Gospel Hall and orchard at Chapel Farm, Chalton, Luton

What was proposed

The application proposed demolishing farm buildings and constructing a Gospel Hall with an orchard, public open space, access, parking, drainage and landscaping.

“The Application: Planning permission is sought for the demolition of all existing agricultural buildings on site and the erection of a new gospel hall building with associated access, parking and landscaping. The proposal also includes the creation of a large area of public open space, including strategic landscaping (including orchard planting and habitat creation) as well as an attenuation pond to the north of the site.”

Officer report

The site and surroundings

The 6.6-hectare site is agricultural land in the Green Belt east of Chalton, with vacant farm buildings, nearby homes, a listed farmhouse and a school.

“Site Location: The site comprises of some 6.6ha of agricultural land which lies to the east of Chalton. The existing site is host to various vacant farm buildings which are clustered towards Luton Road within the western portion of the site. There is a marked change in levels across the site, with the land falling towards the M1 motorway to the east. A battery energy storage facility (known as Chapel Farm Energy Park) is located to the east of the site. 4 no.”

Officer report

Who spoke at the meeting

The committee heard from a Chalton parish councillor, an objector, Cllr Hamill and three representatives of the applicant.

The committee vote

Eleven members voted for approval, with none against and none abstaining.

“On being put to the vote 11 members voted to approve the application, 0 members voted against approval and 0 abstained.”

Minutes

What the committee decided

The committee approved the application subject to the officers’ conditions, Late Sheet amendments and additional changes covering sustainability, ecology, cycle parking and disabled bays.

“That the application be APPROVED subject to; 1. the conditions set out in the Officers report; and 2. the additional and amended conditions set out in the Late Sheet; and 3. an amendment to condition 10 to allow for solar panels to form part of a revised Sustainability Statement; and 4. an amendment to condition 23 to include an ecological walkover survey and precautionary working methods for protected species; and 5.”

Minutes