Hilltop Farmhouse, Higham Bury, Pulloxhill, Bedford, MK45 5HH Data via plota.co.uk
CB/26/00415/VOC - Variation of Condition
Approved
Proposal
Variation of condition numbers 2 &3 of planning permission (Prior Approval of change of use of agricultural building to dwelling: conversion of barn to form one dwelling with provision for adequate natural light in each habitable room.) Variation sought: Changes to windows, doors and external materials, including the insertion of solar panels Data via plota.co.uk
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View original council record ↗Last checked
Application progress
✓
Received
9 Feb 2026
✓
Validated
18 Feb 2026
✓
Approved
17 Jul 2026
Approved on 17 Jul 2026 · Last checked 13 Oct 2026
Associated applications 4
Site constraints 4
Green belt: London
Inappropriate development needs very special circumstances.
Green belt policy allows a short list of exceptions, such as limited extensions and replacement buildings. Anything else needs very special circumstances that clearly outweigh the harm. Some green belt land can count as grey belt, where it does not strongly serve the green belt's purposes. The council decides this in its green belt assessment or on each application, so we do not mark it here.
Agricultural land, grade 3a
Best and most versatile land (grades 1, 2 and 3a). Source: the Predictive Agricultural Land Classification Map (Defra and Natural England, 2025; the Welsh Government's Predictive ALC Map 2 in Wales), a model rather than a site survey. Natural England's Provisional ALC map (1:250,000, 1970s) agrees.
Where development of farmland is needed, policy prefers poorer land over the best and most versatile (grades 1, 2 and 3a). Three sources: Natural England's post-1988 field surveys, which are definitive where they exist; the Defra predictive map for England (2025) and the Welsh Government predictive map, modelled from the soil map with 3a and 3b split; and the 1970s provisional map, which planners and other services still show, coarser and with grade 3 undivided. Where the provisional and predicted grades disagree, treat the predicted grade as the current estimate and expect an application to carry its own survey.
Habitat network: Network Expansion Zone
Where habitat is joined up enough to work as a network. Context, not a constraint on its own.
Also on the record
SSSI about 361 m away: Pulloxhill Marsh SSSI.
Not affected
Outside flood zones 2 and 3 · No scheduled monument at the site
Checked on 6 October 2026. The pin for this application is the centre of its postcode rather than the building, so distances to nearby designations are measured from the postcode and can be out by the width of the postcode area. Historic England, the Environment Agency, Natural England and council datasets, Open Government Licence. A boundary can run through a site and the council holds the definitive record: confirm with the council before relying on this.
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Important details
- Council
- Central Bedfordshire
- Application type
- Variation of Condition
- Postcode
- MK45 5HH
- Received
- 9 Feb 2026
- Validated
- 18 Feb 2026
- Parish
- Pulloxhill
- Case officer
- Show
- Target decision
- 15 Apr 2026
- Decision
- Variation of Condition - Granted Conditions or Reasons: View Conditions or Reasons Informative Notes: 1 )Prior to works it is the legal responsibility of the contractor to check for bats. If bats are found during the course of any work to buildings (or trees) where not previously anticipated, then works should immediately stop and Natural England notified for appropriate advice.Prior to works it is the legal responsibility of the contractor to check for bats. If bats are found during the course of any work to buildings (or trees) where not previously anticipated, then works should immediately stop and Natural England notified for appropriate advice. 2 )The applicant is advised that it is their responsibility to ensure that final ground conditions are fit for the end use of the site. If during any site investigation, excavation, engineering or construction works evidence of land contamination is identified, the applicant shall notify the Local Planning Authority without delay. Any land contamination identified shall be remediated to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority to ensure that the site is made suitable for its end use.The applicant is advised that it is their responsibility to ensure that final ground conditions are fit for the end use of the site. If during any site investigation, excavation, engineering or construction works evidence of land contamination is identified, the applicant shall notify the Local Planning Authority without delay. Any land contamination identified shall be remediated to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority to ensure that the site is made suitable for its end use. 3 )As this is an already established road, the proposed dwellings would be required to present their bins on the boundary of the property/public highway on the day of collection in accordance with the rest of the road. A hard-standing area needs to be provided for 3 wheelie bins and a food caddy per property. Bins must not encroach on or cause a hazard or obstruction to the public highway. There is a contribution to pay for the supply/delivery of the bins. A purchase order must be raised for the quantity of bins required and sent to Environmental Services quoting the relevant planning reference number.As this is an already established road, the proposed dwellings would be required to present their bins on the boundary of the property/public highway on the day of collection in accordance with the rest of the road. A hard-standing area needs to be provided for 3 wheelie bins and a food caddy per property. Bins must not encroach on or cause a hazard or obstruction to the public highway. There is a contribution to pay for the supply/delivery of the bins. A purchase order must be raised for the quantity of bins required and sent to Environmental Services quoting the relevant planning reference number. 4 )You are advised to note the comments of the Bedfordshire Fire Services Officer in relation to CB/23/03125/PAAD, as set out here: There are no hydrants in this area and no water main suitable for the provision of a fire hydrant. The proposed access road to the site does not appear wide enough along its full length to allow access for a fire appliance. The developer must comply with the access requirements outlined in section A of the letter dated 27/10/2023.You are advised to note the comments of the Bedfordshire Fire Services Officer in relation to CB/23/03125/PAAD, as set out here: There are no hydrants in this area and no water main suitable for the provision of a fire hydrant. The proposed access road to the site does not appear wide enough along its full length to allow access for a fire appliance. The developer must comply with the access requirements outlined in section A of the letter dated 27/10/2023. 5 )The applicant is advised that no works associated with the construction of the vehicular access should be carried out within the confines of the public highway without prior consent, in writing, of the Central Bedfordshire Council. Upon receipt of this Notice of Planning Approval, the applicant is advised to follow this link on the Council website Dropped kerb - applications, conditions and limitations | Central Bedfordshire Council or contact Central Bedfordshire Council Tel: 0300 300 8301 quoting the Planning Application number. This will enable the necessary consent and procedures under Section 184 of the Highways Act to be implemented. The applicant is also advised that if any of the works associated with the construction of the vehicular access affects or requires the removal and/or the relocation of any equipment, apparatus or structures (e.g. street name plates, bus stop signs or shelters, statutory authority equipment etc.) then the applicant will be required to bear the cost of such removal or alteration.The applicant is advised that no works associated with the construction of the vehicular access should be carried out within the confines of the public highway without prior consent, in writing, of the Central Bedfordshire Council. Upon receipt of this Notice of Planning Approval, the applicant is advised to follow this link on the Council website Dropped kerb - applications, conditions and limitations | Central Bedfordshire Council or contact Central Bedfordshire Council Tel: 0300 300 8301 quoting the Planning Application number. This will enable the necessary consent and procedures under Section 184 of the Highways Act to be implemented. The applicant is also advised that if any of the works associated with the construction of the vehicular access affects or requires the removal and/or the relocation of any equipment, apparatus or structures (e.g. street name plates, bus stop signs or shelters, statutory authority equipment etc.) then the applicant will be required to bear the cost of such removal or alteration. 6 )The applicant is advised that no private surface water drainage system designed as part of a new development, will be allowed to enter any existing highway surface water drainage system.The applicant is advised that no private surface water drainage system designed as part of a new development, will be allowed to enter any existing highway surface water drainage system. 7 )The applicant is advised that the requirements of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 will apply to any works undertaken within the limits of the existing public highway. Further details can be obtained by contacting The Street Works Co-ordinator, Central Bedfordshire Highways, by contacting the Highways Helpdesk 0300 300 8301 or e-mail: streetworks@centralbedfordshire.gov.ukThe applicant is advised that the requirements of the New Roads and Street Works Act 1991 will apply to any works undertaken within the limits of the existing public highway. Further details can be obtained by contacting The Street Works Co-ordinator, Central Bedfordshire Highways, by contacting the Highways Helpdesk 0300 300 8301 or e-mail: streetworks@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk 8 )The applicant is advised that parking for contractor's vehicles and the storage of materials and deliveries associated with this development should take place within the site and not extend into within the public highway without authorisation from the highway authority. If necessary the applicant is advised to contact The Street Works Co-ordinator, Central Bedfordshire Highways, by contacting the Highways Helpdesk 0300 300 8301. Under the provisions of the Highways Act 1980 the developer may be liable for any damage caused to the public highway as a result of demolition/construction of the development hereby approved.The applicant is advised that parking for contractor's vehicles and the storage of materials and deliveries associated with this development should take place within the site and not extend into within the public highway without authorisation from the highway authority. If necessary the applicant is advised to contact The Street Works Co-ordinator, Central Bedfordshire Highways, by contacting the Highways Helpdesk 0300 300 8301. Under the provisions of the Highways Act 1980 the developer may be liable for any damage caused to the public highway as a result of demolition/construction of the development hereby approved. 9 )The applicant is advised that all cycle parking to be provided within the site shall be designed in accordance with the Central Bedfordshire Council's : Parking standards for new developments Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) Central Bedfordshire Council.The applicant is advised that all cycle parking to be provided within the site shall be designed in accordance with the Central Bedfordshire Council's : Parking standards for new developments Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) Central Bedfordshire Council. 10 )The applicant is advised that no works associated with the CTMP should be carried out within the confines of the public highway without prior consent, in writing, of the Central Bedfordshire Council. Upon receipt of this Notice of Planning Approval, the applicant is advised to contact The Street Works Co-ordinator, Central Bedfordshire Highways, by contacting the Highways Helpdesk 0300 300 8301 quoting the Planning Application number. This will enable the necessary consent and procedures under the Highways Act to be implemented.The applicant is advised that no works associated with the CTMP should be carried out within the confines of the public highway without prior consent, in writing, of the Central Bedfordshire Council. Upon receipt of this Notice of Planning Approval, the applicant is advised to contact The Street Works Co-ordinator, Central Bedfordshire Highways, by contacting the Highways Helpdesk 0300 300 8301 quoting the Planning Application number. This will enable the necessary consent and procedures under the Highways Act to be implemented. 11 )The applicant is advised that in order to comply with Condition 5 of this permission it will be necessary for the developer of the site to enter into an agreement with Central Bedfordshire Council as Highway Authority under Section 278 of the Highways Act 1980 to ensure the satisfactory completion of the access and associated road improvements. You are advised to contact the Highways Agreements Officer, Community Services, Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford SG17 5TQ. E-mail highwaysagreements@centralbedfordshire.gov.ukThe applicant is advised that in order to comply with Condition 5 of this permission it will be necessary for the developer of the site to enter into an agreement with Central Bedfordshire Council as Highway Authority under Section 278 of the Highways Act 1980 to ensure the satisfactory completion of the access and associated road improvements. You are advised to contact the Highways Agreements Officer, Community Services, Central Bedfordshire Council, Priory House, Monks Walk, Chicksands, Shefford SG17 5TQ. E-mail highwaysagreements@centralbedfordshire.gov.uk 12 )The proposed development is within the consultation distance of a major hazard pipeline. You are advised to contact the pipeline operator before commencing development. There are two reasons for this: The operator may have a legal interest (easement, wayleave etc..)in the vicinity of the pipeline. This may restrict certain developments within a certain proximity of the pipeline. The standards to which the pipe line is designed and operated may restrict occupied buildings of major traffic routes within a certain proximity of the pipeline. Consequently, there may be a need for the operator to modify the pipeline, or its operation, if the development proceeds.The proposed development is within the consultation distance of a major hazard pipeline. You are advised to contact the pipeline operator before commencing development. There are two reasons for this: The operator may have a legal interest (easement, wayleave etc..)in the vicinity of the pipeline. This may restrict certain developments within a certain proximity of the pipeline. The standards to which the pipe line is designed and operated may restrict occupied buildings of major traffic routes within a certain proximity of the pipeline. Consequently, there may be a need for the operator to modify the pipeline, or its operation, if the development proceeds.
- Decision date
- 17 Jul 2026
- Agent
- Show
Public comments
No public comments yet.
Last counted 13 Oct 2026
Consultation & key dates
- Consultation
- 18 Feb 2026
- Comments by
- 8 Apr 2026
- Site or press notice
- 18 Mar 2026
Historical activity at this location
11 previous applications on record - archival context, not part of the live application.
This property
Previous applications at this address
2025
Approved
Discharge of Conditions 4 and 11 against Prior Approval application ref. CB/23/03125/PAAD…
2023
Approved
Prior Approval of change of use of agricultural building to dwelling: conversion of barn…
2022
Approved
Prior approval of change of use of agricultural building to dwelling: conversion of barn…
Within ~100m
Nearby activity
2024
Refused
Bunyan Hill Farm, Higham Bury, Pulloxhill, Bedford, MK45 5HH
Change of use of land from agricultural to equestrian use and the erection of a field she…
2023
Withdrawn
Bunyan Hill Farm, Higham Bury, Pulloxhill, Bedford, MK45 5HH
Erection of a detached storage pole barn and a field shelter for equestrian use
2022
Approved
Home Close Bungalow, Higham Bury, Pulloxhill, Bedford, MK45 5HH
Prior Notification of Agricultural Development: Erection of a new barn for storage
2021
Refused
Agricultural Building to the north east of Hill Top Farmhouse, Higham Bury, Pulloxhill, MK45 5HH
Prior Approval of change of use of agricultural building to dwelling: Convert the buildin…
2020
Approved
Field at Higham Bury Lane, Pulloxhill, MK45 5HH
Prior Approval Agricultural Proposed Road: Proposed track will give agricultural access t…
2020
Approved
Field at Highambury Lane, Pulloxhill MK45 5HH.
Prior Approval of Agricultural Development: Erection of agricultural building for the sto…
2017
Approved
Home Close Bungalow, Higham Bury, Pulloxhill, Bedford, MK45 5HH
Agricultural Development: Erection of agricultural barn.
2017
Refused
Home Close Bungalow, Higham Bury, Pulloxhill, Bedford, MK45 5HH
Agricultural Development - purpose built storage for agricultural use
Central Bedfordshire
Planning Authority Score
6.3/10
Average
#88 of 296 councils
Relevant to this application:
Change of use
Central Bedfordshire is faster than most councils at deciding householder applications, ranking #62 out of 296. Householder applications are slightly more likely to be approved here (91%) than the national average (90%).
Faster than most councils
for householder decisions
These figures are council-wide context, not a prediction for this application.
View full council performance
Central Bedfordshire decision statistics
Based on MHCLG data, the year to March 2026
84%
Overall approval rate
Below avg (87%) #218 of 296
91%
Householder approved
Above avg (90%) #169 of 296
76%
Decided in 8 weeks
Above avg (63%) #62 of 296
35%
Extended time limit
Below avg (41%) #99 of 296
61%
Minor dwellings approved
153 decided (1-9 homes)
86%
Major dwellings approved
29 decided (10+ homes)
73%
Change of use approved
45 decided
1,444
Total decisions
226 refused in the year to March 2026
Track this application
Hilltop Farmhouse, Higham Bury, Pulloxhill, Bedford, MK45 5HH
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Referenced application
Council archive
Hilltop Farmhouse, Higham Bury, Pulloxhill, Bedford, MK45 5HH
Prior Approval of change of use of agricultural building to dwelling: conversion of barn to form one dwelling with provision for adequate natural light in each habitable room.
- Received
- 21 Sep 2023
- Decided
- 8 Jan 2024
- Outcome
- Approved
- Type
- Other