Have your say over community-led housing in Central Bedfordshire

Residents are being invited to have their say on whether they would like to see community-led housing in Central Bedfordshire.

Central Bedfordshire Council has launched a survey to find out whether there is interest in such a scheme in the area.

Central Bedfordshire Council has launched a survey inviting residents to have their say on community-led housing

placeholder image — Central Bedfordshire Council has launched a survey inviting residents to have their say on community-led housing

Community-led housing schemes enable community groups or organisations to own, manage or oversee homes in ways that benefit the area.

The schemes are typically set up and run by local people within their communities in order to meet housing needs, and can include housing co-operatives, community land trusts and co-housing schemes.

During the survey, which runs for eight weeks, Central Bedfordshire Council says it hopes to hear from residents as to whether community-led housing is something they are interested in, and if so, in which areas they feel these developments would be best suited.

Earlier this year, the council launched Better Looking Housing as part of the local plan, which provides a starting point when considering whether new building fits in with the area in question.

Central Bedfordshire Council leader and executive member for the local plan Adam Zerny said: “Community‑led housing can provide real opportunities for residents to come together to decide what type of housing is needed, how it is designed and how it is managed.

“This year we launched Better Looking Housing to ensure new housing fits with the traditional design of the existing community and provides homes that look good and that people want to live in.

“New community-led housing has the potential to be a significant part of this.

“The survey gives the community the opportunity to feed back about what matters most, and where these kinds of projects could have the greatest impact.

“Local input is crucial to making sure future housing reflects the needs of the people who live in Central Bedfordshire.”

The survey runs until Tuesday, January 13 2026 and can be accessed via the Central Bedfordshire Council website.

Have you got a story you want to share with our readers? You can now send it to us online via YourWorld at https://www.yourworld.net/submit/ It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.