Two-bedroom flat at 65 High Street, Newport Pagnell

What was proposed

The application sought to convert the first and second floors from pharmacy storage and staff areas into a two-bedroom flat, with refurbishment works.

“The application site is a three-storey building with the first and second floors in a current lawful use as storage, toilets and staff room for the ground floor pharmacy shop (retail) located at 65 High Street in Newport Pagnell. The site includes an access (from High Street) to a rear courtyard.”

Officer report

The site and its setting

The three-storey building is in the town centre, conservation area and archaeological notification area, beside a Grade II listed building, with no on-site parking.

“The site falls within the Newport Pagnell conservation area and an archaeological notification area. The site is within the setting of further listed buildings within High Street, but the application building itself is not listed.”

“The site does not benefit from any on-site parking provision. Public parking is available at various locations across the town centre and many of the streets have unrestricted, on-street parking available, however the High Street has time restricted parking There are three public car parks within 200 metres of the application site on Queens Avenue, Silver Street and St John Street.”

Officer report

Earlier site history

Earlier permissions covered a rear shop extension and alterations, followed by a first-floor extension and second-floor dormer structure.

“NU/51/68 Extension to rear of shops & alterations to existing shop. Approved 21.08.1968”

“MK/760/80 First floor rear extension to shop & second floor dormer structure. Approved 05.08.1980”

Officer report

Who spoke

The Senior Planning Officer presented the application, and the Chair proposed the recommendation, seconded by Councillor Exon.

Committee debate

Members queried whether planning conditions could control electric bicycle storage, and officers advised that this could not be effectively controlled that way.

“PLN/2025/2390 - 65 High Street, Newport Pagnell The Senior Planning Officer, Luke Alexander, presented the application and advised that the only policy conflict arose from the absence of private outdoor amenity space. Officers considered the location, housing benefits and proximity to local facilities sufficient to outweigh that conflict and recommended approval. It was queried whether planning conditions could address the storage of electric bicycles within the property.”

Minutes