Land at Bedford River Valley Park
A new community and water sports destination within extensive parkland.
A new parkland community
The proposed development of underutilised land at Bedford River Valley Park (BRVP) is an ambitious plan to bring forward new homes, leisure facilities and a major water sports destination on land to the south east of Bedford.
A new destination for Bedfordshire
There has been a long-standing aspiration to transform this area and fulfil its potential as part of a regional-scale park. Bloor Homes has agreed with landowners to make this a reality – offering new water sports facilities, high quality homes, a new primary school, local centre, and improved green and blue infrastructure. At the heart of the redevelopment will be two new water sports lakes for local groups and community use.
Our engagement – get involved
Thank you to everyone who took part in our public consultation on the proposals for land at Bedford River Valley Park, which closed on 9th February.
We are reviewing the feedback we have received, and your local understanding and knowledge will help us refine this masterplan, which will directly feed through to our development framework and resultant planning application later in 2026.
Our site
Our vision
A leisure destination
Two water sports lakes, providing facilities for local residents and regional events
Greener
Enhanced planting and biodiversity net gain in this woodland setting, with 30 per cent tree cover
More accessible
Improved pedestrian, cycle and vehicle routes, and a new mobility hub
Better places
Developing high quality, well-designed and beautiful places for all to use and enjoy
What is being put forward?
Bloor Homes is preparing a draft development framework for the land at Bedford River Valley Park. This will include a masterplan that will support the future planning application.
This development framework will set out how Bloor Homes proposes to provide:
- Two new water sports lakes and associated infrastructure such as storage facilities and changing rooms.
- Extensive open space and links to existing networks.
- Improved connectivity via a new mobility hub (see 8 below), pedestrian and cycle routes, and vehicle access onto the A603.
- A site for a two-form entry primary school including early-years provision.
- Around 1,000 homes in a mix of tenures and types (including 30% affordable).
- A local centre incorporating space for community and retail uses.
- Green infrastructure which can incorporate allotments, orchards and extensive tree planting, to achieve at least 30 per cent tree cover across the site.
Who we are
Bloor Homes is the UK’s largest privately owned housebuilder. A family-run company, we have more than 60 years’ experience in promoting and developing major housing schemes across the UK. We retain responsibility of our projects from start to finish and are proud to have a House Building Federation 5 Star customer satisfaction rating.
Project timeline
Baseline work began
Council workshops as part of the PPA
Public launch of the website and promotion of the proposals
Publication of the draft masterplan and public engagement
Further engagement and refinement of plans
Submission of the development framework / planning application
Frequently asked questions
Here you can find answers to frequently asked questions about the project. For any queries you have not answered here, you can contact the project team at: info@landatbedfordrvp.co.uk.
Is the land at Bedford River Valley Park in the local plan?
The 2013 Local Plan set out the formal ambition for the land at BRVP, as well as allocated enabling development within the area for employment, leisure and education uses. These have not since been progressed.
The site was then put forward as part of the draft Bedford Borough Local Plan 2040, and while that document is not moving forward, the aspiration for the land at BRVP remains.
When will the full plans be published? How can I feed back?
Who owns the site?
Bloor Homes is working with a consortium of private landowners who are being kept informed of the progress with the planning process. They support the delivery of Bloor’s proposals on the site, which was formerly allocated.