Agenda item

To consider Planning Applications received (attached). An updated list will be issued on Friday 9 December 2022 (if applicable).

The Committee considered planning applications received up until 8 December 2022.

The Committee considered application reference CB/22/04298/OUT (ASTRAL GREEN, LAND SOUTH OF LEIGHTON ROAD, STANBRIDGE/BILLINGTON).  Whilst not within the parish boundary, it was acknowledged that any residents on this site would look towards the town for its services and facilities. A number of concerns were expressed regarding the application, in particular its location in the Green Belt without mitigating “exceptional circumstances” sufficient to override established plan policies.  It was agreed to strongly object to the application.

RESOLVED to recommend to Central Bedfordshire Council that objection be made to application reference CB/22/04298/OUT (Astral Green, land south of Leighton Road, Stanbridge/Billington) on the following grounds:

-     The land is designated Green Belt and no special circumstances demonstrated to override its policy status

-     Land is not designated for development in the Central Bedfordshire Local Plan

-     The land is currently a natural boundary between the town and surrounding villages

-     The development would by virtue of its height and siting be highly visible and thereby have a detrimental impact on the landscape character of the area

-     Contrary to the NPPF regarding Green Belt and protection of the countryside from encroachment

-     Concerns regarding congestion and safety at the proposed A505 access

-     The development would add to the existing pressures on town services including health, education and traffic/transport but without adding any infrastructure benefit such as community space

-     The proposed health hub location is considered too far outside the town and would in any case require commitment from the relevant authorities to fund the building and staffing of a hub

The Committee considered application CB/21/05691/RM (CHAMBERLAINS BARN QUARRY) and noted the responses submitted by the developer following the previous consultation. The Committee felt that most comments made in March 2022 remained salient despite the responses made by the developer 

RESOLVED to recommend to Central Bedfordshire Council that objection be made to planning application reference CB/21/05691/RM (Chamberlains Barn Quarry) on the following grounds: 

(i)     The plans indicate high density development without meaningful amenity or informal open space provision despite the reference to “pocket parks” which are not considered appropriate by virtue of their size, lack of play equipment and the potential to encourage noise and general disturbance given their juxtaposition to residential properties.

(ii)   Concerns regarding proposals for tree planting to be within the curtilage of individual properties, which appeared to have small frontages

(iii)  Concerns regarding proposed parking adjacent to houses

(iv)  Insufficient information regarding safe access to walking and cycling routes within the development site and linking to the wider town

The Committee discussed application reference CB/22/04558/RM (COUNTRY PARK, CHAMBERLAINS BARN).  As no management plan was provided, future intentions were unclear and a number of comments/queries were made in respect of the future management and maintenance of the country park.

RESOLVED that no objection be made to application reference CB/22/04558/RM (Country Park, Chamberlains Barn) but the Town Council would ask that consideration be given to the following comments:

-        That tree planting should include as many native trees as possible in accordance with Central Bedfordshire guidance

-        That proposed footpaths did not appear wide enough for vehicular use for park maintenance purposes

-        Concerns regarding durability of proposed footpath surfacing

-        Lack of drainage on the site, noting that water would naturally drain towards the attenuation ponds

-        Unclear future vehicular access to the attenuation ponds for maintenance (periodic de-reeding)

-        Boundary treatment needed (e.g. knee rails) to prevent vehicular encroachment

RESOLVED to recommend to Central Bedfordshire Council that no objection be made to application reference CB/22/04513 (44 Rosebery Avenue), subject to the principal authority being satisfied the application would not lead to additional pressures on on-street car parking.

RESOLVED to recommend to Central Bedfordshire Council that no objection be made to application reference CB/22/04640 (6 King Street), subject to the principal authority being satisfied the application would not lead to undue overlooking of neighbouring properties.

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

1. CB/22/0452124 MOWBRAY DRIVE, LINSLADE
2. CB/22/0449251 HEATH COURT
3. CB/22/044975 THE MARTINS DRIVE, LINSLADE
4. CB/22/03882101A SOUTH STREET
5. CB/22/0453229 MALVERN DRIVE, LINSLADE
6. CB/22/04489TREETOPS, BOSSINGTON LANE
7. CB/22/04510104 SOULBURY ROAD, LINSLADE
8. CB/22/046163A WATERLOO ROAD, LINSLADE
9. CB/22/04501LEIGHTON CRICKET CLUB AND TENNIS CLUB,

BELL CLOSE

   RESOLVED to note the following works to trees:                        

1.    CB/TRE/22/00570              31 TAYLORS RIDE

2.    CB/TRE/22/00637              APPLEBY, POPLAR CLOSE