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