Agenda and minutes

Agenda and minutes

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

Contact: Leslie Manning  0300 300 5132

Items
No. Item

1.

Chairman's Announcements and Communications

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:

 

Items 8, 6, 7, 9, 10.

 

 

 

 

 

2.

Minutes

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meetings of the Development Management Committee held on 23 May 2018 and 18 July 2018 (copies to follow).

Minutes:

 

RESOLVED

 

that the Minutes of the meeting of the Development Management Committee held on the 23 May 2018 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

 

 

 

3.

Members' Interests

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

Minutes:

 

(a)

Personal Interests:-

Member

Item

Nature of Interest

Present or Absent during discussion

 

All Members

 

10

 

Applicant is related to a Central Bedfordshire Councillor.

 

 

Present

 

Cllr Blair

7

Knows one of the speakers. Has not discussed the item with them.

 

Present

 

Cllr Young

7

Has spoken with major house builders as part of his role as regeneration portfolio holder and has discussed item 7, he remains opened minded.

Present

 

Cllr Nicols

7

Knows one of the speakers through an unrelated matter.

 

Present

 

Cllr Chapman

6

Knows speaker who has been a former Mid Beds Councillor. No discussion about the item has taken place.

 

Present

Cllr Matthews

6

Knows one of the applicants personally. Will be speaking as a Ward Member and leave the meeting.

Absent

 

(b)

Personal and Prejudicial Interests:-

Member

Item

Nature of Interest

Present or Absent during discussion

 

 

Cllr Smith

 

9

 

Has called this into committee and has had dialogue with objector. Is predetermined and will speak as a Ward Member and leave the meeting.

 

 

Absent

 

 

 

 

 

(c)

Prior Local Council Consideration of Applications

Member

Item

Parish/Town Council

Vote Cast

 

 

Cllr Firth

 

10

 

Has been present a Parish Council meeting where the item was discussed but he did not take part.

 

 

None

 

 

4.

Planning Enforcement Cases Where Formal Action Has Been Taken pdf icon PDF 48 KB

 

To consider the report of the Director of Regeneration and Business which provides a monthly update of planning enforcement cases where formal action has been taken.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

The Chairman advised Members to raise any issues they might have with regard to the planning enforcement cases with the Planning Manager, Mrs Jennie Selley.

 

 

5.

Planning Application No. CB/18/01001/FULL (Leighton Buzzard North) pdf icon PDF 319 KB

 

Address:       10 Copper Beech Way, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 3BD

 

Erection of one detached dwelling with parking and access. Erection of detached garage to serve 10 Copper Beech Way.

 

Applicant:     Mr F Marshall

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/18/01001/FULL for erection of one detached dwelling with parking and access and the erection of detached garage to serve 10 Copper Beech Way at 10 Copper Beech Way, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 3BD.

 

It was agreed to move to defer the application as requested by Planning Officers in order for the Agent to address a late Highways objection and in order for several matters in the Officers Committee Report to be corrected, amended and updated.

 

On being put to the vote for DEFERAL, it was unanimous.

 

 

 

6.

Planning Application No. CB/18/02018/OUT (Cranfield and Marston Moretaine) pdf icon PDF 331 KB

 

Address:       Land at East End Farm, Bedford Road, Cranfield, Bedford,

MK43 0EU

 

Outline:  Demolition of existing structures and the erection of 48 dwellings, public open space, access onto Bedford Road, landscaping, balancing pond and other associated infrastructure. All matters to be reserved except access into the site.

 

Applicant:     Linden Limited and Mr & Mrs Robert & Joy Richardson

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

 

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/18/02018/OUT for the demolition of existing structures and the erection of 48 dwellings, public open space, access onto Bedford Road, landscaping, balancing pond and other associated infrastructure. All matters to be reserved except access into the site at Land at East End Farm, Bedford Road, Cranfield, Bedford, MK43 0EU.

 

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 representations from public speakers.

 

It was noted that Cllr Matthews stated he would be speaking as a Ward Member for this application and as such, excused himself from the Chair which was taken by Vice Chair Cllr Berry.

 

Committee Members discussed the following points:

 

           There was concern raised over the sites inclusion in the emerging Local Plan. It was stated that inspectors had asked questions regarding the rationale of inclusion of small to medium sites within the plan. This lead to discussion to whether the consideration of the application could be considered premature given that the site may not be included in the Local Plan. The Planning Officer responded that only limited weight could be given to the emerging Local Plan and the NPPF states that refusal on the grounds of prematurity are unlikely to be justified unless approval would cause substantial or cumulative damage.

 

           Major concerns over lack of healthcare provision from Objectors, Ward Members and Committee Members was discussed at length. It was noted that the current GP surgery was already overstretched and struggling to cope with current patient numbers and was due another influx due to current developments being built out. It was noted the current GP surgery building was not considered fit for purpose. Grounds to refuse this application on sustainability were discussed. The Planning Officer advised that the NPPF does contain guidance but at its core it was to boost the supply of housing. It was noted that there would be an S106 contribution to healthcare from the developer and to refuse the application on the grounds of lack of healthcare provision would be unreasonable in the context that the developer can not control this issue, other than to offer a financial contribution.

 

           Members discussed the possible retention of the farmhouse located on the proposed site. It was seen as a local landmark which adds character to the village and it contributes to the softening of the built form of the street scene. It was agreed that there would be an informative to request the applicant to consider retention of the farmhouse if at all possible.

 

           It was noted that the application contradicts policy DM4, the Planning Officer responded that there were material considerations that would outweigh the conflict.

 

           After speaking as a Ward Member Cllr Matthews left the room and did not vote on this item.

 

           The Committee also heard a written Ward representation from Cllr Mrs S Clark.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

THE COMMITTEE ADJOURNED AT 11.45 A.M AND RECONVENED AT 11.50 A.M. ALL MEMBERS OF THE COMMITTEE WERE PRESENT.

7.

Planning Application No. CB/18/01850/RM (Silsoe and Shillington) pdf icon PDF 228 KB

 

Address:       Land rear of 7-37  Barton Road, Gravenhurst, MK45 4JP

 

Reserved Matters:  Erection of 24 houses with associated garages and garden amenity space.

 

Applicant:     Hearne Holmes Developments and Grand Union Housing Group

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/18/01850/RM for the erection of 24 houses with associated garages and garden amenity space at Land rear of 7-37 Barton Road Gravenhurst, MK45 4JP.

 

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 representations from public speakers.

 

Committee Members discussed the following points:

 

           Members and Objectors raised concern over height of the two storey houses proposed in the application given that the ground level was higher than surrounding properties and that an informative to the outline planning permission stated that it was unlikely that two storey dwellings would be an acceptable scale of development throughout the site. The Planning Officer stated that following discussion with the developer the original plans had been amended and were considered acceptable.  Notable changes were, that the terraced properties have been moved to the north east boundary of the site and the dwellings that are close to the Barton Road properties have lowered the eaves and ridge heights with the inclusion of dormer windows. With these changes its was stated that the dwellings proposed are not considered to have an overbearing impact on the existing properties on Barton Road. Some Members remained unsatisfied with the above response from the Planning Officer and proposed deferral of this application to allow the applicant to submit a plan containing one storey dwellings.

 

On being put to the vote for DEFERRAL, 4 voted in favour, 8 voted against and 1 abstention. The motion to defer was lost and discussion continued.

 

           Members discussed the developers request to replace ‘pre-commencement’ to ‘pre-above groundwork’ from the proposed conditions. The developer stated that groundwork could commence to aid delivery of these dwellings in a timely manner and the conditions could still be met. The Planning Officer and Members agreed and if Members were minded to approve the application, advised that the following conditions would be changed to pre-above ground works: Condition 5 and Condition 9. All other conditions would remain pre commencement.

 

           Members discussed other Planning Conditions. It was agreed to include wheel washing facilities under Condition 17 and to add in Conditions that would cover passive provision to establish charging points for electric vehicles and a Condition requiring a wearing course for the roadways, if Members were minded to approve the application.

 

           All Members agreed that the scheme needed appropriate landscaping to mitigate against the loss of view to existing properties. It was noted that the Landscaping Officer had made objections to this application. The Planning Officer drew the Committees attention to Condition 11 & 12 which secured the protection of planting in a similar way to existing and proposed landscaping of the site. This would include the provision of an Orchard.

 

           Members noted that they were disappointed there was no reference to the affordable housing requirement with regards to what houses are needed in that area  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

AT THE CONCLUSION OF ITEM 7 ABOVE COUNCILLOR N YOUNG LEFT THE MEETING.

THE COMMITTEE ADJOURNED AT 13.20 P.M AND RECONVENED AT 13.35 P.M.

8.

Planning Application No. CB/18/01764/FULL (Sandy) pdf icon PDF 425 KB

 

Address:       36 Northcroft, Sandy, SG19 1JJ

 

Proposed extensions to the side and rear.

 

Applicant:     Mr Harper

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

 

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/18/01764/FULL for proposed extensions to the side and rear at 36 Northcroft, Sandy, SG19 1JJ.

 

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 representations from public speakers.

 

It was noted that Cllr Smith spoke as a Ward Member for this application, following which he left the meeting.

 

Members discussed the following points

 

          Concerns were raised by Objectors and Ward Members to the scale of the proposed extension. It was stated that the extension was overbearing on the neighbouring property and would cause loss of light as well as impacting on the neighbours’ amenity space. The Planning Officer responded that after discussion with the Applicant, the original application was amended to reduce the projection by 5.5mtrs and feature a subservient roofline which is now considered acceptable.

 

           Members discussed the objection based on loss of light and questioned the accuracy of the 45 degree rule as shown on the plans. The Planning Officer stated that the issue had been looked into and was confident that the representation on the plans was correct and properly assessed.

 

           Members discussed the point raised that the property was already over developed and not in keeping. It was noted that the property had been previously extended over the years but given the age of the property that was to be expected. It was stated that as most of the extension would be to the rear of the property, the area that would be seen from the from street scene would not have a harmful impact on the surrounding area.

 

           Cllr Young was not present for this item and he did not vote.

 

On being put to the vote for APPROVAL, 9 voted in favour, 0 against and 2 abstained.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Planning Application No. CB/18/01764/FULL at 36 Northcroft, Sandy, SG19 1JJ be approved as set out in the Schedule attached to these minutes.

 

9.

Planning Application No. CB/18/02303/FULL (Northill) pdf icon PDF 313 KB

 

Address:       Water Lane Farm, Biggleswade Road, Upper Caldecote, Biggleswade, SG18 9BP

 

Proposed stable block.

 

Applicant:     Maudlin G J & Sons

 

 

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/18/02303/FULL for proposed stable block at Water Lane Farm, Biggleswade Road, Upper Caldecote, Biggleswade, SG18 9BP.

 

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.

 

           Having considered the application it was moved for Approval.

 

           Cllr Young was not present for this item and he did not vote.

 

On being put to the vote for APPROVAL, 11 voted in favour, 0 against and 1 abstention.

 

RESOLVED

 

That the Planning Application No. CB/18/02303/FULL at Water Lane Farm, Biggleswade Road, Upper Caldecote, Biggleswade, SG18 9BP be approved as set out in the Schedule attached to these minutes.

 

 

10.

Late Sheet pdf icon PDF 195 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 14 August 2018.

Additional documents:

Minutes:

 

In advance of consideration of the planning applications attached to the agenda the Committee received a Late Sheet advising 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.

 

 

11.

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 12 September 2018 and the Site Inspections will be undertaken on 10 September 2018.

 

 

Minutes:

 

NOTED

 

That the next meeting of the Development Management Committee will be held on 12 September 2018.

 

RESOLVED

 

That all Members and substitute Members along with the relevant ward representatives be invited to conduct site inspections on 10 September 2018.