Woodleys Farm House Knotting Road Melchbourne Bedford Bedfordshire MK44 1AG Data via plota.co.uk

26/00999/CPNQ - Change of Use Class Q Prior Notification Refused

Proposal

Prior notification for change of use from an Agricultural building to a dwellinghouse(s) (Use Class C3) including associated building operations reasonably necessary to convert the building. This is not a planning application because it relates to development that is permitted by Government Regulation. It will not therefore be reported to the Planning Committee but considered by officers under delegated powers. Comments received will be considered but if notification of a decision is not made to the Applicant within 56 days of the date of registration of the proposal, it can proceed. If Officers confirm that the development can proceed, it must be completed within a period of 3 years starting with the prior approval date. Data via plota.co.uk

View original council record ↗

Application progress

Received
27 May 2026
Consultation
2 Jun 2026
Refused
22 Jul 2026
Appeal
Not lodged

Refused on 22 Jul 2026 · Prior Notification · Last checked 23 Jul 2026

Important details

Council
Bedford
Application type
Change of Use Class Q Prior Notification
Postcode
MK44 1AG
Received
27 May 2026
Validated
27 May 2026
Ward
Riseley
Parish
Melchbourne And Yielden
Case officer
Show
Target decision
15 Jul 2026
Decision
Refused Prior Notification
Decision date
22 Jul 2026
Decision level
Prior Notification
Applicant
Show
Agent
Westbrook Services Limited - Mr J Robinson

Consultation & key dates

Alt. reference
PP-14963053
Site notice
2 Jun 2026
Env. assessment
No
Bedford
Planning Authority Score
2.4/10
Poor
#253 of 296 councils
Relevant to this application:
Change of use

Bedford is slower than most councils at deciding householder applications, ranking #201 out of 296. 52% of applications have the time limit extended, above the 41% national average. Householder applications are slightly less likely to be approved here (86%) than the national average (90%).

Slower than most councils
for householder decisions
These figures are council-wide context, not a prediction for this application. View full council performance
Bedford decision performance
Based on MHCLG data, the year to March 2026
80%
Overall approval rate
Below avg (87%) #259 of 296
86%
Householder approved
Below avg (90%) #239 of 296
56%
Decided in 8 weeks
Below avg (63%) #201 of 296
52%
Extended time limit
Above avg (41%) #233 of 296
52%
Minor dwellings approved
109 decided (1-9 homes)
69%
Major dwellings approved
26 decided (10+ homes)
67%
Change of use approved
57 decided
993
Total decisions
203 refused in the year to March 2026