We are committed to promoting equality of access to places within in Bedford Borough for everyone in our community. This includes making our facilities accessible for people with disabilities, elderly people, and those with young children.

To achieve this, when we receive planning applications for development of land and/or buildings we will use our planning and building control powers to encourage inclusive design in all new developments so as to achieve ‘access for all’.

Inclusive design 

Applications for development of and, where practicable and reasonable, the change of use or alterations to buildings open to the public, and buildings used for employment or education purposes, will normally be required to provide suitable access and facilities for disabled people, including those with sensory impairments.

Housing mix

We work with developers to encourage them to increase the choice of housing available to people with disabilities and elderly people. 

• View the Mobility Housing planning guidance here (PDF).
• This guidance should be read in conjunction with the Policy Statement update on Housing Standards (PDF).