The unit of Comcast NBCUniversal - which confirmed in April 2025 that it intends to open a resort in Kempston Hardwick, Bedford, England, in 2031 - announced it had submitted to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on Thursday (26.06.25).
An SDO grants planning permission for significant infrastructure projects by the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) - national government - rather than local councils.
Universal Destination and Experiences' submission comes after it carried out several months of due diligence on the 480 acres of land, as well as two public engagement events in April 2024 - which showed 92 per cent of Bedford residents backed the project - to meet the requirements to submit an SDO.
If approved, construction on the new resort - which is expected to create 28,000 jobs, and will feature a theme park, a hotel, and a retail and dining complex - could begin as early as 2026.
In a statement, a Universal Destinations and Experiences spokesperson said: "We have now submitted a request to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) for planning permission to be granted by way of making a Special Development Order (SDO).
"Our submission includes the type of information that you would usually see in a planning application, including an Environmental Statement, Planning Statement and Design and Access Statement.
"The proposal is sponsored by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
"Our request for planning permission is for an entertainment resort complex featuring a world-class theme park with several themed lands, visitor accommodation, as well as a range of retail, dining and entertainment uses.
"The development will have a transformative impact on Bedford and the UK economy; it will generate nearly £50 billion of economic benefit and create 28,000 jobs.
"At opening, the entertainment resort complex would be one of the largest employers in the region, with approximately 80 per cent of employees expected to come from Bedford, Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes.
"The project will also help deliver several long sought-after transportation upgrades, including an expanded Wixams railway station, direct slip roads from the A421 and other local road improvements.
"The past year has enabled us to closely engage with Bedford Borough Council, neighbouring authorities, national government, transport and environmental bodies and local communities.
"Thousands of residents participated in our engagement in April 2024 and 92 per cent expressed their support for the project, which we appreciate and played a key role in us moving forward with the project.
"Once the request is received, MHCLG will be inviting representations on the Environmental Statement that accompanies the request, as well as the other documents, plans, and drawings submitted in relation to the proposed development.
"Details of where the material can be expected and how to make a representation will be available in due course.
"Any comments on the submitted proposals should be sent to MHCLG through the channels provided, not Universal.
"As always, updates on the project can be found on our website, universalukproject.co.uk. We look forward to the next steps in the months ahead."
