Planning decisions in Bedford
As of 12 Jun 2026, covering the last 5 years.
On the public planning record, Bedford approved 81% of 2,201 decided applications in the last 5 years. Here is the approval rate for the most common home-project types. It is useful before you apply and free for local reporters to cite with attribution to MyTrustedTraders.
Approval rate by project type
- Extension : 82% approved (617 decided, ~63 days)
- Rear extension : 83% approved (459 decided, ~64 days)
- Side extension : 80% approved (197 decided, ~60 days)
- Loft conversion : 86% approved (139 decided, ~59 days)
- Tree work : 100% approved (121 decided, ~38 days) †
- Two-storey extension : 71% approved (117 decided, ~75 days)
- Demolition : 75% approved (113 decided, ~87 days)
- Change of use : 55% approved (88 decided, ~87 days)
- Porch : 79% approved (63 decided, ~65 days)
- Garage conversion : 87% approved (63 decided, ~60 days)
- Roof / fenestration : 89% approved (62 decided, ~72 days)
- Boundary wall / fence / gates : 78% approved (59 decided, ~80 days)
- Conservatory / orangery : 82% approved (56 decided, ~58 days)
- New dwelling : 64% approved (47 decided, ~149 days)
† We hold no refused decisions for this type here, so treat a full approval rate with caution. The council's own portal has the complete history.
Method
Figures are aggregates over the public planning decisions we hold for Bedford, matched to a project type from the application description. Overall approval is decided-weighted across project types, using each type's rate over the last 5 years where we hold enough decisions, otherwise its full record. Only types with at least five decided applications are shown. We publish aggregate counts only, with no application references or applicant names. Full method and limits.
Planning a project in Bedford?
4 architects with public evidence are listed for Bedford. Their profiles show reviews, credentials and, where we hold it, real planning history.
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