Planning in Bedford

Bedford Borough Council has designated 29 conservation areas, listed on this page with their designation dates and appraisal documents where the council publishes them. In a conservation area, permitted development rights are narrower: cladding, some extensions, roof alterations and satellite dishes on the front elevation may need planning permission, and demolition of most buildings needs consent.

An Article 4 direction removes specific permitted development rights in a defined area, so work that would normally not need planning permission — for example replacing windows, changing a house into a small HMO or altering front boundaries — does need an application. Bedford has 0 Article 4 direction areas recorded on planning.data.gov.uk.

Start with the designations on the site (conservation area, Article 4, listed building), then the local plan policies and any design codes. Planium can read the council’s appraisal and policy documents and summarise what applies to your project, including whether permitted development is available.