Address:       Land south of the bungalow, Bedford Road, Houghton Regis, Dunstable, LU5 6JS

Outline Application: Residential development of up to 1.03ha of the site with formation of two accesses, sustainable urban drainage and associated landscaping.

Applicant:     Haut Ltd

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/17/02512/OUT, an outline application for the residential development of up to 1.03ha of the site with the formation of two accesses, sustainable urban drainage and associated landscaping on land south of the bungalow, Bedford Road, Houghton Regis, Dunstable, LU5 6JS.

In advance of consideration of the application the Committee’s attention was drawn to additional additional/replacement conditions as set out in the Late Sheet.  The planning officer also advised that, further to page 162 of the agenda, he was able to confirm that the trial trench evaluation for the site had been commissioned together with a timetable for the works so there were no archaeology based objections to the application.  He also advised that the upper figure relating to the density of the dwellings was envisaged at approximately 30, this being regarded as more appropriate for a rural area.  The Chairman referred to the possible need to set an upper limit.

In advance of consideration of this item the Committee received a representation from the agent for the applicant under the public participation scheme.  The Chairman sought clarification from the agent as to whether the replacement of condition 14 and the introduction of new, additional conditions relating to highways matters were acceptable.  In his response, and whilst acknowledging the reasons why additional highway controls were being sought for this specific site , he stressed the need to consider the requirements arising from the development of Bedford Road as a whole given the possible wider impact.  He suggested that further discussion might reveal a better solution overall.  The Chairman stated that the Committee was required to determine what was before it but the applicant had the opportunity to seek amendments at a later date.

In response a Member stated that he was aware that local residents wished to see remedial works to Bedford Road.  Ward Members were strongly minded that an effective ramp would be a favoured solution.  Discussion took place on whether the application lay within in the Framework Plan and the Member stated that he had been assured that, whilst it wasn’t allocated, it was within the Framework area.

The agent stated that a tabled access was acceptable and that the question regarding the site’s position in the Framework site was ambiguous given the various plans available.  However, it was a site surrounded by development and treating it as a windfall site was possibly the best way forward in policy terms.

A local Member referred to her attendance at a meeting of the Houghton Regis Town Council’s Planning and Licensing Committee on Monday and sought assurance that the issues raised by the Committee and public, given the timescale, had been given due consideration.  She then welcomed the amended and additional conditions set out in the Late Sheet in particular with regard to the density and stated that she would prefer the maximum number of dwellings to be stated to avoid future doubt.  Following further comment she referred to the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 125