Temporary classroom unit at Cranfield Church of England Academy, Cranfield, Bedford

Earlier school permission

A 2015 application for a new one-form-entry lower school with nursery places was granted.

“Relevant Planning History: Case ReferenceCB/15/02292/FULL Locationland off Braeburn Way, Cranfield ProposalThe provision of a new single storey 1 Form Entry Lower School with Nursery. The school will accommodate 150 pupils together with 45 Nursery places.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval, finding the principle, design, neighbouring amenity, drainage and biodiversity acceptable, subject to conditions and mitigation.

“The new classrooms would facilitate space for Year 5 and Year 6 to be accommodated at the school, resulting in an increase of 60 additional pupils attending the site. It is considered that the principle of development is acceptable and that the proposal would not cause harm to the character of the area, nor would it have a detrimental impact to neighbouring amenity. The proposal would also provide a suitable SuDS solution and compliant BNG provision.”

Officer report

Traffic and playing fields

Officers recognised increased traffic and a Sport England holding objection, but considered planned and proposed measures would provide suitable mitigation.

“Sport EnglandRaises a holding objection. Considers that it is unable to assess the application against its Playing Fields Policy or paragraph 104 of the NPPF. Due to the proposed building reorienting the existing paying pitch and a lack of information of the safety-run off area and whether the land to the north of the pitch would be used as part of the pitch. An update will be set out in the Late Sheet and / or provided at the Meeting. CBC Travel PlanNo objection is raised.”

Officer report

What neighbours said

Five neighbours objected, citing congestion, parking, safety, environmental effects, noise, drainage, consultation and cumulative development concerns.

“Other Representations: Neighbours5 objections received, summarised below: ·Existing roads already operate under significant pressure at school drop-off and pick-up times. ·Concerns that the application underestimates existing congestion on Braeburn Way and Flitt Leys Close. ·Parent parking regularly obstructs roads, bends, junctions and yellow lines. ·Increased pupil numbers are expected to worsen congestion and road safety risks.”

“No safeguarding, emergency planning or cumulative environmental impact assessment. ·Apparent inconsistencies regarding flood risk and environmental information submitted with the application. ·Missing technical documents at validation stage. ·Incorrect Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) exemption claims. ·Changes to application boundaries and plans without further consultation. ·Failure to re-consult on material amendments.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

The committee heard from a parish councillor, a ward councillor and the applicant’s agent before considering the proposal.

The committee vote

Eight members voted for approval, one abstained and none voted against approval.

“That the application be APPROVED subject to; 1. The conditions as et out in the Officers report; and 2. Referal to the Secretary of State.”

“On being put to the vote 8 members voted to approve the application, 1 member abstained and 0 Members voted against approval.”

Minutes