Chairman uses casting vote to approve Central Beds' controversial homeless scheme in Luton suburb

An initial vote for a 12-month review of Central Bedfordshire Council's change of use scheme for 124 Crawley Green Road was tied, with four in favour and four against.

Labour Farley councillor Dave Taylor, who chairs the borough council's development control committee, chose to reject the proposal - which would have granted temporary permission for a year.

That led to a second vote which was also deadlocked at four apiece, until councillor Taylor again intervened to support the transition housing plans.

Central Beds Council applied for 14 en-suite bedrooms facility at the ex-Royal Naval Club site, opposite St Anne's Church.

The site - a failed hotel - will be turned into short-term accommodation for "low-risk" homeless people, with a detailed occupation, management and support plan.

CBC considers this type of property as vital for families made homeless, rather than rough sleepers.

One neighbour accused CBC of trying to "dump its homeless burden" on to Luton when the plans were first reported.

Altogether, 33 objections were lodged against the scheme.

The site was redeveloped to provide flats at the back and a hotel/bed and breakfast arrangement within the extended former naval club building, according to a report to the committee.

The property was fully renovated, but never opened and CBC bought it some time after 2015, said the report.

"The building would provide accommodation for people who may be vulnerable and who either originate from Luton or for whom it is necessary to place outside Central Bedfordshire for their own safety.

"Households assessed to be of a medium- or high-risk won't be accommodated at the facility," it added.

Principal planning officer Graham Dore said: "The development doesn't constitute a house of multiple occupation (HMO).

"CBC has satisfied the relevant justifications for housing provision outside its own administartive area ref planning scheme outside their area."

In a statement, Liberal Democrat Crawley councillor Terry Keens said: "I have had dealings with this property in the past when it was proposed to be a bed and breakfast aimed at single persons using the airport.

"It only just got past planning then as the rooms were small and there were no fire escapes.

"Why are Central Bedfordshire sending their homeless and others to Luton?The town has enough problems without importing.

"Central Beds can make these people homeless which then means they become the responsibility of the local authority.

"I don't feel the proper procedure has been followed as, at a recent meeting attended by more than 60 local residents, some still hadn't been informed."

Councillor Keens called on the committee to defer the application for more talks with CBC or to refuse it.

Other residents asked for a high fence around the premises, and expressed concerns about crime, drugs, anti-social behaviour and a loss of privacy.

Mr Dore said: "The building already has a CCTV system, which is going to be worked on and enhanced.

"We know the boundary fence is an issue and we will revisit it. But it's not a material consideration of this project."

Liberal Democrat Barnfield councillor David Franks proposed making the consent temporary for a year and personal to CBC, but that was defeated in the voting.