Address:       12 North Lane, Haynes, Beds. MK45 3PW

Outline Application: erection of up to two dwellings.

Applicant:     Mrs Roberts

The Committee considered a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/17/04022/OUT, an outline application for the erection of up to two dwellings at 12 North Lane, Haynes, Beds. MK45 3PW.

In advance of consideration of the application the Committee’s attention was drawn to additional comments as set out in the Late Sheet.

In advance of consideration of the application the Committee received representations from Haynes Parish Council and an objector to the application.

A Member sought clarification from the Parish Council representative with regard to the concerns which had been raised by that Council.  In response the Parish Councillor explained that Parish Councillors’ views on the application varied and he was, therefore, constrained in his response and could only refer to the form of words which he had read out.  In view of this situation the Chairman referred the Central Bedfordshire Council Member to the objections received from some occupants of North Lane as set out in the planning officer’s report.

The ward Member set out her objections to the application.  She first referred to two errors by the officers relating to the application including a reference in the Late Sheet to a local bus service stopping in Bedford Road (A600) opposite the site.  This was inaccurate as Bedford Road was some two miles away.  She added that a choice had to be made on a proposed change of use and the replacement of an existing ancient orchard by the provision of two houses.  She emphasised that the plans supplied were purely indicative and there was no idea of the size of the properties or parking provision.  The ward Member stressed the unique character of North Lane.  She referred to the sewers being sometimes problematic and that no consultation had been carried out with either the British Horse Society or Ramblers Society as users of the Lane.  Further, the application site was outside the settlement envelope, there was need to consider the impact on wildlife and the need to consider the views of the village.  She supported the retention of the land as open space and reminded the meeting that Central Bedfordshire Council had its required five year land supply; refusing the application would not significantly impact on it.  Allowing the application, however, would have a major impact and open the way to further development outside the settlement envelope. 

The Committee considered the application and in summary discussed the following:

·         The planning officer’s comment on the need to assess the application on its own merits, that the site lay between two existing dwellings and that the proposed development could therefore be classed as infill.  He acknowledged that there had been no development in North Lane for 60 years but the Committee was required to determine the application before it.  He added that it was unlikely that wildlife or the general use of North Lane would be adversely impacted to any great extent.  North Lane was a fairly typical country lane and he would not expect footpaths to be present.

·         The planning  ...  view the full minutes text for item 101