Agenda item

The committee considered an application for outline planning permission, for the erection of up to 450 dwellings, a community/retail/and or health facility, improvement works to the existing A6/Bedford Road roundabout including provision of shared pedestrian/cycle access, parking, landscaping, drainage features, open space and associated infrastructure (all matters reserved except access from the A6/Bedford Road.

Principal Development Management Officer (Consultant), William Tysterman, presented the report to the committee, which detailed the proposal, description of the site, the planning history, relevant planning policies, outcome of consultations and an assessment of the proposal, providing full and comprehensive details.

It was recommended that the planning application be approved subject to officers agreeing a final Early Years Education contribution and the prior completion of a Section 106 obligation relating to affordable housing, provision of open space, highway improvements, education, air quality, education sports contributions and subject to conditions to include those listed in the report, with minor alternations where necessary being delegated to officers.

A request to address the meeting had been received from Mr Cooke of Marrons Planning, the agent for the applicant, the committee was given the opportunity to ask questions for clarification.

Mr Cooke spoke in favour of the application which had been put together responsibly, with consideration being given to sustainability and biodiversity.  Provision was included for safe pedestrian and cycling options within the site. A positive response had been received from consultees.  If approved, work would continue to the detailed design stage.

Councillor Ekins referenced the provision of affordable units and asked if 25% of the homes would remain in place as affordable.  Mr Cooke responded to confirm that they were committed to provide affordable homes, which would be secured through the Section 106 agreement.

The chair invited the committee to determine the application.

During the debate the following points were made:

·       Comment that this appeared to be a good development with several affordable units, which were needed.

·       Section 106 funding would ensure there was Sports and Medical provision and good wheelchair access.

·       Comments were made about access to the site during construction and the need for such to be carefully managed with a second entrance being essential for the safe movement of construction traffic and eventually residential traffic.

·       Concern was expressed regarding the roundabout and the need for improvements to be made thereto.

·       Concerns were also expressed about the access size during development, and potential disruption due to vehicle movements. Officers clarified that highways had confirmed the access was wide enough and was acceptable.

·      A comment was made that the highway speed limit was believed to be 60mph and this was considered to be too fast.   Officers  confirmed that the speed limit leading to the site was 40mph.  The committee considered this would benefit from being further reduced.

It was proposed by Councillor Ekins and seconded by Councillor Wilkes that the application be approved subject to officers agreeing a final Early Years Education contribution and the prior completion of a Section 106 obligation relating to affordable housing, provision of open space, highway improvements, education, air quality, education sports contributions and subject to conditions as detailed in the report, with minor alterations, where necessary, being delegated to officers.

On being put to the vote the motion was declared carried.

Resolved that outline planning permission be granted, subject to officers agreeing a final Early Years Education contribution. and the prior completion of a Section 106 obligation relating to affordable housing, provision of open space, highway improvements, education, air quality, education sports contributions and subject to the conditions as detailed in the report, with minor alterations, where necessary, being delegated to officers.