Bedford plan update scales back mixed-use zoning in Forest [Video]

BEDFORD — Bedford County has a new comprehensive plan to guide growth and development through 2035, a document that reflects a desire by residents who participated in the public input process that higher-density development be pulled back, especially in the Forest community.

The Bedford County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the update at its Nov. 18 meeting. Jordan Mitchell, director of community development, said 76 residents took part in a questionnaire and public meetings were also held in public libraries to gather input. The update started in January 2021 and the draft was completed in September.

Mitchell said it was found in the input process that residents still heavily value agriculture, scenic beauty and the county’s pastoral character.

“Our citizens desired less higher density development, particularly in Forest, and improvements to public infrastructure, roads and public and water are desired throughout the county,” Mitchell said.

The plan’s vision of “a …