This document sets out how and when local communities can get involved in the planning process. It explains who will be consulted, how that consultation will happen, and when it will take place – both in respect of new planning policy documents and individual planning applications.

The draft Statement of Community Involvement 2024 (PDF) is available for public consultation and your comments are invited! You are the expert when it comes to your lived experiences around local communities’ experiences of the planning process adopted within the Borough. The survey will run from Wednesday 14 August until Friday 27 September – please tell us your views by completing our 4 question survey, or If you have any queries about the survey or wish to discuss the work of the planning service, please contact us by email at: planningpolicy@bedford.gov.uk 

The new strategy for 2024-2029 is grounded in the latest housing data for the area and includes actions based on three core objectives:

• Prevent homelessness as early as possible,
• Increase the supply of housing for those who are homeless, and
• Provide support to those who need it.

Feed back on topics relating to improving policing, reforming a broken criminal justice system, protecting victims, and addressing the social and economic causes of crime across the county.

Residents can also highlight what they think should be prioritised by Bedfordshire Police service.

The survey is open until 23 August.

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