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Planning in Kempston

Approved
77%
56 of 73 decided
Decision time
about 10 weeks
on average

Applications within 1 km of the centre of Kempston in the last 24 months, from Bedford Borough Council's planning register.

Decided by Bedford Borough CouncilCouncil page

Around Kempston

Postcode districts

MK42 96 applications in the last 12 monthsMK40 130 applications in the last 12 months

Applications in each district in the last 12 months.

Planning authority: Bedford Borough Council

For home projects and trades

About Kempston

Kempston is a town and civil parish located within the Borough of Bedford, Bedfordshire, approximately 2 miles south-west of Bedford town centre. As of the 2011 census, Kempston had a population of 19,330 and is part of the broader Bedford built-up area. The River Great Ouse serves as a natural boundary between Kempston and the Queen's Park area of Bedford, making it an integral part of the local landscape. This information is valuable for anyone researching planning applications in the area, as it highlights Kempston's position within the regional context. The town has a population of approximately 20,736 (2021 estimate). It sits within the Bedford district.

Property prices in Kempston show an average sale price of £357,130, based on 50 recent transactions recorded by HM Land Registry. There are currently no active flood warnings for the Kempston 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 (May 2026). This makes Kempston a particularly low-crime area, which is often reflected in its desirability and property values.

For anyone interested in property development or monitoring local planning decisions, Kempston 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.

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 Kempston, 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, 100 planning applications were submitted near Kempston. Of these, 77% were approved, with an average decision time of 68 days.

The most common types were amendments (28), outline applications (21), full planning applications (14).

13 planning appeals were lodged, of which 6 were allowed and 7 were dismissed (46% success rate).

Common questions

How many planning applications have been submitted near Kempston?
In the last 24 months, 100 planning applications were submitted near Kempston. The approval rate is 77%.
How long do planning decisions take near Kempston?
The average planning decision time near Kempston is 68 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 Kempston?
The planning approval rate near Kempston is 77%. The national average across England and Wales is 87%.
What types of planning applications are most common near Kempston?
The most common type of planning application near Kempston is amendment applications, with 28 submissions in the last 24 months.
How can I track planning applications near Kempston?
You can search and track planning applications near Kempston on Planning Signal. Create a free account to save searches, watch specific applications, and receive email alerts when new plans are submitted nearby.