The Parish Council are aware that today the agenda and meeting papers for the Bedford Borough Council Planning Committee on Wednesday 21st October at 6.30pm have been published, and that within the paperwork the application 26/00724/MAO Outline application for up to 330 dwellings, open space, drainage, footpath improvements and vehicular access with all matters reserved other than access at Land Off Hookhams Lane, is recommended by the Planning Officer for approval, subject to planning conditions.
To view the Officer report and recommendation in full which spans 82 pages, it can be viewed here:
Hookhams Lane Agenda Document for Planning Committee 21_10_2026 18_30
The application will be presented by the Borough Council to the elected members of the Planning Committee on Wednesday 21st recommended for approval, however, it is important to note that the elected members will be able to ask questions about any aspect of the application. There is also an opportunity for members of the public, the Parish Council and Borough Ward Councillor to address the elected members at the meeting and make direct representations during the meeting, though there are strict and clear guidelines on this, with details on this available here: https://www.bedford.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-applications/search-plans/planning-committee
Once elected members have heard from all representatives, and had any questions they might have answered, the elected members on the Planning Committee will vote on whether they feel the application should be refused, or approved with planning conditions.
The Parish Council will be reviewing the Officer report thoroughly in the coming days ahead of the Parish Council meeting on Thursday 15th October at 7pm where Parish Councillors will discuss the matter, including the Parish Council in person representation to be made at the Planning Committee on 21st October.