Bedford Today are reporting that Universal Destinations and Experiences have approached HM Government and applied for planning permission directly from the Government, via a Special Development Order (SDO) for their proposed theme park project in Bedfordshire, England.
In the House of Commons during an exchange with culture, media and sport secretary, Lucy Frazer, the North East Bedfordshire MP Richard Fuller said: “The secretary of state will be aware of the proposal by Universal Studios for a theme park in Bedfordshire – a £10 billion investment in the country.
She will also be aware of the strong local support, led by Conservative Mayor Tom Wootton, so can she assure me and other Bedfordshire MPs that she is working hard with the Treasury to get a response to that proposal, and that a Government proposal will be forthcoming before the summer?”
Ms Frazer said: “My honourable friend is right to raise this very exciting opportunity for Bedfordshire, which I am pleased to have discussed with him. We are liaising closely with the Treasury, and I am also happy to continue liaising with my honourable friend.”
Universal has purchased a 480-acre (195 hectares) brown feild site in Stewartby, Bedfordshire between Bedford and Milton Keynes, 60 miles (97km) from London.
Universal has written to residents, advising that plans for the resort are in the very early stages and has recently held two open meetings to discuss their plans with local residents.
The company has resorts in Orlando and Hollywood in the United States, as well as Osaka in Japan and Beijing in China.