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

The Chairman informed the meeting the order of business for the planning applications would be as follows:

Item 5, 6, 8 and 7.

To note that the minutes of the meetings of the Development Management Committee held on 6 March 2019 and 3 April 2019 will not be available to be confirmed and signed.

NOTED

that the minutes of the meeting of the Development Management Committee held on 6 March 2019 and 3 April 2019 were not yet available to be signed 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 any Member has cast their vote.

Address:       North Star Cottage, Watling Street, Hockliffe, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 9PY

Demolition of existing buildings/structures and retention of the pallet operation and ancillary buildings on site (retrospective) and expansion of the operation's facilities.

Applicant:     Direct Pallets Ltd.

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/18/04553/FULL for demolition of existing buildings/structures and retention of the pallet operation and ancillary buildings on site (retrospective) and expansion of the operations facilities at North Star Cottage, Watling Street, Hockliffe, Leighton Buzzard, LU7 9PY.

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 representations from public speakers.

The public speakers included a representation from the applicant in support from Mr K McBride.

Committee Members discussed the following points:

•           Members noted that the Planning officer recommendation of refusal is based on the detrimental impact on the open countryside and openness of the Green Belt caused by the excessive scale and intensive nature of operations proposed. The proposal was considered inappropriate to the Green Belt by the planning officer and that the very special circumstances do not outweigh the harm to the Green Belt.

•           The public speaker clarified that the previous site the operation occupied had permission for 8mtr high pallet stacking and the current site now only has 4.5mtrs, in conclusion he needed double the site to store the same number of pallets. He reported that 50% percent of Parcel B (not previously developed land, currently an agricultural field) will be re-landscaped to reduce the impact on the green belt.

•           The Ward Member made a verbal representation and noted that pallet yard is a vast improvement to the previous occupation as a salvage yard and that both neighbouring Parish Councils are comfortable with the application.

•           A Member stated that on balance he felt that this was a reasonable application when considering the previous use of the site and the pallet height should be allowed at 8mtr height if the application is refused expansion in excess of the previously developed land. It was noted that Local employment and viability of the business will be affected if the application is refused.

•           Members expressed that there have been other applications approved in the Green Belt and on balance this is a good application with good access meaning no traffic going through the villages to get to the business and next to a motorway link road, both of which are appropriate for this type of business.

•           It was stated that the Tree officer recommended not to approve perennials and deciduous trees would be preferred. The Planning Officer confirmed that Leylandii coverage was put forward by the applicant as an alternative species of which the tree officer is happy with. The Tree Officer understands that there is concerns about no leaf coverage during winter and how this would impact the openness of the green belt. A Member suggested a Yew Tree maybe more suited to the site, but it was noted that the application has to be judged on what has been agreed.

•           The Planning Officer stated that the key issue across both parcels of land (A and B) was  ...  view the full minutes text for item 172.

Address:       Land adjoining Dunstable Road and to the rear of My Folly and the Scout Hut, Dunstable Road, Caddington, LU1 4AL

Outline Application: Residential development and associated infrastructure.

Applicant:     Bedfordshire Land Promotions

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/17/05679/OUT for an outline application for residential development and associated infrastructure at Land adjoining Dunstable Road and to the rear of My Folly and the Scout Hut, Dunstable Road, Caddington, LU1 4AL.

In advance of consideration of the application the Committee’s attention was drawn to additional consultation/publicity responses as set out in the Late Sheet as well as representations from public speakers.

The public speakers included a representation in objection from Parish Councillor A Palmer and a representation from the applicant in support from C Dadds.

Committee Members discussed the following points:

•           It was noted that Cllr K Collins would speak as the Ward Member and then leave the chamber during the discussion and vote.

•           The Parish Council representative raised concerns regarding flooding in the area, and also stated that the Parish Council does not want the future financial burden of another play area as proposed in the application as they are struggling to maintain what they already have. The Councillor was also concerned about the access to the site being on a on a blind turn.

•           It was noted by the speaker for the applicant that the applicant has cleared site of Japanese’s knot weed and has engaged in significant discussions with drainage officers. It was stated that traffic calming has been discussed and has been accepted by Highways and a suitable scheme will come forward. It was noted that the play area was a council policy compliancy issue, but the applicant would be happy to commute a sum to something else if required.

•           A Member asked for clarification on whether the flowers outside scout hut would be reinstated after the building works. The speaker for the applicant replied the flowers were currently situated on Highways land but would happily work with the Parish Council or someone from the Scouts to come up with a scheme to replace them along with footpath improvements for a safer access to the Scout Hut.

•           A Member asked how much consultation the applicant has had with local area. The speaker for the applicant replied that there had been various conversations with the Parish Council and a formal public consultation, along with on-going dialogue with Scouts.

•           A Member asked in event of commuted sum for play area, would the ground be retained as Public Open Space. The speaker for the applicant responded that they would be retaining the boundary trees and landscaping with buffer to the North and West boundary with additional landscaping and ecology. If there was no play area then he assumed that it would revert to agriculture as it is at the moment with drainage running across it. It was noted that this option had not been discussed.

•           The Ward Member stated that he would be speaking on behalf of both Ward Members. He reported that most of the concerns raised by Ward Members in 2017 have been addressed by the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 173.

Address:       140 Biggleswade Road, Upper Caldecote, Biggleswade,

SG18 9BJ

Application for the erection of 8 bungalows with access, parking, landscaping and all ancillary works.

Applicant:     Maple Ridge Homes Ltd

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/19/00045/FULL for an application for the erection of 8 Bungalows with access, parking, landscaping and all ancillary works at 140 Biggleswade Road, Upper Caldecote, Biggleswade, SG18 9BJ.

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 speaker included a representation in objection from Parish Councillor R Smith.

Committee Members discussed the following points:

•           The Planning Officer noted that a new plan was awaited as the existing site plan doesn’t accord with design guide.

•           The Parish Councillor expressed concern that no plans were made available to the public and that the site falls out of the current settlement envelope. It was noted that the site was not submitted in the call for sites and Central Bedfordshire Council has five year land supply. He stated that it was back land development in contravention to the local plan. He raised concerns about current sewer capacity and speeding traffic in the area. Should the Committee approve the application it was asked that a condition be included to address speed management and a construction plan to ensure site traffic come in via A1 not the village.

•           A Member asked at what stage the neighbourhood plan was at. The Parish Councillor stated that it had been formally submitted for examination.

•           The Chairman read a statement on behalf of an absent Ward Member statement. He recommended that limited weight should be given to the submitted local plan and considerable weight should be given to the plan with regards to non compliance with policies NP1 and NP5. He stated that non compliance to policy DM4 is also valid. Concerns have also been raised about the sewerage capacity and the increase in traffic along Biggleswade Road, which has suffered with issues of speeding.

•           The Planning Officer responded that only moderate weight can be given to DM4. He stressed the benefits of the application being its are proximity to village, the village has a school and a shop, and as such is seen as a sustainable settlement. It was noted that the Neighbourhood Plan had not yet had examination, so will be given limited or no weight. With regards to the sewerage concerns, the officer has had no response from Anglian water but there is a condition of foul water details, will have sewerage system on site.

•           The Planning Officer responded to a query relating to the height of the dwellings, it was stated that the dwellings are dormer bungalows which have an upper storey and confirmed that the application was for 8 dwellings not 9.

•           The Highways Officer responded to concerns, it was noted that there had been no speed survey submitted and the development will fall below transport statement requirements. It was noted that the access has a visibility splay condition.

•           A Member  ...  view the full minutes text for item 174.

Address:       Former Flitwick Leisure Centre, Steppingley Road, Flitwick,

MK45 1TH

Application for Outline planning permission with all matters reserved for the construction of 37 residential dwellings (Use Class C3), 95 extra care housing apartments (Use Class C3) and registered residential care home consisting of 70 bedrooms (Use Class C2), with associated communal facilities and ancillary uses including hair salon; shop; cafe; health; and fitness uses.

Applicant:     Central Bedfordshire Council

The Committee had before it a report regarding Planning Application

No. CB/19/00041/REG3 for outline planning permission with all matters reserved for the construction of 37 residential dwellings (Use Class C3), 95 extra care housing apartments (Use Class C3) and registered residential care home consisting of 70 bedrooms (Use Class C2), with associated communal facilities and ancillary uses including community; hair salon; shop; cafe; health and fitness uses at Former Flitwick Leisure Centre, Steppingly Road, Flitwick, MK45 1TH.

In advance of consideration of the application the Committee’s attention was drawn to additional consultation/publicity responses/additional comments; additional/amended conditions; amended description; and Draft S106 heads of terms, as set out in the Late Sheet. There were no representations from public speakers.

Committee Members discussed the following points:

•           Cllr Janes left the meeting at 12.50 due to a pecuniary interest in the application.

•           Cllr Gomm stated that he would be speaking as a Ward Member and then leaving the meeting and would take no part in discussion or voting. He stated that he and the other Ward Members, along with the Town Council, supported he development. He gave a brief overview of the benefits the area would gain from the S106 agreements and added that the residential travel plan was welcomed as is this development for the town.

•           Members discussed the details of the Heads of Terms and S106 and agreed that they were reasonable.

•           Due to there already being three Care Homes in the Flitwick area a Member asked if there had been a requirement analysis. It was confirmed by Cllr Young that there had been, and the proposed development was meeting a requirement.

•           A Member noted that the Council may construct entire facility which could allow them to guarantee places for council elderly residents. It was stated that the Council already have very successful extra care units and are good at running those. Over all it was felt that this was a really good proposal for Flitwick. It was noted that neighbours feel like a shop would be appropriate, this outline leaves it open for the provision of a shop as part of the development , but there is potential for a new  shop coming to the area on an alternative site.

•           Members agreed to move as set out with the additions of conditions in the late sheet.

On being put to the vote for APPROVAL, 8 voted in favour, 0 against and 1 abstention.

RESOLVED

That the Planning Application No. CB/19/00041/REG3 at Former Flitwick Leisure Centre, Steppingly Road, Flitwick, MK45 1TH, be approved as set out in the schedule attached to these minutes.

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 23 April 2019.

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.

Under the provisions of the Members’ Planning Code of Good Practice, Members are requested to note that, following the cancellation of the May meeting, the next Development Management Committee will be held on 17 June 2019 and the Site Inspections will be undertaken on 14 June 2019.

NOTED

Under the provisions of the Members Planning Code of Good Practice, Members are requested to note that, following the cancellation of the May meeting, the next Development Management Committee will be held on 17 June 2019.

RESOLVED

That all Members and substile Members, along with relevant Ward Representatives, be invited to conduct the site inspections on 14 June 2019.