Third time lucky? Plans for flats behind Bedford High Street shops return
Plans to build four flats behind Bedford High Street shops have been submitted for a third time after two previous permissions expired without being carried out.
The latest application proposes a two-storey block of four one-bedroom flats on land to the rear of 72–74 High Street, accessed from Lime Street.
Planning documents show similar schemes were approved by Bedford Borough Council in January 2017 and August 2022, but both permissions lapsed after the developments were not started within the required timeframe.
The site, which lies within the Bedford town centre conservation area, is currently vacant following the demolition of a former storage building.
The proposed development would provide four one-bedroom flats, with two units on each floor.
Planning documents state the scheme is intended to deliver “much-needed housing” in a sustainable town centre location, within walking distance of shops, services and public transport.
The development is proposed as a car-free scheme, with cycle storage and refuse facilities included on site.
The applicant says the principle of development has already been accepted through the earlier approvals.
More information can be found on the council’s planning portal, reference 26/00838/FUL. The overall consultation expiry date is Friday, June 5 2026.