Aylesbury: Rabans Lane overhaul deferred over jobs fears

Aylesbury Vale Estates saw its planning application for land either side of Rabans Lane deferred by Bucks Council this week after a “concerning” email forced a revision.

Cllr Richard Newcombe moved during a planning meeting to defer a decision on the application to a later date to establish the document’s “veracity”, which committee members voted to support.

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It appears members received information from a Cinram Novum (a local distribution service) representative just days before which challenged “some of the factual information” contained in the planning document.

“I was disappointed to find some grossly inaccurate data that relates to the development proposal,” they wrote. “While I appreciate there is significant information gathering for such a project, and that inaccuracies can occur, the employment numbers reported in…your report vastly under reports the true number of jobs being put at risk through this proposal.”

They continue that while the report outlines 40-60 employees at Cinram Novum, the real number is closer to 272, “the majority of whom live in Aylesbury”.

The Cinram Novum site

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It is understood there is also two young apprentices “midway through their IT Network Technician qualifications” with Cinram Novum.

Further, home improvement store Integral LED is listed in the report as having between 12-14 staff, when in fact it allegedly has approximately 25.

“In total then, there are almost 300 jobs that you would put at risk if this development goes ahead,” they add.

It is understood Cinram Novum could face demolition, according to Cllr Newcombe.

Cllr Newcombe said it was “only right and proper” that the matter first be investigated before a decision is made.

It is also understood Bucks Council has a 50 per cent interest in Aylesbury Vale Estates.

Integral LED

“Members will all be aware, that a couple of days ago they received an email from a gentleman who works at the premises which are effectively, according to the report, to be demolished if this application is successful,” Cllr Newcombe.

“This was a concerning letter because it actually challenged some of the information that is contained in the officer’s report – some of the factual information – and that factual information is information upon which we would be making the decision.

“It is only right and proper that the allegations made in the letter are properly investigated by the officers so that this committee makes its decision upon real information and evidence, properly ascertained and submitted to it by its officers.”

He also asked that the claims the scheme would “generate a greater number of jobs than the site currently does” be properly checked.

“It would be wholly inappropriate for us to make a decision until we actually have the true picture in front of us,” Cllr Newcombe.

Proposed site layout

Plans outline up to 200 properties accessed from Rabans Lane itself, following the demolition of existing buildings east and west.

There is also mention of a new 7,500-sqm business space, accessed from Rabans Close.

Documents also reveal plans to remove the mini roundabout at the junction of Brunel Road and Rabans Lane and to replace it with “a priority junction with the major arm running from Brunel Road to Rabans Lane north”.

Aylesbury Household Recycling Centre is also near the proposed site.

To view and comment on the plans, use planning portal ref: 20/02611/AOP.

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