Address:       The Birches, Hitchin Road, Shefford, SG17 5JB

Change of use from Care Home to transitional accommodation for individuals and families who will be supported by the council to find future accommodation. It is proposed to convert existing layout to provide 13 self-contained flats and 4 individual rooms with shared facilities. All accommodation on the ground floor will be suitable for use by disabled persons. The existing office accommodation will be retained for housing staff with an additional hot desk or ‘set down’ area created for other CBC staff. It is proposed to demolish the existing garage and workshop block to make way for extra parking facilities.

Applicant:     Central Bedfordshire Council

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/18/03161/REG3 for change of use from Care Home to transitional accommodation for individuals and families who will be supported by the Council to find future accommodation. It is proposed to convert existing layout to provide 13 self contained flats and 4 individual rooms with shared facilities. All accommodation on the ground floor will be suitable for use by disabled persons. The existing office accommodation will be retained for housing staff with an additional hot desk or ‘set down’ area created for other CBC staff. It is proposed to demolish the existing garage and workshop block to make way for extra parking facilities, at The Birches, Hitchin Road, Shefford, SG17 5JB.

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 as well as representations from public speakers.

The public speakers included a representation in objection from Town Councillor Paul Makin, a representation in objection from Mick Allen and a representation from the applicant in support from Carol Rooker.

Committee Members discussed the following points:

•           Some concern was raised about increased crime levels or anti social behaviour resulting from the change of use. Clarity was given on the type of people and families which could be using the accommodation and the possible circumstances that could lead to them residing there. It was noted that all potential residents would be classed as low risk, there would be drive by security and CCTV and one FTE member of staff during working hours as well as facility for other staff to hot desk. The Planning Officer added there is an identified housing need for this type of accommodation for the local community.

•           Members agreed that the proposed parking provision was excessive. Members wanted to retain more of the garden as outside amenity space. The Planning Officer  agreed to condition the retention of the garden space in the application.

•           Members raised concerns over the proposed condition 2 – to use obscure glazing over non bathroom windows. Members agreed that this was not a necessary condition. The Planning Officer agreed that this condition could be removed.

•           Members agreed to move as set out with the additions of conditions 7 and 8 in the late sheet, the amendment of condition 4 in the late sheet, the removal of condition 2 and for a condition removing the excessive parking and retaining more of the garden to be worded by the officers and added to the application.

On being put to the vote for APPROVAL, 11 voted in favour, 1 against and 1 abstention.

RESOLVED

That the Planning Application No. CB/18/03161/REG3 at The Birches, Hitchin Road, Shefford, SG17 5JB, be approved as set out in the schedule attached to these minutes.