Our population is growing. Over a 10-year period between 2011 and 2021, the population of Central Bedfordshire grew by 16% from 254,381 to 294,267 and this trend is set to continue.
National Planning Policy requires councils to establish and plan for the housing needs of their area. The number of homes we are required to plan for is based on a standard methodology set by Government and is used by all authorities.
We have a growing population, from young to old, which means we need more family housing and more homes where older people can stay independent. More people are also living on their own so we need to ensure that we plan for a range of new homes that can accommodate changes in lifestyle, affluence or choice. By developing a Local Plan together, we can provide quality homes for all, for now and the future.