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Planning in Dunstable

Approved
74%
123 of 155 decided
Decision time
about 12 weeks
on average

Applications within 1 km of the centre of Dunstable in the last 24 months, from Central Bedfordshire Council's planning register.

Decided by Central Bedfordshire CouncilCouncil page

Around Dunstable

Postcode districts

LU6 234 applications in the last 12 monthsLU5 187 applications in the last 12 months

Applications in each district in the last 12 months.

Planning authority: Central Bedfordshire Council

For home projects and trades

About Dunstable

Dunstable, a vibrant market town and civil parish in Bedfordshire, is located east of the Chiltern Hills, approximately 30 miles north of London. As the fourth largest town in the county, it features prominent chalk escarpments, especially visible from the north. Together with Houghton Regis, Dunstable constitutes the westernmost section of the Luton/Dunstable urban area, making it a significant hub for planning applications and development projects in the region. The town has a population of approximately 40,699 (2021 estimate). It sits within the Central Bedfordshire district.

Property prices in Dunstable show an average sale price of £364,934, based on 50 recent transactions recorded by HM Land Registry. There are currently no active flood warnings for the Dunstable area, indicating a relatively low flood risk at present. This is a positive factor for both existing residents and those considering property purchases or new developments.

In terms of safety, there were no crimes reported in the immediate area during the most recent reporting period (September 2026). This makes Dunstable a particularly low-crime area, which is often reflected in its desirability and property values.

The area around Dunstable has 4 nature designations nearby, which may affect how planning applications are assessed.

For anyone interested in property development or monitoring local planning decisions, Dunstable planning applications can be searched by entering a local postcode above. Results include full application details, decision status, and the ability to track applications over time and set planning alerts to help you monitor and review pending planning applications. Further local information can be found on the community website at https://www.dunstable.gov.uk/.

Contains HM Land Registry data © Crown copyright and database right 2026. This data is licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

To comment on or object to a planning application near Dunstable, open it in the list above: each one links to the council's own page for it and shows any comment deadline.

In the last 24 months, 216 planning applications were submitted near Dunstable. Of these, 74% were approved, with an average decision time of 82 days.

The most common types were full planning applications (108), outline applications (19), discharge of conditions (19). 2 large-scale developments were submitted during this period.

10 planning appeals were lodged, of which 2 were allowed and 8 were dismissed (20% success rate).

Common questions

How many planning applications have been submitted near Dunstable?
In the last 24 months, 216 planning applications were submitted near Dunstable. The approval rate is 74%.
How long do planning decisions take near Dunstable?
The average planning decision time near Dunstable is 82 days. The statutory target is 8 weeks (56 days) for minor applications and 13 weeks for major applications.
What is the planning approval rate near Dunstable?
The planning approval rate near Dunstable is 74%. The national average across England and Wales is 87%.
What types of planning applications are most common near Dunstable?
The most common type of planning application near Dunstable is full planning applications, with 108 submissions in the last 24 months.
How can I track planning applications near Dunstable?
You can search and track planning applications near Dunstable on Planning Signal. Create a free account to save searches, watch specific applications, and receive email alerts when new plans are submitted nearby.