Agenda item

Agenda item

North Luton and Sundon Rail Freight Interchange Draft Framework Plan

 

To receive a report regarding Land North of Luton and Sundon RFI Draft Framework Plan.

 

Minutes:

 

The Local Planning and Housing Manager delivered a presentation setting out the Draft Framework Plan for the North of Luton and Sundon Rail Freight Interchange (RFI), an overview of the key issues raised during public consultation and amendments to the Plan as a result.

 

In light of the presentation and reports Members discussed the following issues in detail:-

 

·         Whether the strategic M1-A6 Link Road would be built prior to the housing development in order to ease pressure on the transport network and confirmation of its status. The Local Planning and Housing Manager confirmed the Link Road would not be completed before the development commenced but would be delivered in a phased manner, commencing from the west. It was confirmed that the Link Road was being considered as strategic given its importance and the Executive Member for Regeneration confirmed that the Department for Transport were very supportive of the Link Road and recognised its significance to the area.

·         Concerns regarding the statement there would be at least 13ha of employment land and that numerous developments could start prior to the road being built. In response the Local Planning and Housing Manager confirmed that there would not be significantly more than 13ha of employment land on the North of Luton site. It was also explained that in light of comments made through the consultation the Concept Plan had been changed to show the land to the west of the North of Luton site as employment, rather than mixed use. The phasing of the development was yet to be clarified due to the nature of plan being at high level “framework” stage and any development in advance of the Link Road being built would need to demonstrate that it wouldn’t have an unacceptable impact on Luton and the surrounding area.

·         The potential pressure on other existing schools within the area as a result of developing additional homes. The Local Planning and Housing Manager confirmed that the development would provide three primary schools and a secondary school with sixth form provision to cater for the development. The Executive Member agreed to discuss this further with the Head of School Organisation and Capital Planning. The Committee also discussed the proposed location of the new secondary school as two options were presented on the Concept Plan. The central location was preferred by the Committee due to its integration into the heart of the development and ease of access by walking, cycling and public transport and it was recognised that further technical evidence was required to determine the final location.

·         Whether any S106 obligations had been confirmed on the sites and would CIL be applicable. The Local Planning and Housing Manager confirmed that planning obligations would be sought through S106 and that as the Framework Plan was drafted before the approach to CIL had been determined, paragraph 6.3.2 of the Plan would be amended to reflect the approach to planning obligations for the developments.

·         Concerns regarding the existing levels of lorry and HGV traffic on the nearby road network and whether any thought had been given to a further link to the A505. The Local Planning and Housing Manager confirmed that the Link Road would alleviate HGV movements on the existing road network and that consideration had been given to traffic concerns on the A6. It was also confirmed that a link between the A6 and A505 had been considered in the past but the cost was substantial and there were significant landscape constraints. This additional road link was not required to support the North of Luton and Sundon RFI developments and fell outside the remit of the Framework Plan. It could be pursued separately with Luton Borough Council. 

 

During the course of the discussion the Chairman invited a representative from Prologis to speak who explained that the company were in regular contact with Network Rail, who had confirmed in writing that they were supportive of a Rail Freight Interchange (RFI) at Sundon. It was confirmed that the Sundon site met all of the requirements for this type of development. The RFI was not dependent on East/West rail as it purely served the Midland Main line and it was also confirmed that it was complimentary to Radlett as it served a different market and the southern Central Bedfordshire sub area.

 

RECOMMENDED:-

 

1.    That the Framework Plan be endorsed and the Executive be recommended to adopt it as technical guidance for Development Management purposes;

 

2.    That the Framework Plan written document should specify the Council’s preferred location for the secondary school in the centre of the development, whilst retaining the option of the alternative location on the A6 as proposed in the report; and

 

3.  That the Framework Plan be amended to clarify the approach to planning obligations.

 

Supporting documents: