Agenda and decisions

There were no apologies for absence.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the previous meeting held on Tuesday 2 November 2021.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Planning and Development Committee meeting held on Tuesday 2 November 2021 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To consider application for the proposed erection of a one-storey building for a replacement special needs school together with ancillary external play and teaching areas, landscaping, parking and other associated works, including demolition of existing caretaker's bungalow and provision of temporary construction access from Broadhall Way.

It was RESOLVED that planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions as per the recommendations set out in the report.

To consider installation of a new heat dump for the roof solar panels on the south elevation of building at first floor level above the existing plant room doors.

It was RESOLVED that planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions as per the recommendations set out in the report.

To consider erection of electric vehicle charging station with ancillary retail unit associated electrical infrastructure, car parking and landscaping

It was RESOLVED that planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions as per the recommendations set out in the report, and an additional condition relating to disable parking spaces as follow:

·       To ensure that there would be enough spaces for the disable car parking spaces with step free access.

To consider demolition of existing garage blocks and their replacement with a development comprising a two storey supported housing building containing a mix of 21no 1, 2 and 3 person units and associated facilities and a separate two storey terrace comprising 6 x one bedroom class C3 dwellings together with associated amenity areas, car and cycle parking bin store

It was RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to the conditions as per the recommendations in the report.

To consider redevelopment of existing riding stables to provide 11no. three bedroom and 6no. four bedroom dwellings with associated access road, parking, landscaping, footpath connections, infiltration basin and pump station

It was RESOLVED that planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions as per the recommendations set out in the report, and an additional condition relating to disable parking spaces as follow:

·       A section 106 agreement to be discussed with the North Herts Council and the Hertfordshire County Council for the applicant to develop a footpath; and to secure ongoing maintenance for the on-site green spaces.

To consider conversion of existing units at Roebuck Park to provide a self-storage facility (within Use Class B8) at Unit 3 and employment units for a flexible range of employment uses (within Use Classes E(g)(iii), B2 and/or B8) at Units B1, C2 and C3, together with the provision of three new build employment units either side of the existing terrace (Units A1, D1 and D2) for a flexible range of employment uses (within Use Classes E(g)(iii), B2 and/or B8), and associated works

It was RESOLVED that planning permission be granted subject to the conditions as per the recommendations in the report.

To consider erection of two detached dwelling houses including new site access from Watercress Close and 560sqm of publicly accessible open space to the south of the site

It was RESOLVED that application 21/00057/FP be refused planning permission for the following reasons:

The proposed erection of 2 new residential units on local open space and the significant compromising of the usability and access of the land if approved would create an unacceptable precedent whereby privately owned amenity and open space can be removed. The result would cause significant harm to the local area, for which this space has been clearly designed and used as local open space; this space is a key element of place making for the local area.  The combined direct loss of half of the existing open space, coupled with the significant deterioration in the access and usability of the remaining open space, undermines the acceptableness of the Windfall House Site policies H05, while it would also be contrary to policy NH6 which protects our local open spaces for all to use and enjoy.  

The proposal is therefore contrary to Policy HO5 and NH6 of the Stevenage Borough Local Plan 2011 – 2031 (adopted 2019), the National Planning Policy Framework (2019) and Planning Practice Guidance.

To note a report on decisions taken by the Assistant Director Planning and Regulatory in accordance with his delegated authority.

It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.

To note a report on decisions taken by the Assistant Director Planning and Regulatory in accordance with his delegated authority.

It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.

To consider any Part I Business accepted by the Chair as urgent.

None.

To consider the following motions that:

1.    Under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in paragraphs 1-7 of Part 1 of Schedule 12A of the Act as amended by Local Government (Access to information) (Variation) Order 2006.

2.    That Members consider the reasons for the following reports (if any)being in Part II and determine whether or not maintaining the exemption from disclosure of the information contained therein outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

Not required.

To consider any Part II Business accepted by the Chair as urgent.

None.