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After a week’s break, matches resumed for Bedford Hockey Club, with fixtures across the junior, adult and master’s sections of the club. Saturday at Chester Road started early, with a friendly fixture...

A teenager was robbed at knifepoint on Thursday evening (October 31).

The Call for Sites asks landowners and residents to suggest brownfield land that could be redeveloped to meet future demand for homes and jobs, and other land uses such as green spaces, education and local facilities.

As part of recent engagement, around 3,000 people shared their views on what makes a great place to live and what the future of Central Bedfordshire should look like as the Council starts work on a new Local Plan – the blueprint for growth in the area.

One of the things residents wanted to see was more redevelopment of brownfield land – land that has been built on previously and is now maybe empty or derelict.

The brownfield ‘Call for Sites’ is the next step in the council’s fresh approach to plan-making and is a request for submissions of land that could be transformed, enhancing the local community and reducing the need to develop greenfield sites.

Anyone can submit a site and it doesn’t matter if you don’t own the land yourself. You can still make suggestions from your local knowledge, although the council will need to have landowner support to take it forward.

Councillor Adam Zerny, Leader of Central Bedfordshire Council, said:

We want our residents to shape the future of our area, and we’ve heard from thousands of people saying how much they want to preserve green spaces and the unique character of our towns and villages. Maximising the development opportunities of derelict or unused buildings and sites is one way we can do this. We recognise the need to provide new homes and jobs for the next generation, so younger people have the chance to buy their first homes near family and friends, and for people downsizing to stay close to their roots. Developing a Local Plan is a long process, and there will be many opportunities for people to have their say as the plan develops. But one way everyone can make a real difference now is suggesting local derelict sites that could be considered for future development.

Sites can be submitted online from Monday 4 November until Monday 2 December 2024.

Call for Sites - submit a site

Bedford Athletic advanced to the Final of the Bedfordshire Cup with a 33-6 semi-final victory over Stockwood Park. It was a commendable win from the Ath's 2nd XI, against a team from the league...

Take the perfect Bonfire Night snap 🎇

Two crews from Bedford and Sandy were called to a blaze at an outbuilding caused by a rogue firework.

Police are warning people about a fraud around claims of a successful lottery win.

Bedford Town returned to winning form on Saturday as they dispatched Bromsgrove Sporting 3-0 in a comprehensive victory that see them back in the play-off spots in Southern League Premier Central...

Real Bedford extended their lead at the top of Southern League Central Division One to three points after comfortably seeing off Kidlington 5-1 at the Ledger Stadium on Saturday afternoon...

People displaced by the explosion in Cleat Hill, Bedford two weeks ago have been given further updates about the investigation into the incident at a public meeting. People who live in the evacuation area...

The family of a Kempston man who went missing last weekend (Sunday, 27 October) have made an emotional plea for him to come home. Bedfordshire Police have been working to establish Yusef’s...

The family of a missing Kempston man have made a heartfelt plea for him to come home