Bedford Borough Council is expected to officially back plans for a new Universal Studios theme park and resort near Bedford, while also urging the government to provide support for infrastructure development.
The local authority stated it seeks financial support to address issues related to traffic, housing demand, and noise.
In late June, Universal submitted a request to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for planning permission, seeking to issue a Special Development Order (SDO) for the site, a former brickworks site and land at Kempston Hardwick.
Last month, the UK government launched an open consultation on the plans, which will close at midday on Sunday, August 31. This is scheduled to be discussed by the council today (August 21), covering “potentially valid concerns” from the community and councillors.
The proposal is for an entertainment resort complex that includes a world-class theme park with various themed lands, visitor accommodation, and a range of retail, dining, and entertainment options.
The council states that it backed the project due to its “national importance to the UK economy”. It is committed to collaborating with Universal Destinations and Experiences (UDX) and the government throughout the project.
