Approval for 154 new homes on ex-Honda site in Luton town centre

Planning permission was previously granted in March 2018 for a 235-bedroom hotel and basement car park on the site in Cumberland Street.

But applicant Jeds Investments Limited now intends to build 73 one-bedroom, 71 two-bed and ten three-bedroom apartments on the site, which was formerly occupied by Honda.

The site has been derelict for more than ten years and was most recently used as a temporary car park, according to a report to the borough council’s development control committee.

The scheme includes balconies, terraces and roof gardens, as well as a communal lounge at roof level, said the report.

Planning team leader Clive Inwards told the committee: “The application is a nine-storey building with 154 flats, parking and an access.

“It would have a positive impact on the street scene by developing an unoccupied site, without adversely affecting the town centre conservation area or other heritage assets.

“It will remove an unsightly piece of land in the Castle Quarter, which has been vacant for more than ten years.”

There are 20 parking spaces and storage for 40 bicycles, with a communal garden area.

“The number of unimplemented planning permissions on this site shows it’s been difficult to bring forward a viable development project,” he added.

“The scheme will involve 60 to 70 building jobs, and roughly ten to 12 jobs after completion.”

One representation was received from the Central Baptist Church, which has concerns about loss of light and possible noise complaints from occupants of the flats around its activities.

Young people linked with the church play football and have water fights in the car park, according to its statement read to the committee.

Labour Dallow councillor Abbas Hussain said the applicant had been submitting plans since April 2008 for a 151-bedroom hotel, “but nothing’s happened on this land at all”.

He asked: “What reassurances have you got this time round?”

Mr Inwards replied: “It does show the site has been difficult to develop. There are always changing circumstances in the market.

“Hopefully this will come forward in a suitable timescale.”

Councillor Hussain added: “The developer has always pleaded poverty. There are going to be families going into these apartments.

“There’s no Section 106 contribution for that area of South ward.”

Labour Limbury councillor Rob Roche asked: “Is there any leeway on that with the developer, as it does seem too many one-bedroom flats?

“The agenda refers to viability as his fallback position all the way through.”

Mr Inwards said all aspects of the viability have been considered with the applicant.

A statement was read on behalf of associate director with planning agent Zerum, Diane Ellis, on behalf of the applicant and site owner.

“A £24m investment providing 154 new homes will boost the town centre’s economy,” it said.

“Several consents have been granted on the site in previous years, but these have failed to come forward because of market changes and deliverability issues.

“This scheme responds to current market needs and is deliverable.

“The applicant wishes to reassure the church that suitable mitigation will be put in place.”

Councillors approved the proposals with ten in favour and one against.