The Chairman reminded Councillors and members of the public to silence their mobile phones for the duration of the meeting.

The Chairman advised the Councillors and members of the public that that he would be varying the order of business as follows:  Items 7, 10, 11, 9, 8 and 6. 

The Chairman advised the public that a new microphone system was being trialled and agreed to revert to the old microphone system due to technical issues which limited the sound quality of the new system.

Subject to declarable interests all Members of the Committee have the right to vote on all matters of business considered by the Committee.

Rule No. 13.5.5 of the Constitution states that Members do not vote or take part in the meeting’s discussions on a proposal unless they have been present to hear the entire debate, including the officer’s introduction to the matter.

The Chairman, under Part E3 paragraph 9.2 has a second or casting vote should there be equal numbers of votes for and against an item.  This provision makes it quite clear that the Chairman is entitled to vote on any item of business.  There is no restriction or limitation on how the second or casting vote should be exercised nor is there a requirement that the right be exercised at all.

To approve as a correct record, the Minutes of the meeting of the Development Management Committee held on 2 March 2016.

(previously circulated)

RESOLVED

that the Minutes of the meeting of the Development Management Committee held on the 2 March 2016 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

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.

AGREED

that the monthly update of planning enforcement cases as identified in the report where formal action had been taken was received.

Address:       Land off Bedford Road and rear of Duck End Close, Houghton Conquest, Bedford MK45 3NP

Outline: The erection of up to 52 dwellings with all matters reserved except for access.

Applicant:     Templeview Developments Ltd

RESOLVED

that Planning Application No. CB/15/03706/OUT relating to Land off Bedford Road and rear of Duck end Close, Houghton Conquest, Bedford be approved as set out in the Schedule appended to these Minutes.

Address:       Land to the rear and side of East Lodge, Hitchin Road, Stotfold, Hitchin SG5 4AA

Outline Application: 18 No. dormer bungalows on area of open land.

Applicant:     P. J. Livesey Holdings Ltd

RESOLVED

that Planning Application No. CB/15/04320/OUT relating to Land to the rear and side of East Lodge, Hitchin Road, Stotfold, Hitchin be approved as set out in the Schedule appended to these Minutes.

Address:       West Orchard, Fairfield Park, Stotfold, Hitchin

Outline: 2 No. Dormer bungalows on the area of vacant land in the northern part, to the south of West Drive at Hardy Way; of the former orchard to the west of Fairfield Hall.

Applicant:     P. J. Livesey Holdings Ltd

RESOLVED

that Planning Application No. CB/15/04299/OUT relating to West Orchard, Fairfield Park, Stotfold, Hitchin be delegated to the Development Infrastructure Group Manager to refuse for the reasons set out in the Schedule appended to these Minutes.

Address:       7 – 37 Barton Road, Gravenhurst, Bedford MK45 4JP

Outline: Residential development of up to 24 dwellings with ancillary works.  All matters reserved except access.

Applicant:     The RonCon Trust

RESOLVED

that Planning Application No. CB/15/04081/OUT relating to 3 – 7 Barton Road, Gravenhurst, Bedford be approved as set out in the Schedule appended to these Minutes.

Address:       Land between Astwick Road & Taylors Road, Stotfold

Outline Application: Development of 0.84 hectares to provide bungalows and additional residential accommodation and other associated works.

Applicant:     Larkswood Design Limited

RESOLVED

that Planning Application No. CB/15/04226/OUT relating to Land between Astwick Road & Taylors Road, Stotfold be approved as set out in the Schedule appended to these Minutes.

Address:       Land at Station Road, Harlington

Outline: Redevelopment up to 45 residential units with associated amenity space, landscaping and parking provision.  Demolition of existing bungalow.

Applicant:     Co Koopmans Property Asset management

RESOLVED

that Planning Application No. CB/14/02348/OUT relating to Land at Station Road, Harlington be approved as set out in the Schedule appended to these Minutes.

To receive and consider a bi annual update on Development Management Performance.

The Committee considered a report of the Development Infrastructure Group Manager which provided the bi-annual update of Development Control performance.

NOTED

the six monthly update of Development Control performance, as set out at Appendix A to the report of the Development Infrastructure Group Manager be noted.

Under the provisions of the Members Planning Code of Good Practice, Members are requested to note that Site Inspections will be undertaken on 9 May 2016.

RESOLVED

that all members of the Committee be invited to conduct site inspections on Monday 9 May 2016.

In advance of consideration of the above planning applications 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.

During consideration of the applications the Committee received representations from members of the public in accordance with the Public Participation Procedure as set out in Annex 3 of Part A4 of the Constitution.