AMPTHILL TOWN COUNCIL

REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMITTEE MEETING

Held on

Wednesday 8^th July 2009 at 6.30pm

 In the Council Chamber, 66 Dunstable Street, Ampthill.

Report No.3/2009

Present: Councillors Mrs S Bacon, (Chairman), R A D Chappell, P A Eversley, Mrs P Foster, R A Holden, G Pascal (Vice Chairman), G Summerfield, R Tebbutt, Mrs M Wilson, Mrs A M Wright and the Deputy Town Clerk.

Apologies: Apologies were received from Cllrs P Duckett (another commitment) and M A Smith (family commitment).

1.         Public Participation

There had been no requests received to speak.

2.         Declarations of Interest

Cllr Mrs P Foster declared a personal interest in the application for Alameda Middle School as she is a governor of the school.

3.         The following applications received from Central Bedfordshire Council were considered:

            MB/07/01869/FULL

The Limes, Dunstable Street. Residential redevelopment of site and conversion of former offices to residential.

            David Coles Architects

            Resolved: That the above application be recommended for REFUSAL:

a)      The Town Council have concerns about children being directed by Sweetbriar water ditch for safety reasons as the ditch often floods. Also, the proposed route would take them past car parks and turning circles within the new development. We would therefore request that a thorough investigation be carried out by the Safer Routes to School Officer to establish a safe footway link through or around the site in consultation with Alameda Middle and Firs Lower Schools.

b)      If the Station Road entrance is to be widened we would query the safety of the pedestrian crossing in Station Road so close to what will become a busy junction.

c)      Concern is raised about the potential for anti-social behaviour associated with the footway link due to its close proximity to the wall of no. 10 Dunstable Street.

d)      Who will manage the proposed timed gate on the footway link for the school access?

e)      The Town Council object to the increased traffic movements in and out of Dunstable Street and Station Road. It should be noted that the roundabout at the junction of Station Road/Flitwick Road is already at capacity.

f)       Ampthill Fire Station and Ampthill Ambulance Station have previously raised concern about increased traffic movements in the vicinity of the Oliver Street/Dunstable Street junction.

            CB/09/01186/FULL

            39 Arthur Street. Single storey rear extensions. Dormer to rear elevation.

            Mr P Bloxham

Resolved: That the above application be supported subject to no loss of amenities to neighbouring properties.

            CB/09/01212/FULL

            Land to the rear of 61 and 63 Arthur Street. Erection of detached dwelling.

            Mr K Knowles

Resolved: That the above application be recommended for REFUSAL:

a)      Arthur Street is characterised by terraced properties and this proposed development is out of keeping with the street scene and will therefore have an adverse impact on the Conservation Area.

b)      Lack of amenity space.

c)      Loss of amenity to adjoining neighbours be reason of overlooking.

d)      There could be a conflict of traffic movements as this property is in close proximity to the emergency and health services and an established safer route to school.

e)      Would recommend that members of the Development Control Committee visit the site before the application is determined.

f)       Ampthill Fire Station and Ampthill Ambulance Station have previously raised concern about increased traffic movements in the vicinity of the Oliver Street/Dunstable Street junction.

4.         The following late applications received after the preparation of this agenda were considered:   

CB/09/05273/FULL

            61 Station Road. Single storey rear extension to replace existing.

            Mr & Mrs D McHugh

Resolved: That the above application be supported subject to no loss of amenities to neighbouring properties.

CB/09/01198/FULL

Alameda School, Station Road. Single storey side entrance. Additional works to extend existing enclosed hard surface place area.

Alameda Middle School

            Resolved: That the above application be supported.

5.         To NOTE the following planning decisions received from Central Bedfordshire Council:

Approvals

CB/09/00779/FULL: 1 Swaffield Close. Single storey side and rear extensions.

MB/09/00574/LB: 6 Brewery Lane. Single storey rear extension.

MB/09/00584/FULL: 6 Brewery Lane. Single storey rear extension.

CB/09/00820/FULL: Dove Cottage, 18 Claridges Lane. Erection of part single storey, part two storey extension to side/rear.

CB/09/00821/LB: Dove Cottage, 18 Claridges Lane. Demolition of existing flat roof extensions and timber shed, replace with single and two storey extensions.

Appeals

16 Oliver Street. Erection of 1 no. two bedroom dwelling, parking, drainage and ancillary works. This appeal will be dealt with by the written representation procedure. There will not be a Public Inquiry. Additional comments can be made by 23 July 2009.

Recommended: That the emergency service letters regarding additional traffic in Oliver Street be submitted.

Land to rear of 1-13 Oliver Street: Removal of garage and erection of 4 dwellings – APPEAL ALLOWED.

Recommended: That the above appeal be noted.

6.         Trees

            Application for works to TPO trees:

CB/09/01171/TPO: Mountain Ash, Station Road. Removal of dead trees.

Mr P Pascan

            Recommended: That the above works to trees be noted. 

There being no further business the meeting closed at 7.40pm.

CHAIRMAN                                                              DATED