Address:       Land at Sorrell Way, Biggleswade (nearest postcode SG18 8BW)

Outline application: Erection of building(s) to provide extra care accommodation comprising up to 93 units with associated access, landscaping and ancillary works. All matters reserved except for access.

Applicant:     CBC Assets

The Committee considered a report regarding Planning Application No. CB/17/01236/OUT for an outline application for the erection of building(s) to provide extra care accommodation comprising up to 93 units with associated access, landscaping and ancillary works with all matters reserved except for access at land at Sorrell Way, Biggleswade.

The Committee noted that there was no additional information contained in the Late Sheet on this application and the planning officer had no additional information to report verbally.

In advance of consideration of the application the Committee received representations from Biggleswade Town Council and the applicant’s agent under the public participation scheme.  A Member sought clarification on the points raised by the Town Council representative.  In response the Town Council representative stated that the application was linked to the Saxon Drive development (minute DM/17/60 refers) as a means of overcoming the requirement to provide social housing on the Saxon Drive site.  In addition the proposed access to the development wasn’t suitable, clearly defined or adequate.

A local Member reported a request from residents of the existing Flowers Estate that the shrubbery/bushes on either side of the footpath be maintained so that a clear demarcation remained between the Estate and the proposed new development.  He asked that this request be incorporated within a condition.  A second Biggleswade Member stated she shared some of her concerns with those of the Town Council regarding affordable housing.  She commented that it was usual to consider each application on its individual merits and that the application before Members and that for Saxon Drive should be considered separately, without the current application, if approved, removing the requirement for affordable housing under the Saxon Drive scheme.  Further, the application was of 93 units and therefore represented a considerable increase in the population of older people who would tend to require extra care.  There appeared to be no indication of how this care was to be provided, given that local GP’s were at capacity and an absence of funding to increase provision.

The Chairman emphasised that there were two separate applications before Members.  However, if one was not approved by Members it could possibly jeopardize approval of the other.

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

·         The vehicular access onto the development would be located at the northwest corner of the site off Sorrell Way whilst the pedestrian access was to be dealt with under reserved matters. 

·         The retention of shrubbery/bushes along the boundary with the Flowers Estate and as much of the existing vegetation including the blackberry bushes, as was possible give the need to divert the footpath.  It was suggested that the proposed landscaping condition be strengthened to reflect this.

·         The absence of any response by the NHS regarding the need for additional GP provision.  It was acknowledged that previous attempts to challenge the approach adopted by the NHS had failed.  It was noted that the new Greenfields private development of one and two bedroom apartments for older people, located near Leighton Buzzard, had a primary care facility on site thus removing reliance on local GP’s.

·         The Council’s ambition to provide three thousand additional homes for older people.  Extra care accommodation, such as that provided at Priory View in Dunstable, was extremely popular and many were affordable units.  Older people moving into such accommodation freed up housing for younger people requiring family housing.

·         The site was never intended to be open space and had been designated for a school or residential development.

On being put to the vote 11 members voted for approval, 0 voted against and 1 abstained.

RESOLVED

that Planning Application No. CB/17/01236/OUT relating to land at Sorrell Way, Biggleswade be approved as set out in the Schedule attached to these minutes.