Mixed-use mill redevelopment at Bromham Mill Bridge End, Bromham, Bedford

The site

Bromham Mill contains listed and curtilage-listed buildings, open and wooded land, and uses including an art gallery, museum, café and public open space.

“Bromham Mill comprises a cluster of buildings at its southern end, along with a mixture of open and wooded land, located on the eastern edge of the village of Bromham. The site contains two listed buildings: The Mill (list no.: 1114232) and Barn northwest of the Mill (list no.: 1158901). The Mill House and two further barns are considered to have curtilage-listed status. The site is located within Flood Zones 1, 2 & 3.”

“The site is currently in use as an art gallery, museum, café, unoccupied dwelling and as public open space.”

Officer report

Earlier permission

The proposal was a scaled-back resubmission of an application granted permission in January 2024, removing business units, some retail units, welfare facilities and an overflow car park.

“The application before committee is a scaled back resubmission of application reference: 22/02658/MAF, which was granted planning permission in January 2024. The key differences between the schemes are:”

Officer report

Why officers supported it

Officers found the proposal acceptable in principle, with heritage harm outweighed by public benefits and impacts controlled through conditions.

“The development is considered to be acceptable in principle and to have an acceptable impact in terms of flood risk, subject to condition. Whilst Heritage harm has been identified as a result of the development proposal, this is considered to be outweighed by the public benefits of the scheme and it is noted that the Heritage harm is reduced compared to that identified in the consented scheme (22/02658/MAF).”

“Therefore, no conflict has been identified with the relevant policies of the Bedford Borough Local Plan 2030 and the Bromham Neighbourhood Plan 2021 and it is therefore recommended that planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions set out in the report.”

Officer report

Heritage and neighbours

The scheme would cause minor to moderate less-than-substantial heritage harm, but public benefits were considered to outweigh it and conditions would protect neighbours.

“On balance, and subject to conditions, the proposed works within the site would result in a minor to moderate level of less than substantial harm to the significance of Bromham Mill and the Front Barn, both of which are grade II listed.”

“It is noted that a condition requiring the aforementioned details was not attached to the grant of 22/02658/MAF. It is regrettable that such conditions were not attached to the consented scheme. Nonetheless, whilst it is important to maintain consistency in decision making, given the location of the proposed café/ restaurant and that of the treatment spaces (just 4.5m from the boundary shared with no.”

Officer report

What consultees said

The Parish Council supported the application, while specialist consultees generally raised no objections or supported it subject to conditions.

“Bromham Parish Council Support application. Historic Buildings And Places None received. Archaeological Officer No objection subject to condition. Arboriculturalist Officer (env Services) No objection subject to conditions. Env Health & Trading Standards No objection subject to conditions.”

“- 59 - We also suggest that you seek the views of your specialist conservation and archaeological advisers, as relevant. Georgian Group Highways (Development Control) Officer No objection subject to condition. Nature Space (Newts) None received. Natural England No objection. Scientific Officer None received. Society for Protection of Ancient Blgs None received.”

Officer report

Who spoke

The committee heard representations from four objectors and the applicants.

The committee’s decision

Permission was granted in accordance with the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Building Control.

“That permission be granted in respect of the above application in accordance with the recommendation of the Head of Planning and Building Control.”

Minutes