Decision details

The Executive considered a report regarding feedback from consultation on the draft Design Guidance Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) 2021, and seeking approval to the amended SPD prior to a second round of public consultation.

The Chair encouraged Members to provide officers with any suggestions for the addition of appropriate buildings to the Stevenage Heritage Assets list.

The following points were made by officers regarding issues raised by Members:

·        the Assistant Director (Planning & Regulation) was requested to provide details in the next report on the SPD in respect of the refining of the design guidance for non-residential development;

·        officers were requested to consider what action could be taken to direct telecommunications companies away from siting their apparatus in green leisure/community spaces, and instead locating them in more appropriate areas;

·        officers were asked to include Liquid Amber trees in the list of tree species that should be considered set out in the “Movement” section of the SPD; and

·        officers agreed to engage further as part of the next consultation phase in respect of the most appropriate signage to be used in the Borough’s Conservation Areas.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the content of the Stevenage Design Guidance SPD 2021 Consultation Statement (Appendix B) be noted.

2.          That delegated powers be granted to the Assistant Director: Planning and Regulation, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Regeneration, to make minor amendments as are necessary in the final preparation of the second draft SPD prior to its consultation.

3.          That the second draft Design Guidance SPD be published for consultation in September 2022 for a minimum of six weeks (speculatively 5 September to 17 October 2022).

4.          That the Local List of Heritage Assets be published on the Stevenage Borough Council Webpage.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.