Central Bedfordshire Council is progressing plans designed to breathe new life into Leighton Linslade. 

The Council has carried out extensive work over the last six months to review opportunities for the parcels of land the Council owns south of the High Street and to develop a proposal for public consultation. 

The Council has been engaging with and listening to local ward members, the Town Council and community groups to understand their aspirations. The Council has also been carrying out financial appraisals and importantly, assessing the market to identify what is potentially viable for the site that will complement the thriving High Street. 

Car parking studies have shown the Duncombe Drive car park is under used and there is plenty of parking elsewhere in the town, so consideration can be given to releasing some of the car park space to free up land for community or cultural use. 

The consultation proposals will include the Westlands Care Home and Day Centre site, as the Council is building the £13million ultra-energy efficient Marigold House as a modern replacement facility.  

Cllr Kevin Collins, Executive Member for Planning and Regeneration, said: “Our vision is to transform the area and support and enhance a thriving town centre. We looked again at potential plans for the area having previously been advised it could be up to five years post Covid before the market recovers sufficiently to have the confidence to invest in this site.  

“The outcome of all the engagement work with stakeholders, robust market testing and studies is helping us to develop deliverable and realistic proposals for the future of the land south of the High Street.”  

Central Bedfordshire Council will start consulting on the proposals in early March 2023.