How you can help shape the future of Leighton-Linslade in new consultation

The plan aims to give communities the power to shape how their area develops – with the vision for Leighton-Linslade to be “a 21st century market town that thrives on the strength of its heritage, community, environment and entrepreneurs/creatives”.

The consultation, being run by Central Bedfordshire Council, will now provide a further opportunity for stakeholders, companies, voluntary groups, and people who live or work within the town to share their thoughts on its policies.

The plan – created by Leighton-Linslade Town Council and community representatives – states that its objectives are: "To promote Leighton Buzzard town centre as a modern market town, with a vibrant daytime and evening economy; developing creative and cultural experiential opportunities alongside a strong retail offer". It also aims to "expand the range of social infrastructure to promote good health, actively reduce social isolation and health inequalities and encourage community cohesion."

Other objectives include: celebrating local heritage; ensuring new development promotes high standard in design; promoting active travel and public transport opportunities; building on the existing initiatives to improve biodiversity; enabling support for climate change mitigation measures; and ensuring all residents have access to "high quality places and spaces to support physical and mental wellbeing".

And key topics that have been on the public agenda over recent years – including Land South of the High Street and a health centre – are both mentioned in the plan.

Land South of the High Street (page 18) is viewed as “an opportunity for regeneration within the town centre”.

The draft plan states that proposals for the land will be supported where they “deliver a high-quality, mixed-use development. This may include residential, retail, community, cultural, leisure or employment uses appropriate to this location.”

It adds that any development should be “heritage led” in approach and provide “high quality cycle parking and active travel infrastructure”.

Meanwhile, a new health centre is listed as an infrastructure priority (page 30).

Other priorities include: a multi-purpose indoor space that can host large-scale meetings and events; an indoor exhibition space to display Leighton Buzzard’s history; an indoor space for creative and cultural activities; additional outdoor and indoor sports courts/hall space.

The document states: “NHS Property Services have confirmed they support the principle of a new Neighbourhood Health Centre as there is a clear additional need for healthcare capacity within the Neighbourhood Plan area and in accordance with CBC Local Plan Policies HQ2 and HW3, will look to collaborate with service providers in partnership working to align health infrastructure delivery locally and strategically.”

Environmentally friendly and active lifestyles have also been a priority for local residents – and the plan – under Policy LL10 Active and Sustainable Travel – aims to “enhance the walking, wheeling and cycling environment”.

It states: “The opportunities for upgrading existing active travel routes to improve accessibility and other opportunity measures have been identified through early informal community engagement, from the recently published Leighton Linslade Local Cycling and Walking Infrastructure Plan

(2023) and from work undertaken by Buzz Cycles to identify opportunities to improve permeability across the east of the town, as well as routes identified from the Wider Town Centre Spatial Masterplan, including an east/west bridge over the Grand Union Canal, to connect Linslade to Leighton Buzzard town centre.”

A Leighton-Linslade Town Council spokeswoman said: "The draft Neighbourhood Plan for Leighton-Linslade was submitted to the planning authority, CBC, for the next steps in the process on May 5.

"This followed 18 months of work by town councillors and representatives of the local community, developing a document containing 14 draft policies to help shape any future development within the parish boundary.

"A consultation took place last autumn to help shape the final draft which was submitted."

CBC is now running its own consultation, providing a further opportunity for people to comment.

Leighton-Linslade's plan covers a number of policies, including: the centre of town renewal; Leighton Buzzard town centre; Bridge Meadow/Canal Quarter; Linslade Cluster; Land South of the High Street; Housing Mix and Type; Local Community Assets; Green and Blue Infrastructure; Local Green Spaces; Active and Sustainable Travel; Infrastructure Priorities, Education; and Energy Efficiency.

Click here to view the CBC consultation and documents. You have until August 6 to submit your thoughts.

Comments may be submitted by email to: [email protected] or by post to: Local Plan Team, Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford SG17 5TQ.

Following the close of the consultation period, CBC will provide all comments and documents to an independent examiner. It is anticipated that the independent examiner report will be published no later than March 8, 2027.