Address:       65 Mill Road, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 1AX

Resubmission of Application No: CB/17/03798/FULL for change of use of dwelling to two flats and erection of two flats.

Applicant:     Mr and Mrs M Blair

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/17/05740/FULL for the resubmission of Planning Application No. CB/17/03798/FULL for a change of use of a dwelling to two flats and the erection of two flats at 65 Mill Road, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 1AX.

In advance of consideration of the application the Committee's attention was drawn to additional consultation/publicity responses, an additional comment, additional/replacement conditions and additional informatives as set out in the Late Sheet.

In advance of consideration of the application the Committee received representations from Leighton-Linslade Town Council, an objector to the application and the applicant's agent under the public participation scheme.

The Chairman sought clarification on a point raised by the objector regarding the boundary fence with 2A Doggett Street.  The objector explained that the fence was property of the owner of 2A Doggett Street, not the applicant, and would not be reduced in height as was required by the highways officer.

The applicant’s agent stated that, if an agreement was necessary with the neighbour, it would be dealt with outside the application.  Should an agreement not prove possible then the possible reconfiguration of the parking arrangements would be examined.  The Chairman advised that depending on the extent of the reconfiguration a new planning application could be required.

In the absence of the ward Members for Leighton Buzzard North the Vice-Chairman explained that he had been asked by one of the ward Members to speak on the application.  The Vice Chairman explained that he was the ward Member for Leighton Buzzard South and a member of Leighton-Linslade Town Council for the ward in which Mill Road lay.  Having considered various issues, including that of the ownership of the boundary fence, he stated that he felt that he had to support the officer recommendation before the Committee to approve the application.

The planning officer responded to the points raised so far as follows:

·         She did not feel that there would be a materially harmful change to the character of the area.

·         The existing planning permission already provided for four parking spaces in the rear garden so it was difficult for her to object to an extra space set further away from the neighbours.  It was not felt that there would be a significant change of character  or that overdevelopment would arise.

·         The current application would extend the rear extension by a further 3.6m.  However, this would not be any further then the rear wall of 67 Mill Road.  The impact on 2A Doggett Street with regard to overbearing and light would be similar to the existing two storey rear extension at no. 67.  A condition has been proposed for obscure glazing which would prevent loss of privacy.

The Chairman referred to the issues relating to the ownership of the fence and the possible reconfiguration of parking.  He also referred to concern over the absence of separate parking for visitors but stated that this situation was no different than that which already existed for other residents.

The Committee  ...  view the full minutes text for item 127