Planning approval for 48 affordable homes opposite Leagrave Primary School

At its development control committee last week, Luton Borough Council approved plans to demolish the former pupil referral unit at The Orchard Centre in Strangers Way and replace it with an affordable housing estate.

Liberal Democrat Barnfield councillor David Franks has campaigned consistently against parks and open spaces in the town being swallowed up by development.

The council wants to build 12 two-bedroom, 13 three-bed and 22 four-bedroom homes, as well as a two-bedroom apartment, on the site.

The Orchard Centre catered for 14-16 year-old school pupils who had been expelled from mainstream schools.

Its educational role ended in March 2013 when the unit was relocated nearby.

The land consists mainly of a playing field, which was used by pupils from The Orchard Centre, according to the development control committee report.

Planning officer Abi Chapman described it as “a good design” and in keeping with “two-storey post-war housing” in the area.

Councillor Franks said: “Since it involves building on an open green space, I will of course be voting against it.”

Conservative Bramingham councillor Gilbert Campbell said: “We’ve got to make sure the bedroom sizes in the properties are not boxes and are a decent enough size.

“It’s should be that someone can live with a bedside cabinet or whatever, because I have seen homes where you can’t have furniture in the bedroom.”

Liberal Democrat Crawley councillor Lee Bridgen was also concerned about bedroom sizes.

The planning officer replied: “The properties do meet the required dimensions.

“The minimum sizes are 7.5 sq m for a single bedroom and 11.5 sq m for a double.”

Labour Farley councillor Mahmood Hussain explained: “We have gone through outline planning in general, as well as the detail.

“This development provides a considerable amount of affordable housing and we overwhelmingly supported it last time.

“It’s just coming back for minor amendments, and we’re voting on that.”

The council’s highways development manager John Maple told the committee: “Each of the homes has got at least two parking spaces.

“That’s substantially better than most of the applications we get in these days,” he said.

“They’re always looking to reduce parking. But I feel in this instance there’s sufficient parking for this development.”

Councillors agreed the detailed layout, with nine votes in favour, one against and one abstention.