Second time lucky for rejected block of flats in Luton after developer makes financial contribution

The application relates to a group of two-storey Victorian buildings between the junctions of Rothesay Road with Adelaide Street and Stuart Street.

Applicants Emirates Investments Ltd and Zarut Ltd plan to demolish the existing buildings at 16 to 22 Rothesay Road and build 50 apartments, with parking and cycle storage, have been approved.

The scheme failed to get the go-ahead from councillors in December, but has now been green-lighted after coming back with a bigger financial contribution.

There will be 21 one-bedroom apartments, 23 two-bed flats and six three-bedroom properties.

The buildings are currently vacant, with number 16 previously occupied by the charity Smart Criminal Justice.

And numbers 18 to 22 have been used as offices since 1965, according to a report to the council’s development control committee.

The report stated: “Since the original application was submitted, talks have been held relating to required amendments to the scheme to address the relevant policy considerations.

“The latest application is a re-submission of a scheme which came before the committee in December.

“It differs only in that the financial contributions offer has been increased.”

The main issues identified last time were the impact on the street scene, the setting of the conservation area, the quality of the living environment and parking.

The applicant has argued that the buildings have been vacant for two years, with no prospect of being leased because of their need for major improvements, added the report.

“The supporting documentation submitted with the application fails to show the extent to which the applicant has actively marketed the site.

“But the loss of the employment use to the site is considered acceptable in this instance.

“While higher densities are encouraged within Luton town centre, the policy requires that this must not result in over-development of the site.

“The percentage of two- and three-bedroom properties is considered acceptable.”