Agenda and minutes

Agenda and minutes

Venue: Council Chamber, Priory House, Monks Walk, Shefford

Contact: Leslie Manning/Sophie Sherwood  0300 300 5132/0300 300 5649

Items
No. Item

112.

Chairman's Announcements

To receive any announcements from the Chairman and any matters of

communication.

Minutes:

 

The Chairman advised the meeting that the order of business for the planning

applications would be as follows:

 

6,7,10,9,5 and 8.

 

 

113.

Minutes

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meeting of the

Development Management Committee held on 5 December 2019

(copies to follow).

 

Minutes:

 

RESOLVED

 

that the Minutes of the meeting of the Development Management Committee held on the 5 December 2018 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

 

114.

Members' Interests

To receive from Members any declarations of interest including membership of Parish/Town Council consulted upon during the application process and the way in which any Member has cast his/her vote.

Minutes:

 

(a)

Personal Interests:-

Member

Item

Nature of Interest

Present or Absent during discussion

All

6

Public Speaker is a former Member of the authority.

 

Present

Cllr Smith

8

Grandson attends Fulbrook Middle School.

 

Present

 

Cllr Ghent

5

Aware of the application through his works as Assets portfolio holder but has not been present during discussions.

 

Present

 

Cllr Young

9

Knows the applicant through his duties as Regeneration portfolio holder.

 

Present

(b)

Personal and Prejudicial Interests:-

Member

Item

Nature of Interest

Present or Absent during discussion

 

None

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(c)

Prior Local Council Consideration of Applications

Member

Item

Parish/Town Council

Vote Cast

None

 

 

 

 

115.

Planning Application No. CB/18/02867/VOC (Sandy) pdf icon PDF 242 KB

 

Address:       Land South of Barford Road, Blunham, MK44 3NE

 

Variation of Condition 4: App CB/16/04369/OUT, dated 13/04/2017

Amendment to remove the occupational restriction. Condition 4 to require the provision of bungalows only.

 

Applicant:     Abbey Developments Ltd

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/18/02867/VOC for a variation of Condition 4 of application CB/16/04369/OUT, dated 13/04/2107 – an amendment to remove the occupational restriction and condition to provide bungalows only at Land South of Barford Road, Blunham, MK44 3NE

 

In advance of consideration of the application the Committee heard representations from public speakers.

 

The public speakers included a representation in objection from Parish Councillor Nigel Aldis, a representation in objection from Charles Day, and a representation from Reda Iskandar as agent for the applicant in support.

 

Committee Members discussed the following points:

 

           Members discussed the concerns of the Parish Council relating to the evidenced need for older peoples housing in the local area. The planning Officer noted that there was no council policy that required an age restriction relating to the sale of bungalows and the amount of bungalows provided exceed the policy H3 requirement and therefore approval was recommended.

 

           Members discussed the agents points of the advantages of being able to release the bungalows to potential purchasers with other needs or disabilities. The agent raised concerns around restricting the sale of the bungalows and potentially having unsold units as a result. Members disagreed with this as there was evidence of a housing need demand for the aging population.

 

           It was clarified that although the current developer had bought the site since the outline application was approved and they were aware of the age restrictions on the bungalows. It was discussed that the original developer had entered into the condition voluntarily and this was used as a positive point to the Parish Council and residents at consultation stage.

 

           Members agreed that removing the restriction would not guarantee the properties would go to purchasers with need for a bungalow and may cause a loss of suitable housing to those over 55.

 

           The planning officer noted that there was no policy to support the restriction but Members felt that there was an overwhelming need for housing to be reserved for older people. The planning officer agreed that there is a need for housing for older people. 

 

           Members moved for REFUSAL to remove the condition, against officer recommendation, as the restriction meets the national demand of over 55s housing as set out in the NPPF (Paragraph 60), the provision for the over 55 restriction was material in terms of the decision relating to the original application and the committee sees no reason to negate the original decision.

 

On being put to the vote for REFUSAL, 12 voted in favour, 0 against and 1 abstention.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Planning Application No. CB/18/02867/VOC at Land South of Barford Road, Blunham, MK44 3NE, be refused.

 

 

 

 

116.

Planning Application No. CB/18/03395/FULL (Houghton Conquest & Haynes) pdf icon PDF 156 KB

 

Address:       Land at Chapel End Road, Houghton Conquest, MK45 3LL

 

Erection of 37 dwellings and associated development

 

Applicant:     Kier Living

 

(Note: The map for this item is to follow).

 

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/18/03395/FULL for the erection of 37 dwellings at Chapel End Road, Houghton Conquest, MK45 3LL.

 

In advance of consideration of the application the Committee’s attention was drawn to additional consultation, additional comments and amended conditions as set out in the Late Sheet as well as representations from public speakers.

 

The Officer advised the members that contributions were only sought for the additional 20 dwellings, the obligations for the other 17 were to be secured in accordance with the original agreement. The following contributions were sought:

 

Education

Early Years

Lower

Middle

Upper

 

Community Facilities

Village hall improvements

 

Leisure

Outdoor Sport

Children’s Play

Informal Recreation

 

Health Care

Proposed GP surgery

 

The public speakers included a representation from Ian Mitchell as the applicant in support.

 

Committee Members discussed the following points:

 

           Members asked the applicant for clarity around the compliance of the parking arrangements due to highways concerns as detailed in the officer’s report. It was reported that the visitors parking would be on private areas of the road run by a management company and not on the highways land. The planning officer noted there was not a quantum compliance issue as there was enough spaces planned, it was where they were situated. It was discussed and reported that this issue was addressed in the amended condition 2 as set out in the late sheet. It was noted that although the report sets out a number of highways concerns, the highways officer did not raise any on the site visit attended by Members.

 

           Members were keen to ensure nomination rights for the bungalows would be maintained. The applicant responded that there was a Registered Provider agreed to take the additional units should the Committee be minded to approve. The Planning Officer added that this could be an informative to the applicant.

 

           On further discussion on highways concerns (Condition 3 in the highways recommendation section of the officer’s report), it was agreed that removal of permitted development rights on garages should be a condition.

 

           Members discussed concerns relating to the density of the additional dwelling site, the planning officer reported that the net density of the area of additional dwellings had grown from 19 dwellings per hectare to 40 dwellings per hectare, but when looking at the site as a whole, it had only increased from 14.9 dwellings per hectare to 17.3 dwellings per hectare which was a low density over all. It was noted by a Member that this was efficient use of the site and the dwellings already built were to a high quality and architectural style and expected that this be continued with the dwellings proposed

 

           It was noted that the S106 infrastructure contributions had not yet been agreed with the applicant but approval of the scheme would be dependent on a legal agreement to include necessary financial contributions towards the identified infrastructure projects, to mitigate the needs arising from the development.

 

           Members agreed  ...  view the full minutes text for item 116.

THE COMMITTEE ADJOURNED AT 11.30 A.M. AND RECONVENED AT 11.40 A.M.

117.

Planning Application No. CB/18/01795/FULL (Toddington) pdf icon PDF 3 MB

 

Address:       Chapel Farm, Luton Road, Chalton, Luton, LU4 9UJ

 

Proposed energy storage facility to provide energy balancing services to the National Grid.

 

Applicant:    Harmony Energy Storage

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/18/01795/FULL for a proposed energy storage facility to provide energy balancing service to the National Grid at Chapel Farm, Luton Road, Chalton, Luton, LU4 9UJ.

 

In advance of consideration of the application the Committee’s attention was drawn to 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 from Parish Councillor Keith Featherstone in objection and a representation from Louise Leyland as agent to the applicant in support.

 

Committee Members discussed the following points:

 

           Members discussed and clarified what equipment would be on site with regards to a large transformer. It was noted that the large transformer was no longer part of the application. The agent for the applicant reported there will be small battery and transformer housings at 2.2mtrs high each, these would be surrounded by a 2.4mtr high perimeter fence. It was noted by the planning officer that condition 2 covers a full landscaping scheme to be submitted to ensure adequate screening.

 

           The agent reported for clarification, that the application site (land adjacent to the existing substation) was the normal position for this type of storage facility to be built and could not be built closer as the land is owned by the National Grid and so could not be built on by the applicant.

 

           The planning officer addressed that multiple applications had been referred to during the public representations. It was reported that the National Grid had advertised capacity and there had been a flurry of applications made. Members were asked to note this is the only battery store application currently received.

 

           In response to the Parish Councils concern of noise, the planning officer noted that Condition 8 would cover any noise related issues and there had been no objection relating to noise from the environmental officer.

 

           A Ward Member added there had been a lot of planning applications and recent developments including, housing, retail, infrastructure and warehousing. The village wanted to protect the green belt and reported he was not comfortable with the location of the application but needed to balance that with the need for sustainable energy development.

 

           Members discussed the VSC’s (very special circumstances) as listed in 2.2 of the officers report which predominantly involved the benefits of sustainable energy It was agreed that they reflected Section 10 of the NPPF which recognises the benefits of such applications.

 

           Members agreed to move as set out.

 

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

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Planning Application No. CB/18/01795/FULL at Chapel Farm, Luton Road, Chalton, Luton, LU4 9UJ be approved as set out in the schedule attached to these minutes.

 

 

 

CLLR NICOLS LEFT THE ROOM AT 12.18 P.M.AND RETURNED AT 12.45 P.M. AND WAS NOT PRESENT FOR THE DEBATE OF THE NEXT ITEM AND DID NOT TAKE PART IN THE VOTE.

118.

Planning Application No. CB/18/03205/FULL (Caddington) pdf icon PDF 260 KB

 

Address:       Land adjacent to Ashridge, Pepsal End Road, Pepperstock, Luton, LU1 4LJ

 

Erection of a production facility (with use classes B1(a) and B1(c) light industry appropriate in a residential area) with associated office, on-site parking and an access road off Pepsal End Road.

 

Applicant:    Mr/Mrs Harper

 

(Note: The map for this item is to follow).

 

 

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/18/03205/FULL for the erection of a production facility (with use classes B1(a) (offices) and B1(c) (light industry appropriate in a residential area)) with associated office, on site parking and access road off Pepsal End Road at land adjacent to Ashridge, Pepsal End Road, Pepperstock, Luton, LU1 4LJ.

 

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 as well as a representation from a public speaker.

 

The public speaker included a representation from Mr Harper as the applicant in support.

 

Committee Members discussed the following points:

 

           The planning officer summarised his report for Members and detailed reasons for refusal.

 

           Members discussed the benefits to the application, one of which was the new employment of 12 staff members within the business that already supports 40 staff.

 

           Members asked the applicant if he had considered other sites for the production facility, the applicant reported he had looked inside and outside the county but found no building suitable. Due to strict food safety requirements, a custom building is required. It was also noted that there is no parking on or local to the existing shop site, which was also a factor in considering where his staff could safely park.

 

           Members noted that the proposed facility was close to the applicant’s own property, the applicant reported that he did not believe there would be any adverse impact on his living conditions.

 

           The Chair read out a statement of support from the Ward Members who could not attend the Committee. The reasons of support stated there were no other sustainable or commercially viable sites outside the Green Belt and there are VSC’s (very special circumstances) in this case that outweigh the potential harm to the Green Belt, one of which being to support a thriving rural business to grow. They did however suggest two conditions to minimise any potential impact which were to propose that Land adjacent to No 11 Pepsal End Road/ Pedlars be retained as open space and land adjoining Pepsal End Road only be used as an access road to the production facility and that lorry / delivery movements to the production facility be limited to between the hours of 06:00 and 18:00.

 

           Members discussed the comments from neighbours consulted. It was agreed that the neighbouring properties should have protection with regards to buffering, screening and landscaping. It was agreed that a landscaping scheme should be a condition to submitted as suggested within the Landscaping Officers comments within the report. Members requested the planning officer be delegated to supply appropriate wording for a condition.

 

           Members agreed that the conditions discussed would be enough to mitigate any impact within the Green Belt and that the applicant will not find a more suitable or sustainable location.

 

           Members agreed that the VSC’s were enough to justify any impact on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 118.

AT THE CONCLUSION OF ITEM 9 ABOVE COUNCILLORS GHENT & CLARK LEFT THE MEETING

THE COMMITTEE ADJOURNED AT 13.10 P.M AND RECONVENED AT 13.15 P.M. COUNCILLOR SMITH WAS NOT PRESENT FOR THE OFFICERS PRESENTATION AND THEREFORE DID NOT TAKE PART IN THE DEBATE OR VOTE.

119.

Planning Application No. CB/18/04185/FULL (Arlesey) pdf icon PDF 1 MB

 

Address:       Etonbury Academy, Stotfold Road, Arlesey, SG15 6XS

 

Two storey detached school building with associated car/cycle parking, external works, landscaping and external play areas.

 

Applicant:     Dr A Lee

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/18/04185/FULL for a two storey detached school building with associated car/cycle parking, external works, landscaping and external play areas at Etonbury Academy, Stotfold Road, Arlesey, SG15 6XS

 

In advance of consideration of the application the Committee’s attention was drawn to additional consultation and additional comments as set out in the Late Sheet. There were no representations from public speakers.

 

Committee Members discussed the following points:

 

           A Ward Member noted that the proposed application was fully supported by all Arlesey Ward Members as the extension to the school was would meet an urgent local need.

 

           The Planning Officer clarified that only one objection had been received on the application which related to technical issues around the school capacity and the design of the building. The other representations noted in the report were general comments and one representation of support.

 

           Members agreed to move as set out.

 

On being put to the vote for APPROVAL, 9 voted in favour, 0 against and 1 abstention.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Planning Application No. CB/18/04185/FULL at Etonbury Academy, Stotfold Road, Arlesey, SG15 6XS, be approved as set out in the schedule attached to these minutes.

 

 

 

 

120.

Planning Application No. CB/17/04133/FULL (Aspley & Woburn) pdf icon PDF 181 KB

 

Address:       Fulbrook Middle School, Weathercock Lane, Aspley Guise,

Milton Keynes, MK17 8NP

 

The construction of a synthetic turf pitch with associated floodlighting, fencing and ancillary features.

 

Applicant:    Fulbrook Middle School

 

 

(Note: The map for this item is to follow).

 

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/17/04133/FULL for the construction of a synthetic turf pitch with associated floodlighting, fencing and ancillary features at Fulbrook Middle School, Weathercock Lane, Aspley Guise, Milton Keynes, MK17 8NP

 

It was noted that there were no further comments or conditions added to the late sheet and there were no representations from public speakers.

 

Committee Members discussed the following points:

 

           A Member highlighted the health and wellbeing advantages to young people this application would offer, giving them more access to sporting activities. Concerns were raised about the viability of the pitch due the restrictions imposed on hours of use in relation to the floodlighting. It was reported that the applicant could come back to planning with a variation of conditions if it was an issue, for further consideration by officers.

 

           After Member concerns relating to potential impact of the floodlighting on neighbouring properties as well as the local wildlife, the Planning Officer responded that there was a condition to have a full lighting plan submitted and approve d before the development commenced.

 

           Members asked for clarification of the objection noted that could not be covered by conditions, it was reported by the Planning Officer that the objection concerned adult language that may be used whilst the pitch is in use.

 

           Members discussed use of the pitch after dusk and its possible effects on the native bats in the vicinity. The Planning Officer drew members attention to Condition 6 which requires a detailed lighting strategy for bats to be submitted and approved, this also includes set timings that areas are allowed to be lit between the months of April and October, Condition 10 also specifies times that the floodlights can be used throughout the rest of the year.

 

           Members agreed to move as set out.

 

On being put to the vote for APPROVAL, 10 voted in favour, 0 against and 1 abstention.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Planning Application No. CB/17/04133/FULL at Fulbrook Middle School, Weathercock Lane, Aspley Guise, Milton Keynes, MK17 8NP be approved as set out in the schedule attached to these minutes.

 

 

 

121.

Late Sheet pdf icon PDF 122 KB

 

To receive and note, prior to considering the planning applications contained

in the schedules above, any additional information detailed in the Late Sheet

to be circulated on 8 January 2019.

Minutes:

 

In advance of consideration of the planning applications attached to the agenda

the Committee received a Late Sheet advising it of additional

consultation/publicity responses, comments and proposed additional/amended

conditions. A copy of the Late Sheet is attached as an appendix to these

minutes.

 

 

 

 

 

122.

Site Inspection Appointment(s)

 

Under the provisions of the Members Planning Code of Good Practice, Members are requested to note that the next Development Management Committee will be held on 6 February 2019 and the Site Inspections will be undertaken on 4 February 2019.

 

 

Minutes:

 

NOTED

 

that the next meeting of the Development Management Committee will be

held on 6 February 2019.

 

RESOLVED

 

that all Members and substitute Members, along with the relevant ward

representatives, be invited to conduct the site inspections on 4 February

2019.