forthcoming new round of the Bedford Local Plan review, it is a valuable opportunity for local residents and landowners to influence the future growth of their area.

Changes in planning policy can open up exciting new opportunities for development, diversification and long-term value growth. Whether your land lies on the edge of settlement, next to the strategic transport corridor or has untapped development potential, our team is here to help you to unlock your site value, navigate every stage of Local Plan review and prepare submissions. Get in touch with our planning team on 01234 352201 to ensure your site is included in the new Local Plan.