Agenda and minutes

Schedule 12 of the Local Government Act 1972 requires a record be kept of the Members present and that this record form part of the minutes of the meeting. Members who cannot attend a meeting should tender apologies to the Town Clerk.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor D Perham.

(i)    Under the Localism Act 2011 (sections 26-37 and Schedule 4) and in accordance with the Council’s Code of Conduct, Members are required to declare any interests which are not currently entered in the Member’s Register of Interests or if he/she has not notified the Monitoring Officer of it.

(ii) Should any Member have a Disclosable Pecuniary Interest in an item on the agenda, the Member may not participate in consideration of that item unless a Dispensation has first been requested (in writing) and granted by the Council (see Dispensation Procedure).

Members were asked to declare any interests, including the nature of those interests, which they had in any of the items under consideration at this meeting. No declarations were made.

To receive questions and statements from members of the public in respect of any item of business included in the agenda, as provided for in Standing Order Nos 1(f) and 1(h).

Three members of the public and representatives of the Leighton Buzzard Society spoke in respect of the footbridge over the railway leading to Southcott Avenue, which formed part of footpath 68. It was understood that the footbridge had previously been identified as needing essential repairs and had been closed for some time, but was now intended for demolition over the May Bank Holiday weekend.

The Leighton Buzzard Society had appealed to both Network Rail and the local authority regarding the footbridge and footpath. Concerns were expressed about the legal process in respect of the footpath and the question of accessibility, particularly in view of Network Rail’s clear policy on Access for All. The Society had asked the local Member of Parliament to raise this issue and was considering starting a petition, although this would be difficult within a short timescale.

The Committee thanked members of the public for attending and expressed support. It was felt that should Network Rail be intent upon removing the footbridge, then consideration needed to be given to the installation of a separate access gate to Southcourt Avenue (the existing gate needing to be kept locked for safety reasons).

RESOLVED to write to Network Rail and to Central Bedfordshire Council in respect of the footbridge and footpath 68.

To receive and approve as a correct record the minutes of the Planning & Transport Committee meeting held on 13 March 2019.

The Committee received the minutes of the Planning and Transport Committee meeting held on 13 March 2019.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Planning and Transport Committee meeting held 13 March 2019 be approved as a correct record and were signed accordingly.

To consider Planning Applications received (attached). An updated list will be issued on Friday 29 March 2019 (if applicable).

The Committee reviewed applications received up until 29 March 2019.

Discussion took place regarding application reference CB/19/00783/VOC (65 Mill Road).

RESOLVED to recommend to Central Bedfordshire Council that no objection be made to application reference CB/19/00783/VOC (65 Mill Road), but the Town Council would express its concerns regarding the practicality of the proposed car parking arrangements.

RESOLVED to recommend to Central Bedfordshire Council that no objection be made to the following planning applications:

1.         CB/19/00584               28 LYWOOD ROAD

2.         CB/19/00620               65 HIGHFIELD ROAD

3.         CB/19/00672               5 WATERLOO ROAD

4.         CB/19/00655               19 HARCOURT CLOSE, LINSLADE

5.         CB/19/00688               23 CHURCH STREET

6.         CB/19/00648               10 REDWOOD GLADE

7.         CB/19/00582               27 EAST STREET

RESOLVED to note the following works to trees:

1.         CB/TRE/19/00071      7 CHESTNUT RISE, LINSLADE

To consider any matters relating to highways/transport (if appropriate)

The Committee raised a query regarding when the resurfacing of the Vimy Road roundabout was likely to take place and it was agreed to contact Central Bedfordshire Council regarding this.

To receive and consider any items of information received.

No items of information had been received.