Address:       72 Hitchin Road, Henlow, SG16 6BB

Outline application: Demolition of the existing dwelling and erection of 6 houses, and 6 flats with 19 parking spaces and associated landscaping.

Applicant:     Ask-Re The Property People Ltd

The Committee received a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/16/04555/OUT for the demolition of the existing dwelling and erection of 6 houses and 6 flats with 19 parking spaces and associated landscaping at 72 Hitchin Road, Henlow, SG16 6BB.

The Chairman drew Members’ attention to the reference in the report to an appended Planning Inspectorate Appeal Decision notice.  He stated that the notice had not been appended and so copies had been circulated to Members immediately prior to the start of the meeting.  

The planning officer informed the meeting of an amendment to condition 13.  He also explained that, since the dismissal of the applicant’s appeal, the Planning Inspector’s concerns regarding flooding and drainage had been overcome by the applicant to the satisfaction of the Environment Agency.  Given there were no other material changes, it was felt that planning permission should be approved.

In advance of consideration of the application by Members the Committee received a representation from the applicant’s agent under the public participation scheme.  Members expressed their concern regarding road safety issues in Hitchin Road.  When responding to Members’ queries regarding a possible contribution towards additional highways safety works the applicant’s agent stated that he would be willing to raise this issue with the applicant.

The Committee considered the application and in summary discussed the following:

·         The opposition of a ward Member to the application together with his reluctant support for approval given the overcoming of the Planning Inspector’s concerns.

·         Concerns that the local schools were to the south of the application site and that it was necessary to cross the busy Hitchin Road to reach the footpath on the far side of the road.  The proposed uncontrolled crossing point was insufficient and it was requested that negotiations be undertaken to secure a reduction in the speed limit from 60 mph to 40 mph.  Other Members concurred with the expressions of concern and discussion took place on the best mechanism by which the applicant could be expected to contribute towards this (condition, informative or s106).

·         Concerns regarding the proposed housing mix and that neither the property types nor the tenure mix met local demand.  However, the planning officer reminded the meeting that the Planning Inspector had accepted the proposed housing mix and so it was not advisable to revisit this issue.

·         That the Council’s Highways Officer had withdrawn objections to the application.

The meeting continued to express strong concerns regarding highways safety issues and consideration was given to whether Members could either abstain or simply refuse the application.  The Senior Lawyer Planning strongly advised the Committee against either action.  None the less a Member moved that the application be refused on public safety grounds.  The proposal was not seconded.

On being put to the vote 12 members voted for approval of the recommendations as set out in the schedule and 1 abstained.

RESOLVED

1          that Planning Application No. CB/16/04555/OUT relating to 72 Hitchin Road, Henlow, SG16 6BB be approved as set out in the Schedule attached to these minutes;

2          that authority be delegated to the officers to determine the most effective means of securing a financial contribution towards crossing improvements and speed reduction measures on the Hitchin Road with regard to negotiations with the applicant and in consultation with the Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Development Management Committee, the Executive Member for Regeneration and the Committee ward Member.