Dentons Planning Team

Bedford

Executive summary from entrant:

Advising the Secretary of State for Housing Communities and Local Government on the Special Development Order (SDO) granting planning permission for the £6bn Universal UK Theme Park and Resort complex at Bedford. The project is planned to be one of Europe's largest themed destinations and will include theme parks, water parks, amusement parks and wider infrastructure. The SDO will facilitate the delivery of one of the UK's most significant inward investment opportunities, made within 6 months of Universal's formal scheme submission. The complex is expected to attract more than 8million visitors annually from 2031, with major visitor attractions, supporting infrastructure and extensive transport and highway improvements, and is projected to deliver substantial economic benefits, job creation and long-term regeneration for the region.