Wixams Railway Station

The challenge

The proposed new railway station on the Midland Main Line, between Bedford and Flitwick, is a long-established component of the masterplan for Wixams Garden Village and a strategic infrastructure priority for Bedford Borough Council.

Despite its strategic importance, the site sits within a complex planning environment, shaped by multiple historic and live planning applications in the surrounding area. Securing consent required a clear planning strategy, early stakeholder alignment, and extensive public engagement to demonstrate policy compliance, manage cumulative impacts, and build confidence in the proposals.

What we did

We were appointed to provide end-to-end planning and engagement support, acting as lead planning consultant from project inception through to submission of the planning application.

Our work included:

• Developing the overall planning strategy and leading pre-application discussions with the local planning authority and statutory consultees
• Designing and delivering an extensive public and stakeholder engagement programme to inform, consult, and build ‘in principle’ support
• Analysing consultation feedback and preparing a robust Statement of Community Engagement
• Authoring the Planning Statement, demonstrating compliance with local and national planning policy and clearly articulating the benefits of the scheme
• Preparing the Design and Access Statement, explaining key design drivers, access arrangements, and site-specific constraints
• Managing the multidisciplinary consultant team and assembling, submitting, and managing the planning application and associated consents
• Coordinating a pre-application enquiry and request for an EIA Screening Opinion to agree the scope of supporting environmental information
• Providing property advice and liaising with local landowners regarding temporary access requirements

Why it worked

• Early engagement – Proactive dialogue with the local planning authority and stakeholders helped de-risk the application from the outset
• Clear narrative – A strong planning case clearly linked the station to strategic policy objectives, sustainable growth, and long-term transport benefits
• Inclusive consultation – A comprehensive and transparent engagement programme built understanding and early support among local communities and stakeholders
• Integrated delivery – Close coordination of technical inputs ensured a coherent, well-evidenced submission aligned with agreed scoping and policy requirements