REVIEW OF NDP 2026
PUBLIC CONSULTATION ON NDP REVIEW - Have your say
Updating the NDP means we can make sure it’s in line with the current planning regime as national planning policy continues to evolve.
The review means we can include the development of East West Rail (EWR), which has been moving through the development process over the past few years. It’s important to remember that EWR is not covered by the NDP because it is a national infrastructure scheme. But it’s important we include it for context.
The NDP also reflects the fact that there are no longer immediate plans for a second primary school in the village, but space will be earmarked for a future phase to include early years provision and community facilities.
Most importantly it also means we can ensure our plans stay relevant. As part of that process, we have made a few minor updates to the plan and are now sharing those changes with you all.
Having an up to date NDP also ensures we get the maximum amount of contributions from developers for community projects. You can read all the documents and send us your feeback using the form on this page.
2026 NDP REFRESH
The Neighbourhood Development Plan (NDP) was developed and formally adopted over five years ago in preparation for the allocation of 500 new homes within the village. Following extensive consultation and assessment, a site on Milton Hill was identified for this development.
Outline planning permission has since been granted. While progress has been slower than originally anticipated, detailed proposals continue to be reviewed and discussed by Bedford Borough Council. Throughout this process, the Parish Council has remained closely involved. We are committed to using the powers of the NDP to help shape the development so that it delivers the types of homes our community needs, alongside a high-quality environment and valuable local facilities. These ambitions include improved walking and cycling routes, an all-weather sports pitch, and the potential for additional allotments, all subject to the planning process and necessary approvals. We will continue to keep residents informed as plans evolve and decisions are made.
Why does the ndp matter ?
Having an NDP does not guarantee there won’t be further development in Clapham – but it does strengthen our voice in how that development is shaped. .
Having an officially recognised and adopted NDP as we do, gives our parish a stronger voice on the kinds of homes which are built – to make sure they’re in line with our needs. It doesn’t prevent development, but it helps ensure your parish views are taken into account.
As many people know, there continues to be huge pressure on the availability of land for new homes. In Bedford Borough’s case, they don’t actually have enough land allocated for the next five years for all the homes they need to build.
Because of this pressure for more homes, we’re already seeing further development applications coming in for Clapham, for example on the eastern side of Milton Hill, and perhaps on other sites..
Having an up to date NDP also ensures we get the maximum amount of contributions from developers for community project
the Original clapham NDP 2022
As a result of the referendum on 9 June 2022, Bedford Borough Council was ‘made’ (brought into legal force) the Clapham Neighbourhood Development Plan. The Plan then formed part of the development plan for the Bedford Borough Council area..
The Clapham Neighbourhood Development Plan was examined by an Independent Examiner, who determined that subject to modifications, the Plan met the Basic Conditions and should proceed to referendum..
This decision statement confirms that Bedford Borough Council resolved 4 July 2022 to make the Clapham Neighbourhood Development Plan.
What is a neighbourhood development plan ?
Neighbourhood planning gives communities direct power to develop a shared vision for their neighbourhood and shape the development and growth of their local area. They are able to choose where they want new homes, shops and offices to be built, have their say on what those new buildings should look like and what infrastructure should be provided, and grant planning permission for the new buildings they want to see go ahead.
What is the role of the parish council ?
In a designated neighbourhood area which contains all or part of the administrative area of a town or parish council, the town or parish council is responsible for neighbourhood planning. Where a parish or town council chooses to produce a neighbourhood plan or Order it should work with other members of the community who are interested in, or affected by, the neighbourhood planning proposals to allow them to play an active role in preparing a neighbourhood plan or Order. The relationship between any group and the formal functions of the town or parish council should be transparent to the wider public.
In a designated neighbourhood area which contains all or part of the administrative area of a town or parish council, the town or parish council is responsible for neighbourhood planning. Where a parish or town council chooses to produce a neighbourhood plan or Order it should work with other members of the community who are interested in, or affected by, the neighbourhood planning proposals to allow them to play an active role in preparing a neighbourhood plan or Order. The relationship between any group and the formal functions of the town or parish council should be transparent to the wider public.
What are the benefits of developing a plan ?
Neighbourhood planning enables communities to play a much stronger role in shaping the areas in which they live and work and in supporting new development proposals. This is because unlike the parish, village or town plans that communities may have prepared, a neighbourhood plan forms part of the development plan and sits alongside the local plan prepared by the local planning authority. Decisions on planning applications will be made using both the local plan and the neighbourhood plan, and any other material considerations.
Neighbourhood planning provides the opportunity for communities to set out a positive vision for how they want their community to develop over the next 10, 15, 20 years in ways that meet identified local need and make sense for local people. They can put in place planning policies that will help deliver that vision or grant planning permission for the development they want to see.
To help deliver their vision, communities that take a proactive approach by drawing up a neighbourhood plan or Order and secure the consent of local people in a referendum, will benefit from 25% of the revenues from the Community Infrastructure Levy arising from the development that takes place in their area, where their authority collects contributions using this method.
What should the plan address ?
Local communities can choose to: .
1. Set planning policies through a neighbourhood plan that forms part of the development plan used in determining planning applications. .
2. Grant planning permission through Neighbourhood Development Orders and Community Right to Build Orders for specific development which complies with the orderr.
Neighbourhood planning is not a legal requirement but a right which communities in England can choose to use. Communities may decide that they could achieve the outcomes they want to see through other planning routes, such as incorporating their proposals for the neighbourhood into the local plan, or through other planning mechanisms such as Local Development Orders and supplementary planning documents or through pre-application consultation on development proposals..