Have Your Say in the Referendum
Thursday 5th March 2026
Renhold Village Hall, MK41 0LY
7am–10pm
After 5 years of community effort and widespread consultation, which received very positive feedback at every step of the way, the Neighbourhood Plan now needs the support of a majority of residents voting in a local Referendum before it can be formally adopted by Bedford Borough Council.
In the Referendum you will be asked the following:
Do you want Bedford Borough Council to use the Neighbourhood Plan for Renhold to help it decide planning applications for the neighbourhood area?
It is now for you to decide if it should come into force.
Whether you are for or against – please ensure you vote.
If a majority vote YES
The Neighbourhood Plan becomes part of the Borough’s statutory development plan. Its policies would be considered alongside Bedford Borough’s Local Plan in making planning decisions, and help bring about:
• Design policies for all new developments
• New Local Green Space allocations
• No change to overall size or status of any of our settlements
• Protection of views into and out of the neighbourhood
• A larger share (25%) of any future developer contributions to Parish infrastructure
If a majority vote NO
The Plan’s policies would not apply, so:
• Planning applications would be determined against the Local Plan and National Policy only
• We miss out on all the positives in the “YES” box
• Greater chance of getting unwanted developments through planning appeals
• Reduced opportunities to receive grant aid
Poll cards have been delivered to everyone on the electoral roll in Renhold.
Please vote in person at the Village Hall on Wilden Road.
Further information
The Referendum version of the Plan is available via Bedford Borough Council at:
https://www.bedford.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy/neighbourhood-planning/renhold-neighbourhood-development-plan
(Select the Referendum version.)
A paper copy will be available in the Chapter House, All Saints’ Church.
To borrow a printed copy, please contact:
Amanda Quince – 07948 183164
Issued for information by the Renhold Neighbourhood Plan Working Group on behalf of Renhold Parish Council.