Address:       Former Pig Testing Unit, Hitchin Road, Stotfold (nearest post code SG5 4JG)

Removal of Condition No. 16 of planning permission ref: CB/15/03182/FULL dated 18/12/15.

Applicant:     Crest Nicholson Chiltern

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/17/05966/VOC for the removal of condition no. 16 of planning permission ref: CB/15/03182/FULL dated 18/12/15 at the former Pig Testing Unit, Hitchin Road, Fairfield.

The Committee was aware that Condition 16 required the occupation of an apartment block of 19 residential units by those aged over 55 only.

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

In advance of consideration of the application the Committee received a representation from the applicant under the public participation scheme.

A Member sought clarification from the applicant regarding where the apartment units had been marketed.  He also referred to the applicant’s brochure for the development as a whole which pointed out the benefits of living so closely to Letchworth and the facilities available in nearby Fairfield Park but which did not appear to refer to the over 55 accommodation.  In response the applicant stated that reference to the apartments was not necessarily in the brochure as its purpose was to show what they looked like.  She referred the Member online to Right Move and in advertisements where it was clear the apartments were for over 55s.  In response to a comment by the Member that the advertisements for over 55 accommodation had only been made on line and not within the brochure the applicant stated that the only persons receiving the brochure were those who had already expressed an interest in purchasing a property on the development.  The applicant referred to a log of the interest shown since May 2017 recorded by sales advisors of the interest shown in the apartments.  She stated that approximately 20 persons had made enquiries, many of whom had not been over 55.

Members had noted earlier that three reservations for apartments had been registered.

In response to a query by the Chairman the applicant stated that a couple of advertisements had also been placed in local newspapers.  She added that visitors to the site were advised of the over 55 accommodation.

A Member asked what the price would be for the apartments.  The applicant stated that she believed the prices ranged from £270k for a two bedroomed apartment and 350k for a three bedroomed apartment with terrace.

A Member asked what market research was carried out regarding over 55 accommodation before the original application had been submitted.  The applicant stated that the site had been purchased with planning permission which included the provision of over 55 accommodation.  The company had been fully aware of that aspect of the permission.  Some advice was taken from Connells, a local estate agent which had been heavily involved in selling the Fairfield development.  Connells had expressed concerns about being able to sell that many (19) apartments from the site and whether there would be sufficient demand as Connells believed the area was more attractive to young persons and families.  The marketing exercise which  ...  view the full minutes text for item 140