Address:       Superstore, Bells Brook, Biggleswade, SG18 0NA

Outline: For B1, B2 and B8 units on existing Lorry Park site (utilising existing access) all matters reserved except access.

Applicant:     Denison Investments Ltd

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/13/03433/OUT, an outline application for B1, B2 and B8 units on an existing lorry park site (utilising existing access) with all matters reserved accept access at the Superstore, Bells Brook, Biggleswade, SG18 0NA.

(Note: At this point, and prior to considering this application, Councillor Mrs Clark declared a personal interest because she knew Mr Steven Smith (of Denison Investments Ltd) in his role as a developer.  She had worked with him on the delivery of the community building on the Home Farm site in Cranfield and the relationship was of a professional nature.

Also at this point the Chairman stated that he also knew Mr Smith by virtue of the positions he (the Chairman) had held over the years.  The Chairman had not discussed the application with him).

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.

No representations were received by the Committee under the public participation scheme.

The ward Member welcomed the proposed small business units and the associated employment opportunities.  However, he referred to the location of the site in Flood Plain 3 and queried whether the application would lead to any drainage issues being moved elsewhere.  He also referred to local highways issues and asked if the filter lane to the filing station to the south of the application site could be extended to also assist entry into the site. Last, he expressed the hope that the lighting on the site would not impact on traffic using the nearby A1.

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

·         The adoption of additional conditions relating to provision of a right turn filter lane and the use of LED lighting on the site.  The planning officer advised that neither he nor the highways officer felt an extended filter lane to be necessary.  However, he stated that there was no technical reason why conditions relating to it or LED lighting could not be imposed.

·         The planning officer felt that access to the stream would not be impeded by the development.

·         With regard to possible flooding it was noted that there was no objection to the application by the Internal Drainage Board, the Sustainable Urban Drainage team or the Environment Agency.  The possible ‘relocation’ of flooding risk elsewhere had been considered and the officers did not believe this would occur.

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

RESOLVED

that Planning Application No. CB/13/03433/OUT relating to Superstore, Bells Brook, Biggleswade, SG18 0NA be approved as set out in the Schedule attached to these minutes.