To receive any announcements from the Chairman and any matters of communication.

None.

To approve as a correct record the minutes of the meetings of the Development Management Committee held on 18 July 2018 and 15 August 2018 (copies to follow).

RESOLVED

that the Minutes of the meeting of the Development Management Committee held on the 18 July 2018 and 15 August 2018 be confirmed and signed by the Chairman as a correct record.

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 a Member cast his/her vote.

Address:       Plot 10, The Stables, Stanbridge Road, Great Billington, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 9JH

Variation of conditions 3 and 4 of planning permission CB/10/00952 to allow the stationing of no more than 11 caravans on plot 10 of which no more than 7 shall be mobile homes / static caravans and additions to the names of the residents permitted to occupy the site.

Applicant:     Mrs Gentle

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/15/04495/VOC for variation of conditions 3 and 4 of planning permission CB/10/00952 to allow the stationing of no more than 11 caravans on Plot 10 of which no more than 7 shall be mobile homes / static caravans and additions to the names of the residents permitted to occupy the site at Plot 10, The Stables, Stanbridge Road, Great Billington, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 9JH.

Before consideration the Chairman advised that the application had been withdrawn.

Address:       Land at Spinney Park and Spinney Pool, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 9HH

Outline Planning Permission - Proposed erection of not more than 150 dwellings, together with connecting access to Billington Road, all internal access roads, parking provision, turning areas, incidental open space and site landscaping.

Applicant:     Edwards Warehousing Limited

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/18/02379/OUT for outline planning permission for the proposed erection of not more than 150 dwellings, together with connecting access to Billington Road, all internal access roads, parking provision, turning areas, incidental open space and site landscaping at Land at Spinney Park and Spinney Pool, Billington Road, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 9HH.

In advance of consideration of the application the Committee’s attention was drawn to additional comments as set out in the Late Sheet as well as a representation from Ray Kilsby speaking as an agent for the applicant.

Committee Members discussed the following points:

•           There were comments made that the land could be suitable for B1 and B2 use and it should have been marketed as a possible use. In response the agent for the applicant stated the land would have to be redeveloped to accommodate that and B2 use has possible environmental implications and as such would not be appropriate or desirable as the site is close to existing residential developments. The Planning Officer reported that the marketing evidence provided was considered by officers to be sufficient and detailed that the benefits of the scheme are considered to outweigh the harm, a position supported by Environmental Health because of the removal of the noisy use adjacent to residential properties. Other benefits include contributions and land towards the Council’s aspirations for footpaths and cycleways and strengthening the Council’s housing supply.

•           A Ward Member stated that he disagreed with the Town Council’s objections to refuse the application on the grounds of loss of employment area.

•           A Member raised concern over the possible lack of light in the lower stories of the six-storey element of the application due to it being in a 6 meter dip with steep banks. The Planning Officer responded that the ground floor would be under croft parking and the blocks have been pulled away from the bank to allow more light. As the application was outline only, the Planning Officer was content at this stage that the scheme would provide sufficient living conditions for floor one and above.

•           Concerns were raised over the potential for flooding. The Planning Officer reported that there have been no concerns from the Environmental Agency and the Flood Risk Management Team are content that the under-croft parking will not flood.

•           A Member suggested that should the Committee be minded to approve this application, the landscaping condition at No. 18 should be strengthened. The Member wanted the development to be a nicer place to live with a high quality outside environment with the example of Parkside given as a guide to the Planning Officer. It was noted that the maintenance clause will also need to be strengthened.

•           A Member asked for a condition be added to provide passive charging provision and adequate parking with charging provision for vehicles be provided.  It was pointed out by another Member that recommended condition 21 requires the provision of electric charging  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

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 9 October 2018.

In advance of consideration of the planning applications attached to the agenda the Committee received a Late Sheet advising of additional comments. A copy of the Late Sheet is attached as an Appendix to these Minutes.

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 7 November 2018 and the Site Inspections will be undertaken on 5 November 2018.

NOTED

That the next meeting of the Development Management Committee will be held on 7 November 2018

RESOLVED

That all Members and substitute Members along with the relevant ward representatives be invited to conduct site inspections on 5 November 2018.

(Note: The meeting commenced at 10.00 am and concluded at 11.05 am).