Address:       Former Dukeminster Estate, Church Street, Dunstable (nearest postcode LU5 4FF)

Erection of 270 dwellings with parking and associated works.

Applicant:     Persimmon Homes North London

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/16/02972/FULL for the erection of 270 dwellings with parking and associated works at the former Dukeminster Estate, Church Street, Dunstable.

There were no additional consultation/publicity responses, comments or additional/amended conditions reported in the Late Sheet.

No representations were made under the public representation scheme.

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

·         That the total provision of on-site affordable housing remained at 15% but the developer had advised that it was unable to deliver the proposed mixture of 10% shared ownership and 5% starter homes as this split was considered undeliverable.

·         That following consideration of the updated viability it was found that 15% shared ownership was the only comparable affordable housing mix that was relative to the cost implications of the original mix proposed. 

·         Concern at the absence of affordable housing for rental given the size of the development and local demand.

·         The planning officer’s confirmation that the viability of the revised scheme had been independently assessed and approved.  The Committee noted that it lacked the information to challenge the assessment.

On being put to the vote 9 Members voted for approval, 0 voted against and 1 abstained.

RESOLVED

that Planning Application No. CB/16/02972/FULL relating to the former Dukeminster Estate, Church Street, Dunstable be approved as set out in the Schedule attached to these minutes.