Bellway has completed a purchase of a 42-acre site in Bromham with plans to build in excess of 300 homes, set aside land for health facilities and provide substantial payments towards local infrastructure.
Where the scheme will sit and what is already agreed
The land, located south of Northampton Road and east of the A428 about three miles north-east of Bedford town centre, already benefits from outline planning permission. Bellway completed the acquisition on 26 June after the family who had farmed the site for three generations agreed to sell.
The developer will prepare a detailed reserved matters application to submit to Bedford Borough Council later this year. Subject to the council’s approval, construction is expected to begin in the spring.
Housing mix, community facilities and green space
Bellway has committed to delivering a mix of homes across the site with 30% of dwellings designated for affordable rent and shared ownership. The proposals include play areas, a teenage shelter, public open space and footpath links to the existing village, with existing trees and hedgerows to be retained where possible.
"Over 300 new homes for the local area"
The reserved matters stage will set out the precise housing mix, house types and layout but the outline consent and developer statements indicate a focus on family homes and on-site communal features aimed at integrating the development with Bromham village.
Financial contributions and local impact
Bellway has pledged to fund a range of local services. The company says it will provide more than £4.5 million towards local infrastructure, including over £3.8 million for education, early years and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) services. A further sum of more than £4.5 million will be paid via the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL).
- Site area: 42 acres
- Homes proposed: 300+
- Affordable housing: 30%
- Upfront infrastructure contributions: £4.5m+
- Community Infrastructure Levy: £4.5m+
Representatives involved in the transaction underlined the collaborative nature of the sale. The land promoter and agent who obtained the outline consent facilitated the deal, and advisers said proceeds will help the selling family reinvest in their farming business.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Education, early years & SEND | £3.8m+ |
| Other infrastructure (roads, bus routes, health) | Included in £4.5m+ |
| Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) | £4.5m+ |
Next steps for residents and consultees
Bellway will publish detailed plans with the reserved matters application later this year. Residents and statutory consultees will have an opportunity to view and comment on the submitted documents during the council’s planning process. If granted, delivery will progress to site preparation and construction phases, expected to start the following spring.
For Bromham and the surrounding parts of Bedford Borough, the scheme brings both new housing and significant developer contributions for schools and services — but will also raise local questions about transport, school places and the impact on village character when detailed proposals are published.
Further updates will follow as the reserved matters application is lodged with Bedford Borough Council and enters public consultation.
