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 had been received from Councillor A Gray (substituted by Councillor R Goodchild), Councillor J Silverstone (substituted by Councillor R Berry), Councillor R Yates (substituted by Councillor B Spurr) and Councillor P Carberry.

(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).

No declarations of interest were made and no dispensations were requested

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 3(f) and 3(g).

There were no questions from members of the public.

(a)        To receive and approve as a correct record the minutes of the Planning and Transport Committee meeting held on 20 July 2022 (attached) in accordance with Standing Order 12.

(b)        To receive information updates on matters arising from the previous meeting (if appropriate).

(a)          The Committee received the minutes of the Planning and Transport Committee meeting held on 20 July  2022.

RESOLVED that the minutes of the Planning and Transport Committee meeting held 20 July 2022 be approved as a correct record and were signed accordingly.

(b)          Updates from the previous meeting: discussion took place regarding the land at Roman Gate. Contact had been made with Central Bedfordshire Council and information was awaited. It was suggested that the Roman Gate Action Group be provided with details on how to register the land as an asset of community value in case this was an appropriate mechanism to protect the land from development. 

To consider Planning Applications received (attached). An updated list will be issued on Friday 5 August 2022 (if applicable).

The Committee considered planning applications received up until 5 August 2022.

The Committee discussed application reference CB/22/01491 and agreed that its objections previously made on 8 June 2022 remained valid. In addition, concerns were raised regarding the proposed net floor area and size of the communal areas.

RESOLVED to recommend to Central Bedfordshire Council that objection be made to application reference CB/22/01491 (land rear of 72 North Street and 2 Bedford Street) on the following grounds:

-       Overdevelopment of the site and concerns that minimum habitable space requirements may not be met

-       Lack of provision of affordable housing

-       Potential risk of surface water flooding

-       Potential issues with lack of foul water capacity

-       Concerns regarding proposed access and egress, particularly during the build process

-       Whilst noting the town centre location, concerns regarding adequacy of car parking due to the surrounding residents parking zone, as well as insufficient cycle parking

-       Inadequate net floor areas and communal areas.

Should Central Bedfordshire Council be minded to approve the application, the Town Council would be keen to see S106 funds agreed towards the provision of town centre community facilities as well as community health, policing and cycling requirements. The Town Council would also request a condition ensuring no adverse impact on neighbouring established uses.

RESOLVED to recommend to Central Bedfordshire Council that no objection be made to application reference CB/22/02663 (70A NORTH STREET) but to comment that there should be no overnight dog boarding and noise should be mitigated as far as possible.

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

1.    CB/22/01267                66 RUSSELL WAY

2.    CB/22/02294                23 THE PADDOCKS, LINSLADE

3.    CB/22/02638                8 CHAMBERLAINS GARDENS

4.    CB/22/02758                31 COLUMBA DRIVE

5.    CB/22/02571                55 TAYLORS RIDE

6.    CB/22/02799                18 BELLONA DRIVE

7.    CB/22/02587                LAND  FORMER GOSSARDS FACTORY

8.    CB/22/02818                CHESTNUT HOUSE, 5 TAYLORS RIDE

9.    CB/22/02677                31 MENTMORE GARDENS

10. CB/22/01985                41 HYDRUS DRIVE

11. CB/22/02467                13 WING ROAD

12. CB/22/02880                COLLEC DEPOT, BILLINGTON ROAD

13. CB/22/02570                29 CAMBERTON ROAD, LINSLADE

14. CB/22/02169                15 NORTH STREET

OTHER

1. CB/22/02773/TD                  FOOTPATH OUTSIDE OF 5 SPARROW PATH OFF BILLINGTON ROAD
2. CB/22/02649/REG3           GREENLEAS LOWER SCHOOL
3. CB/17/05971/OUT              LAND NORTHERN CHAMBERLAINS BARN

TREES

1.    CB/TRE/22/00370         16 MARDLE ROAD

2.    CB/TCA/22/00319         19 NEW ROAD, LINSLADE

3.    CB/TRE/22/00349         18 HEATH ROAD

4.    CB/TRE/22/00385         19 HEATH ROAD

5.    CB/TRE/22/00390         1 THE GABLES, LINSLADE

(a)         To receive any updates arising from the resolutions passed by Council on 4 April 2022 in respect of:

i.             bus user liaison (first meeting notes attached).

ii.            A505 bypass safety review by Central Bedfordshire Council.

iii.           Liaison with Central Bedfordshire Council on options for future High Street traffic management.

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

(a)      Bus user group

The Committee received the notes of the first meeting of the bus user group held on 14 July 2002 and noted that the next meeting would take place on 13 September 2022.

(b)         A505 safety review

It was understood that this was being actioned by Central Bedfordshire Council with a consultation due to be commenced shortly.

(c)          High Street traffic management

The Town Clerk advised that an informal meeting with the portfolio holder at Central Bedfordshire Council had been arranged for Tuesday, 20 September. It was suggested that other matters including land south of the High Street, the future of the High Street (following changes in retail trends as outlined in last year’s People and Places report) and Central Bedfordshire Council’s “placemaking” agenda should also be discussed but noted these fell within a different portfolio holder’s area.

(d)         Other transport matters      

The Committee received and noted correspondence from Central Bedfordshire Council following concerns raised about traffic safety on Vandyke Road.

The Committee received and noted correspondence from Central Bedfordshire Council regarding the Town Council’s request for a timed crossing trial at the junction of West Street/Bridge Street due to ongoing traffic congestion issues. It was suggested this be discussed informally at the meeting to take place in September regarding traffic in the High Street.

The Committee received and noted correspondence from the Canal and River Trust regarding its intention to remove vegetation to improve visibility for drivers, cyclists and pedestrians near the towpath and canal bridge crossing on Leighton Road. This approach was supported by Sustrans. It was suggested that a “cyclists dismount” sign might also be appropriate.

Concern was raised regarding the potential trip hazard found on the Leighton Road River bridge crossing which would be reported to Central Bedfordshire Council by way of its “fix my street” app.

The Committee discussed recent resurfacing works taking place on Soulbury Road, Linslade and it was noted that the works were continuing outside of advertised hours, which was causing disruption and frustration to residents.

(a)  To receive and note a copy of a report presented to the Central Bedfordshire Council Executive on 2 August 2022 in respect of Local Walking & Cycling Implementation Plans (LCWIPs) and Green Wheel Masterplans (attached).

(b)  To receive and consider any items of information received (if applicable).

The Committee received and noted a report presented to the Central Bedfordshire Council Executive on 2 August 2022 regarding the development of Local Cycling & Walking Implementation Plans (“LCWIPs”). It was agreed to contact the Central Bedfordshire lead officer to request more information and timescales and to clarify that the Leighton Buzzcycles strategy was being taken into account. It was suggested that the town council meet with Buzzcycles to discuss further.