The first public scoping consultation for the new Bedfordshire Minerals and Waste Plan is now open and will run until 27 November 2026. This joint plan, led by Central Bedfordshire Council in partnership with Bedford Borough Council and Luton Borough Council, aims to look ahead to 2050.
While the plan has a technical name, it addresses everyday needs such as the provision of materials like sand and gravel for construction and the management of waste generated by homes and businesses. It will encompass sites for quarries, sand and gravel pits, building material processing and storage facilities, and various waste management sites.
At this initial stage, the consultation is not seeking comments on specific sites or a finalised plan, as no decisions have yet been made regarding future locations. Instead, it asks for input on what should be considered during the plan's development, including local community priorities and factors for future mineral extraction, material processing, and waste facilities.
The new plan will help identify Bedfordshire's future needs for minerals and waste development, and establish policies for future proposals. It will also consider potential impacts on local communities, infrastructure, the environment, and the county's towns and countryside.
Feedback received will be instrumental in shaping the subsequent stages of the plan, with further opportunities for public engagement as it progresses.
“"It's important for the council to hear what people think as this plan develops. The decisions taken will affect local communities, in particular with regard to roads, planning, and the environment. I encourage residents, businesses and community groups across Bedfordshire to take a look and tell the council what matters to them."
