Bedford Borough features a wealth of rural villages set around the urban areas of Bedford and Kempston. The rural areas are characterised by timber framed and stone buildings, many with thatched roofs, whilst the urban areas have a wealth of late 18th and 19th century buildings. Bedford Borough Council has a strong commitment to the protection of its 27 conservation areas and over 1300 listed buildings.
The Council is currently rated as ‘excellent’ following a recent Comprehensive Performance Assessment.