Bedford Borough Council is set to formally support the construction of Universal’s 500 acre theme park at Kempston Hardwick, stating the site will prove of “national importance to the UK economy.”

In approving plans, councillors will add that the authority will require governmental assistance to address the major infrastructure challenges posed by the project, including noise reduction, traffic and housing demand.

“While there are plans for a four-platform railway station at Wixams and a new junction for the A421, the council wants assurances the proposals would mitigate other traffic impacts,” reported the BBC. “It acknowledged the development would increase housing demand and ‘permanently transform the existing landscape.’”

“It highlighted issues over noise, especially during the operational phase with the potential for up to 95 special events a year. The authority will also ask the government for funding to increase capacity in local healthcare, housing and infrastructure.”

A council meeting on 21 August will discuss “potentially valid concerns” raised by the community.