Address:       Pinehurst, 17A Ivel Road, Shefford, SG17 5LB

Outline application for residential development comprising 31 no 2, 3, 4 & 5 bedroom houses, and 6 no 1 & 2 bedroom apartments (37 no total dwellings) following demolition of existing single dwelling with new access onto Ivel Road and reconfigured parking for existing office.

Applicant:     BBR Architects

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/17/02615/OUT, an outline application for a residential development comprising 31 no 2, 3, 4 and 5 bedroom houses, and 6 no 1 and 2 bedroom apartments (37 no total dwellings) following demolition of existing single dwelling with new access onto Ivel Road and reconfigured parking for existing office at Pinehurst, 17A Ivel Road, Shefford, SG17 5LB.

In advance of consideration of the application the Committee’s attention was drawn to additional consultation/publicity responses, additional comments and additional/amended conditions as set out in the Late Sheet.  The Committee noted that a typographical error had occurred and the reference to ‘Stotfold Town Memorial Association’ should be amended to read ‘Shefford Town Memorial Association’.

In advance of consideration of the application the Committee received representations from Shefford Town Council under the public participation scheme.

A Member sought clarification from the Town Council representative regarding the 250 vehicle movements per day which the latter had suggested would arise from the development.  The Town Council representative informed the meeting that the number was based on guidance found on a website which advised town and parish councils on this issue.  The Member suggested that the link to the website be provided to the highways officer for consideration given the different outcomes that had been arrived at by the two parties.

A ward Member objected to the application on the following grounds:

·         the Council had recently established a five year land supply so the application was non-essential.

·         Ivel Road was a major road link between the A507 bypass to the town centre.  He referred to the difficulties experienced in vehicle movements and parking obstructions in Ivel Road at the section where the site access was proposed.

·         The Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) to restrict parking in Ivel Road but only provide two parking spaces in the site would create an ongoing problem for the residents of Ivel Road.

·         To recognise that restrictions on parking would only be required during the operation of waste collections confirmed that the problem was anticipated and restrictions could not be enforced.  Should the emergency services or other vehicles be required to enter the site major problems would arise.

·         Whilst Anglian Water had claimed it had sufficient capacity to process foul drainage from the site at Clifton Water Recycling Centre he queried whether the drainage infrastructure was able to transport it to the Centre.  On many occasions he had witnessed the need for Clifton Road to be unblocked using a tanker vehicle as the system was gravity fed rather than through a pump system.  He added that the presence of a parked tanker adversely affected vehicle movements.

·         The list of items being considered for financial contribution recognised the importance of the Shefford Town Memorial Association (STMA) play area within the town.  It would be of benefit to the developer because it would not need to provide play areas as the STMA play area was on the site’s boundary.

·         There were no school places available  ...  view the full minutes text for item 143