Neighbourhood Planning in England was introduced by the Localism Act 2011 and it enables local communities to be closely involved in the decisions that affect them.

A Neighbourhood Plan Steering Group, established by the parish council, has worked hard to develop a Neighbourhood Development Plan for the area that takes into account the views of the residents of the parish. Harrold Parish Council would like to sincerely thank the Steering Group for their immense contribution and considerable commitment to this important project since its inauguration in 2015.

The Harrold Neighbourhood Plan passed the referendum stage on 18th November 2021 with 318 votes Yes and 53 votes No – there was a 28% turnout. The borough council Executive then “made” the plan on 5th January 2022.

The Harrold Neighbourhood Development Plan and all related documentation from the preparation of the plan are available below.

Bedford Borough Council’s webpage relating to Neighbourhood Plans is:-https://www.bedford.gov.uk/planning-and-building/planning-policy-its-purpose/neighbourhood-planning/