What is a Local Plan?
The Central Bedfordshire Local Plan is the key planning document that will guide how Central Bedfordshire grows and develops up to 2050. It will help determine where new homes, jobs and infrastructure are provided, while seeking to protect the countryside, green spaces, historic places and the character of local communities.
Central Bedfordshire Council is currently preparing a new Local Plan, which is expected to be in place by 2028. The Government requires councils to identify enough land to meet future housing, employment and infrastructure needs.
Having an up-to-date Local Plan gives the Council greater control over where development takes place and helps ensure that growth is properly planned and supported by the necessary infrastructure.
The Local Plan’s 6 key themes:
- Access to new and improved green space and nature
- A range of jobs that are easy to get to
- High-quality, well-designed homes for every stage of life
- Excellent transport options, including walking and cycling
- Local facilities and infrastructure
- Respecting and enhancing the unique character of our towns and villages
Central Bedfordshire Local Plan – creating great places to live
What is the Local Transport Plan?
Local transport is part of everyday life. It covers the journeys we make within our local area, whether walking, wheeling, cycling, using public transport or travelling by car.
Almost every journey starts or ends on a local transport network, with 70% of journeys in England being under five miles in 2024. Local transport is therefore closely linked to housing, employment, education, healthcare, public services and the wider economy.
Central Bedfordshire’s Draft LTP4
Central Bedfordshire Council is currently consulting on its fourth Local Transport Plan (LTP4), covering 2027–2040.
LTP4 is a draft strategic document which, if adopted, will guide the Council’s approach to transport and travel over the coming years. The consultation gives residents, Parish and Town Councils, businesses and other organisations an opportunity to comment and help shape the final Plan.
Central Bedfordshire is predominantly rural, and many communities have limited alternatives to the private car. This creates particular challenges when trying to provide safe, reliable and practical sustainable travel options.
The proposed vision
The Draft LTP4 is built around four key themes:
- Healthier and happier lives – creating attractive streets and communities and encouraging active travel.
- Thriving businesses and communities – providing effective transport connections and supporting sustainable growth.
- Safer and more equitable transport – improving road safety and ensuring people can access the places and services they need.
- Protecting our environment – supporting biodiversity, reducing pollution and carbon emissions, and preparing the transport network for climate change.