23 flats at 32 - 42 Duke Street, Luton

What was proposed

The application proposed a six-storey building containing 23 flats, with associated landscaping after demolishing the existing commercial building.

“Committee: Development Management Date of Meeting: July 2026 Application Ref: 25/01049/FUL Subject: Erection of a six storey building to create 23 flats (9no. 1 beds, 11no. 2 beds, 3no. 3 beds) with associated landscaping following the demolition of the existing commercial building.”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers recommended approval with conditions, a legal agreement, financial contributions, local employment measures and other requirements.

“Recommendations 2. It is recommended to the Committee:”

“(i) That the reasons for approval set out in this report are agreed; (ii) That planning permission is granted, subject to the conditions set out below (‘Appendix A’); (iii) That if planning permission is granted, this is subject to the satisfactory completion of a legal agreement (or appropriate mechanism) which will include inter alia the following heads of terms; • £159,592.22 contribution to demand for 5.34 primary age (£117,297) and 1.4 secondary age (£42,295.22) school…”

Officer report

What people said

Six properties were notified, one objection was received, and a press notice and site notices were issued.

“25/01049/FUL submitted by Jan Bennett, in respect of the erection of a six-storey building to create 23 flats (9no. 1 beds, 11no. 2 beds, 3no. 3 beds) with associated landscaping following the demolition of the existing commercial building. The application was notified to six properties, site notices posted and press notice issued. One objection had been received.”

Minutes

Who spoke

The applicant’s agent addressed the Committee under the right to speak procedure.

The decision

Permission was granted subject to the report and update conditions, a legal agreement, delegated authority and refusal if the agreement was not completed.

“25/01049/FUL be granted, subject to the conditions set out in Appendix A of the report and the additional/amended conditions set out in the update report and subject to the satisfactory completion of a legal agreement (or appropriate mechanism) which will include inter alia the following heads of terms.”

“A viability review clause so the Council would benefit from any improvement in the viability of the scheme with any uplift to be provided towards affordable housing, and • A legal monitoring fee of £10,000.”

Minutes