Address:       Franklin House, Brewers Hill Road, Dunstable, LU6 1UU

REG 3: Change of use: from Care Home (formerly known as Greenacre) to temporary accommodation for homeless people (shared facilities).

Applicant:     Central Bedfordshire Council

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/18/00615/REG3 for a change of use from a care home (formerly known as Greenacre) to temporary accommodation for homeless people (shared facilities) at Franklin House, Brewers Hill Road, Dunstable, LU6 1UU.

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

No representations were made under the public participation scheme.  The meeting noted that a ward Member had been unable to attend due to prior work commitments.

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

·         The proposed erection of suitable fencing.  The Chairman advised that at the site inspection it was apparent that close boarded style fencing had already been erected at some point to replace the wire mesh used when the building was a care home.  The Chairman believed that the style of the fencing erected met the requirement set out in the recommended condition.

·         The reason for the fencing was noted by Members.

·         A Member stated that the he was very aware of the need for such transitional accommodation, as it was correctly known, and was supportive.

·         The Chairman stated that, since the last meeting of the Committee, when the application had been deferred, further consultation had taken place with the police.  The police had subsequently raised no objection to the application, having been reassured by the proposed on-site overnight staffing presence.

On being put to the vote 12 Members voted for approval, 0 voted against and 1 abstained.

RESOLVED

that Planning Application No CB/18/00615/REG3 relating to Franklin House, Brewers Hill Road, Dunstable, LU6 1UU be approved as set out in the Schedule attached to these minutes.