Agenda and minutes

There were no declarations of interest.

To consider the proposed consultation response to the Universal development (copy enclosed).

Councillor Spice, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Planning and Prosperity submitted the Council’s proposed response to the Entertainment Resort Complex Universal Destinations and Experiences Special Development Order statutory consultation.

Councillor Spice advised that the Full Council report explained how Bedford Borough Council planned to respond to the government’s consultation on Universal Destinations & Experiences’ planning application, which was being handled nationally as a Special Development Order (SDO).

It was highlighted that some updates and amendments had been made to the recommendations on the report which were issued to all members on 21 August 2025, which included details to explore and bring forward proposals related to controlled parking and measures to control temporary lets in areas around the proposed development site.

Councillor Spice clarified two parts of the covering report, on sections:

• 7.4e – which related to temporary accommodation with construction of the resort; and
• 7.9 –  which was noted it was not regarding additional mitigation being added but rather the socioeconomic taskforce was there to discuss and work on these type of issues as and if they arose. If the proposed order was issued there would be a lengthy period for the Council to continue working with the investors to monitor the potential impact on health and wellbeing.

Councillor Spice confirmed that the response document did not include actions to be discussed locally but it was  a government response to a government consultation. Issues to be resolved locally, such as parking in resident areas will be addressed locally through Bedford Borough Council.

As a statutory consultee, Bedford Borough Council must give its comments following the extraordinary meeting of Full Council and the Extraordinary meeting of Executive to be held on 27th August.

Council officers had reviewed the technical documents submitted by Universal and provided comments on each one and Members were directed to Appendix E to the report.

The Council had worked hard to secure the investment for Bedford. Councillors, officers, parish councils, neighbouring authorities, and local partners had all welcomed Universal to the Borough and built strong working relationships with their team and advisors.

Councillor Spice expressed her gratitude to Universal for choosing Bedford Borough out of the whole of Europe and for working with us, for listening to us and addressing our wants and concerns. She pointed out that Universal had worked so hard with local parish councils and neighbouring councils.

Officers had supported Universal in understanding the local context and priorities and had arranged for the company to meet with community groups and organisations such as colleges and universities, making sure the planning application reflected local needs and opportunities.

The Council had also worked closely with government departments and agencies to make sure the application took account of Bedford’s circumstances. Strong national governance was in place for the project, and the Council was playing an active role.  Teams were working closely with Universal and central government and it was a process that being developed through strong working relationships and was giving exceptional opportunities to the future for the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 35.

To consider the report from the Executive on the Local Plan 2040 (copy enclosed).

The Speaker advised the meeting that the report of the Executive on the Local Plan 2040 Update had been withdrawn and therefore was not for consideration at the meeting. 

To agree the appointment of independent persons to the Standards Committee (report of the Service Director for Governance and (Monitoring Officer) enclosed).

The Speaker moved, and Cllr Sawyer seconded, that the report of the Service Director for Governance on the appointment of independent persons to the Standards Committee be received and the recommendations therein be approved

On the motion being put to the meeting, the Speaker declared it to be carried.

  RESOLVED:

(1)  That the appointment of Chris Fogden, John Jones and Deborah Maggs as Independent Persons for the Council under Section 28(7) of the Localism Act 2011, for a period of four years, be approved.

(2)  That it be agreed not to fill the remaining two vacant Independent Person positions and it be confirmed that three Independent Persons is sufficient for the needs of the Council to fulfil the requirements of the Localism Act 2011.