Winter Wonderland in Bedford Park recommended for approval despite controversy

The application for a temporary change of use of part of the park will be discussed at a Planning Committee Extraordinary Meeting next Tuesday (October 29).

The application has been reported to the planning committee for determination as more than three objections have been received.

Objections included that the event prevents the use of the grassed area for the public to participate in sport and recreation for a significant amount of time, it has resulted in noise, litter, light and air pollution, and it will result in an increase in Highway Safety issues.

A report to presented to the committee says planning officers have assessed the impacts of the event and the identified harms of the proposal are therefore considered to be “outweighed by the benefits of the proposed development”.

Therefore they are recommending to the committee that temporary planning permission be granted subject to planning conditions.

The Planning Committee is due to be held in the council chamber, Borough Hall, Bedford at 6pm.

More information can be found on the council’s website.

The council has also announced that there will be a Winter Wonderland 2024 Public Engagement Session on Saturday (October 26). It said everyone is welcome to attend and share their thoughts on last year’s event.

This will be held at the West Lodge entrance (at the top of De Parys Avenue) from 10.30-11.30am.