Bedford Borough Council, Central Bedfordshire Council and Luton Borough Council are beginning work on a new joint plan to help guide where and how minerals are extracted and waste is managed across Bedfordshire up to 2050.
Minerals such as sand and gravel are needed to support new homes, roads and other infrastructure, while suitable facilities are also needed to manage the waste from homes and businesses.
How to respond
Our first consultation on the joint plan will run from 12 October 2026 – 20 November 2026.
Residents, businesses, community groups, and local organisations have an early opportunity to highlight key issues and priorities it should address to plan Bedfordshire’s future minerals and waste needs.
No decisions regarding site allocations or draft policy wording have been made at this stage.
A formal notice confirming the start of the plan-making process has also been published on our website at www.bedford.gov.uk/mw-plan.
To provide feedback and learn more about the new joint plan and future stages, please visit www.centralbedfordshire.gov.uk/mw-plan-review. Central Bedfordshire Council is hosting the project and overseeing the public consultation on behalf of the three authorities.
Relationship to the Bedford Borough Local Plan 2050
Once adopted, the Minerals and Waste Plan will sit alongside the Bedford Borough Local Plan 2050.
The Bedford Borough Local Plan 2050 will focus on broader development priorities, including new housing, jobs and community infrastructure across the borough. It is currently open to a separate consultation (see https://localplan.bedford.gov.uk) to establish its scope and overarching priorities.