Decisions

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Liz Harrington and Claire Parris.

There were no declarations of interest.

None.

Not required.

None.

The Director of Public Health (Public Health Service - Hertfordshire County Council), Jim McManus, was in attendance at the meeting.  He gave an update on the new Coronavirus strain (COVID-19).   The Director informed Members that the majority of the UK population remains at low risk of COVID-19.   The Director highlighted that older people with pre-existing conditions were at risk of a severe form of the disease.  COVID-19 was being treated from other viruses because of the ability to spread while showing no symptoms and the speed of growth of numbers.

The Director advised the Committee that COVID-19 was moderately transmissible but there was no need to panic.  Coronaviruses were mainly transmitted by large droplets spread through coughing, sneezing and contact with infected secretions.  Planning was underway in local areas.  In relation to good practice, the Director indicated that the best way to stop spread was hygiene and cleaning.  Currently, there was no dedicated drug for the virus and there were no expectations of a vaccine any time soon. 

Members pointed out that local buses did not display any guidance on ways of preventing the spread of COVID-19 and there were no notices on trains.  The Committee sought clarification on guidance airline passengers, schools, religious and other public gatherings.  Members also asked questions regarding support for care workers, fear and uncertainty in the public, election canvassing and pressures on the NHS 111 (non-emergency) number.

In his response, the Director confirmed that the Public Health team were systematically working with stakeholders including bus operators, Network Rail and train operators.  With regard to air travel, the Director referred to recent flight cancellations to areas heavily affected by the virus.  It was pointed out that airlines were intensifying cleaning regimes.  Travellers were urged to avoid flying to countries and areas where there were high chances of coming into contact with someone with COVID-19.  People with vulnerable health were advised not to fly.

The Director of Public Health stated that those responsible for work places, schools, shopping outlets, halls sports establishments and other public buildings should prioritise sanitisation of high risk touch points such as handrails, elevator controls and door handles.  Professor McManus confirmed that banknotes could carry bacteria or viruses such as COVID-19. 

In response to a question regarding guidance for care workers, Professor McManus stated that carers should minimise contact if there was a high risk of contracting COVID-19.  The use of clinical masks would be recommended in some cases. 

With regard to religious gatherings, the Director of Public Health reported that FaithAction was Public Health England’s strategic partner for information campaigns.  He confirmed that Public Health was available to engage with all faith groups in the County and to share guidance on COVID-19. 

The Director acknowledged the information gaps and stressed the importance of disseminating accurate and regular updates to the public.  He advised that the public should take a measured approach and not assume that colds and flu would lead to COVID-19.  Members agreed to take the message back to schools and communities.

The Director of Public Health highlighted the importance of behaviour change in the fight against COVID-19.  It was indicated that the public should re-consider the frequency and necessity of public gatherings such as church meetings, political gatherings and sports events.  The Director informed the Committee that a guidance document had been prepared for election canvassers. 

Members welcomed recent announcements by the government that those in self-isolation would be entitled to sick pay from day one and that COVID-19 had been declared a notifiable disease.  However, the self-employed and those under zero-contract hours would be under pressure to work while ill so as to earn a living and this would put colleagues and customers at risk.  Professor McManus informed the Committee it was too early to have significant levels of reliable data to enable modelling and better preparations to deal with the disease.  The standard notifiable disease procedure would be discarded if there was an influx of cases.

The Director of Public Health reported that there were pressures on the NHS 111 (non-emergency) number, Public Health England helplines and medical laboratories.  Public Health Service (Hertfordshire) had established a schools COVID-19 helpline so as to relieve pressure on NHS 111 number, ensure consistency of advice and fill in any gaps in the NHS 111 service.

The Chief Executive thanked the Director of Public Health for guidance and regular updates to local authorities, schools and other public and private institutions in Hertfordshire.  He informed Members that SBC had a Business Continuity Plan in place. In his reply, the Director of Public Health commended measures that had been put in place by the Council.

The Chair informed the Committee that due to the COVID-19 health emergency, the Director of Public Health would not be in a position to discuss other public health issues affecting Stevenage. 

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That Members liaise with the Director of Public Health regarding the posting of COVID-19 advice leaflets on public transport

2.         That the Strategic Director (RP) circulates to all Members the latest guidance for election canvassers

3.         That the Scrutiny Officer liaises with the Director of Public Health regarding scheduling a meeting to discuss other public health issues affecting Stevenage

It was RESOLVED that the item be deferred to a future meeting of the Community Select Committee.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Community Select Committee meeting held on 8 January 2020 be approved as a correct record

The Scrutiny Officer presented a report detailing potential items for the Committee’s Work Programme for the new Municipal Year.

Following discussion it was RESOLVED:

(1)   that the items listed below be included in the 2020/2021 work programme:

·         Continuation of the review of Neighbourhood Centres;

·         The economic and environmental impact of Covid-19 (Coronavirus) on the Town;

·         Climate Change Strategy including individual issues such as recycling, grasslands, trees, transport and parks.

(2)  That the policy development work identified for the Portfolio Holder Advisory Group meetings be noted.

None.

Not required.

None.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Environment and Economy Select Committee held on 11 February 2020 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

The Scrutiny Officer gave an update regarding the Review of the Neighbourhood Centres following the site visits to Oaks Cross, The Oval, Symonds Green, Bedwell and St Nicholas. Photographs of the visits were circulated and shown at the meeting.

Members agreed that the outcomes of the Community Centre Review which was currently being undertaken by the Council would have an impact on this review.

The following issues were raised:

Oaks Cross

·         Trees had been removed from the planters;

·         Some Members had used locality budgets for neighbourhood improvements;

·         Fly tipping at the rear of the commercial premises was an issue;

·         Unsightly barbed wire around a storage area;

·         Possible evidence of drug use;

·         The area could be enhanced by changing colours of the concrete around the centre which was all one colour and very drab;

·         Half finished painting on the wall.

Symonds Green

·         The area to the rear of the shops was unsightly particularly where the scaffolding was in place;

·         Members were pleased to hear of the successful programme at the recently expanded Community Centre.

St Nicholas

·         Unsightly security fence probably from the 1990’s;

·         2 concrete planters previously situated in the Town Centre had been purchased through a Member’s LCB allocation which would be installed shortly. Clarification was sought regarding whether or not a fee should be payable for these previously used planters which were currently stored at Cavendish Road Depot to be redeployed in Neighbourhood Centres;

·         A new notice board would be put up in the centre;

·         The telephone box had now been removed;

·         There was a dispute regarding the ownership and responsibility for the damaged wall and flagstones to the rear of the community centre which was currently being looked into;

·         Officers agreed to check to see if the area was included on the replacement programme for rails and shrub beds;

The Oval

·         The damaged steps were dangerous and could easily result in accidents and potential claims. There was still a dispute regarding ownership and responsibility for the repairs between SBC and HCC. Strategic Director (TP) agreed to take the matter up with the appropriate officers. Councillor Callaghan also advised she would speak to the HCC Portfolio Holder responsible for highways;

·         New signage and a new mural would shortly be in place;

·         The flower beds would be full of wild flowers in the summer. Cllr Callaghan as Chair of the Community Garden advised that a national charity offering crocus bulbs had been approached and that these would be planted late in the year for flowers to come up early next year.

Bedwell

·      All but one of the shops were let;

·         Paint was peeling on some of the railings and a deep clean was required;

·         Graffiti on walls including the mural which needed updating;

·         Cash machines all charged a fee for use.

Members were keen that any lessons learnt from this review should be fed into new developments such as the Town Centre and Bragbury End.

It was RESOLVED:

(i)            That the individual actions noted above and those included in the Scrutiny Officer’s report be picked up by officers;

(ii)          That a further report be brought back to this Committee in the new Municipal Year;

(iii)         That the Assistant Director (Housing Development) be invited to a future meeting to report on future regeneration plans and timescales for the Neighbourhood Centres.

There were no apologies for absence and no declarations of interest.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That the 2019/20 General Fund Capital Programme net decrease in expenditure of £15.5Million be approved, as summarised in Table One, Paragraph 4.1.1. of the report.

2.         That the General Fund net increase of capital expenditure of £15.8Million in 2020/21, also as summarised in Table One, Paragraph 4.1.1 of the report, be approved.

3.         That the net decrease of £3.6Million in the capital expenditure for the 2019/20 Housing Revenue Account, as summarised in Table Three, Paragraph 4.3.1. of the report, be approved.

4.         That the net increase of £4.0Million in the capital expenditure for 2020/21 Housing Revenue Account, also as summarised in Table Three, Paragraph 4.3.1. of the report, be approved.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

It was RESOLVED:

General Fund

1.         That the 2019/20 3^rd Quarter General Fund projected net decrease in expenditure of £108,000 be approved, and that the cumulative changes made to the General Fund remain within the £400,000 (increase) variation delegated to Executive.

2.         That the progress of the 2019/20 approved savings, growth bids and carry forwards be noted.

3.         That the new carry forward requests of £100,800 be approved.

Housing Revenue Account (HRA)

4.         That the 2019/20 3^rd Quarter decrease in the net HRA deficit of £16,440 be approved.

5.         That the progress of the 2019/20 approved savings, growth bids and carry forward requests be noted.

6.         That new carry forward requests of £47,000 be approved.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

None.

The Leader commended the idea of the Community Balance Sheet, the set of metrics to be used to measure the impact of Community Wealth Building (CWB) and the concept of a Working Group to drive CWB forward.  There was a need to increase the level of local procurement, and she hoped that this would be reflected in the Council’s emerging Procurement Strategy, which itself should link into the work on CWB.

The Portfolio Holder for Resources was requested to raise at the next Local Government Pensions meeting the possibility of the Hertfordshire Pension Fund contributing towards CWB, seeing it as an avenue towards the generation of local investment.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That an Inclusive Economy Charter be developed and launched by the end of June 2020, underpinned by an action plan, this Charter to include a space for communities and stakeholders to pledge their support.

2.         That the Council pilots a Community Balance Sheet in partnership with its Co-operative Neighbourhoods Programme, and that this Balance Sheet be published alongside its annual statement of accounts.

3.         That the Council agrees a set of metrics to measure the impact of Community Wealth Building (CWB) on day-to-day business, and that this process be supported by a cross-departmental working group.

4.         That the Council facilitates a CWB Group to review progress and to validate findings of impact work, and to support the Council to share best practice at a regional and national level.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following items of business on the grounds that they involve the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in paragraphs1 – 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 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.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Executive held on 12 February 2020 be approved as correct record for signature by the Chair.

In respect of the impact of Universal Credit on rent collection levels, the Leader asked officers to lobby the Government to allow rents to be paid directly to Councils, to avoid the potential for Universal Credit payments (to cover rent) not being subsequently paid by the tenants to Councils.  In addition, Members felt that, where appropriate, SBC tenants should be encouraged to apply to have such Universal Credit payments paid directly to the Council.

In respect of sickness absence, officers undertook to ensure that cases of absence due to coronavirus were recorded separately from the generic sickness figures.

The Leader was pleased to report that many of the performance highlights during Quarter 3 of 2019/20 referred to by the Chief Executive were to be mentioned in the forthcoming edition of the Council’s Chronicle magazine.

The Executive agreed that the Community Neighbourhood Management Programme should be added to the list of strategies and plans set out in Paragraph 3.4 of the report, which would be included within the “Place of Choice” strand of the Future Town, Future Council (FTFC) Programme.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That the delivery of priorities which form the Future Town, Future Council Programme and performance of the Council across the key themes for Quarter Three 2019/20, together with the latest achievements, be noted.

2.         That the suite of strategies included in the scope of the new Place of Choice programme, as set out in Paragraph 3.4 of the report, be agreed, and that the progress being made in identifying associated actions to be tracked for 2020/21 be noted.

3.         That actions to commence implementation of the Corporate Landlord Review, and toensure the prompt certification of health and safety compliance of non-domestic/non-commercial Council buildings in accordance with the compliance contract, be noted and endorsed (Paragraphs 3.124 and 3.125 of the report).

4.         That further improvement plans for the Customer Service Centre be noted and endorsed (Paragraphs 3.119 to 3.123 of the report).

5.         That ongoing implementation of improved practices to support sickness absence management be endorsed (Paragraphs 3.110 to 3.112 of the report).

6.         That issues with the delay in inspections to Council garages be recognised and plans to improve garages lettings be noted (Paragraphs 3.93 to 3.95 of the report).

7.         That improvement plans for the collection of rent be endorsed (Paragraphs 3.72 to 3.73 of the report).

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

The Executive accepted an additional recommendation proposed by the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Health & Older People authorising the Strategic Director (RP) to make minor changes to the Tenancy Agreement, following consultation with her.  In particular, Members asked that the element of Paragraph 4.22 of the Agreement that referred to pets and other animals be adapted to allow tenants to keep certain types of pets without needing to obtain permission (subject to conditions).

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That the changes within the proposed tenancy conditions be agreed.

2.         That the revised Tenancy Agreement and conditions, as attached at Appendix A to the report, be approved.

3.         That delegated authority be given to the Strategic Director (RP), following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Health & Older People, to approve any future minor revisions to the Agreement.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report; and 3. To expedite minor changes to the Agreement before publication.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

In respect of questions raised by Members, the Assistant Director (Housing & Investment) commented:

·      the potential transfer of homes following the death of a tenant who had benefitted from aids and adaptations was dealt with on a case by case basis.  If others were left in the household, it often took some time to provide them with suitable alternative accommodation.  Conversely, it could also take time to find a suitable tenant to benefit from aids and adaptations already carried out to a property ready to be re-let;

·      the referral system would aim to ensure that regular tenancy checks were undertaken by officers to identify potential vulnerable tenants who could benefit from aids and adaptation works.

The Portfolio Holder for Housing, Health & Older People was asked to respond to the recent Government consultation on Aids and Adaptations, requesting that a more flexible approach be introduced regarding the national Disabled Facility Grant limit of £30,000, including the possible increase of this limit, to reflect the higher construction costs in more affluent areas of the UK.

The Executive supported the Leader’s suggestion that the policy should include a statement referring to the fact that the Council was continuing to monitor the delivery of aids and adaptations through the Hertfordshire Home Improvement Agency (HHIA).

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That the Aids and Adaptation Policy document, as attached at Appendix A to the report, and as amended, be approved.

2.         That delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director (Housing and Investment), having consulted the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Health and Older People, to approve any minor future revisions to the Policy.

3.         That delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director (Housing and Investment), having consulted the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Health and Older People, to approve appropriate processes and procedures in order to implement the Policy, and to approve any future revisions to them.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

The Leader thanked officers for the inclusion of a section clarifying the position with regard to private rented homes.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That the Damp and Condensation Policy document, as attached at Appendix A to the report, be approved.

2.         That delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director (Housing and Investment), having consulted the Portfolio Holder for Housing, Health and Older People, to approve any minor future revisions to the Policy.

3.         That delegated authority be given to the Assistant Director (Housing and Investment), having consulted the Portfolio Holder of Housing, Health and Older People, to approve appropriate processes and procedures in order to implement the Policy, and to approve any future revisions to them.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.

In respect of the Minutes of the Environment & Economy Select Committee meeting held on 11 February 2020, the Leader advised that she would be discussing the matter of the maintenance of various amenity areas around the Borough with the Chair of the Select Committee and Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods & Co-operative Working, with a view to incorporating the environmental improvement of these areas into the Community Neighbourhood Management Programme.

In relation to the Select Committee’s on-going review of Neighbourhood Centres, the Leader requested officers to ensure that Ward Councillors were consulted on any site specific recommendations arising from the review.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the following meetings of the Overview & Scrutiny Committee and Select Committees be noted –

Overview & Scrutiny Committee – 28 January 2020

Environment & Economy Select Committee – 11 February 2020

Overview & Scrutiny Committee – 17 February 2020

The Chair accepted items of urgent Part I business in respect of an update on the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak, and on the financial implications for the Council of the outbreak.

1.     Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak

The Strategic Director (RP) gave an update on the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak.

Members agreed that officers be instructed to request the Hertfordshire County Council Public Health Team to send out a communication to all residents expressing concerns that some ethnic groups had been targeted by certain individuals as carrying/being responsible for the spread of coronavirus, and categorically stating that there was no link between the virus and ethnicity.

Members further agreed that officers be asked to write to the Chief Executive of the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, stating that the Council was understanding of the increased pressure placed upon him and his colleagues due to Covid-19, and offering the Council’s help to do all it could to support the Trust, as well conveying the Council’s best wishes for the coming weeks.

2.     Financial Implications for the Council of the Coronavirus outbreak

The Accountancy Services Manager gave a verbal report on the financial implications for the Council of the Coronavirus outbreak.

The Executive requested officers to provide an assessment of the loss of income to the Council as a result of the measures introduced by the Government due to Covid-19 outbreak, and that a letter be written to the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government asking what proposals were in place to mitigate against this further loss of income to Councils.

The Chief Executive summarised a briefing note prepared by the Strategic Director (CF) in respect of the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Budget.  He agreed to circulate this briefing note to all Members.

An apology for absence was received from Councillor Richard Henry.

There were no declarations of interest.

It was RESOLVED that the update on the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) be noted.

None.

Not required.

None.

It was RESOLVED that the report on appeals/called-in applications be noted.

It was RESOLVED that the report on Delegated Decisions be noted.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meeting of the Planning and Development Committee held on 4 February 2020 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

It was RESOLVED that the update on the Parking Provision and Sustainable Transport Supplementary Planning Document (SPD) be noted.

It was RESOLVED that the determination of application 19/00283/FP be deferred to enable the applicant to liaise with local objectors, with a view to the consideration of revised proposed hours of operation of the sports facility (including clarity as to proposed hours of operation on Bank Holidays), and that the outcome be reported back to the next meeting of the Planning & Development Committee.

It was RESOLVED:

1.         That an Enforcement Notice be issued and served by the Assistant Director of Planning and Regulation and subject to an appointed solicitor by the Council being satisfied as to the evidence, requiring the removal of the three areas of hoarding and to reinstate the land to its original open state.  The precise terms of the Enforcement Notice, including all time periods, to be delegated to the Assistant Director of Planning and Regulation.

2.         That, subject to an appointed solicitor by the Council being satisfied as to the evidence, the Assistant Director of Planning and Regulation be authorised to take all steps necessary, including prosecution or any other litigation/works in default to secure compliance with the Enforcement Notice.

3.         That, in the event of any appeal against the Enforcement Notice, the Assistant Director of Planning and Regulation be authorised to take any action required to defend the Enforcement Notice and any appeal against the refusal of planning permission.

None.

Council received four questions. The responses to the four questions were circulated at the Meeting and are appended to the Minutes.

A. Question from Councillor Alexander Farquharson

In response to a supplementary question from Cllr Farquharson, Cllr Sharon Taylor stated that the government’s austerity measures and the introduction of Universal Credit had driven some vulnerable residents into poverty.

B. Question from Councillor Jody Hanafin

Cllr Lloyd Briscoe advised Cllr Hanafin that no timescales had been set for a new Post Office in Old Town High Street noting the autonomy of Post Office Limited in this matter.

C. Question from Councillor Graham Lawrence

Councillor Lawrence sought clarification on whether the Council had considered installing electric vehicles (EV) charging points in recently completed schemes.  Cllr John Gardner confirmed that the Council had held discussions with developers regarding EV charging points and existing and future housing developments.  The Portfolio Holder also stressed that further government funding was vital for these projects if Climate Change targets were to be met.

D. Question from Councillor Margaret Notley

In response to a supplementary question, Cllr Briscoe indicated that there was no indication of a significant increase in rail passenger numbers in the short term.  The Leader assured Members that extra disabled parking spaces would be available after the planned construction of a multi-storey car park at the railway station.

It was moved, seconded and RESOLVED that the Draft Minutes of the Audit Committee of 3 February 2020 are noted.

None.

Council received four questions from the Youth Council.  The responses to the four questions were circulated at the Meeting and are appended to the Minutes.

The Youth Council representative did not ask supplementary questions.

None.

The Mayor introduced a short film entitled “The Canyon”.  The film featured Stevenage District Scouts at the Activity Centre. It was noted that the centre had received Local Community Budget funding from some Members.  The Leader thanked Stevenage District Scouting for a wonderful addition to the young people offer in Stevenage.

The Mayor highlighted the following upcoming events:

Mayor’s Charity Concert – 11 March 2020

Environment Action Day – 26 March 2020

Litter picks with Stevenage District Scouts – 28 March 2020

Mayor’s Reception for Stevenage Community Trust and Stevenage Kadoma Link Association – 21 April 2020

The Mayor also provided updates on the Community History Project and plans to mark the 75^th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. 

It was moved, seconded and RESOLVED that Council adopts the proposed Stevenage Borough Council Licensing Act Statement of Policy 2020-2025 as attached at appendix A of the report.

It was moved, seconded and RESOLVED:

1.         That the Pay Policy Statement set out in accordance with the Localism Act 2011 and the Local Government Transparency Code 2015, as attached at Appendix 1 to this report, be approved

2.         That the pay policy is placed on the Council’s web site and that a notice of the policy is published in the next edition of Chronicle

It was moved, seconded and RESOLVED:

1.         That the report of the Independent Panel be noted and that findings form the basis of the formal Members’ Allowances Scheme and the allowances paid the Mayor and Deputy Mayor

2.         That in accordance with the comments of the Panel regarding payment of carers’ allowances, the scheme be extended to accept payments to relatives who do not live in the same household as the Councillor. In all circumstances receipts must be submitted

3.         That in the light of the report of the Independent Panel the draft formal Scheme shown at Appendix B to this report be approved for 2020/2021

4.         That following the recommendation from the Independent Panel allowances be increased in line with future staff pay wards covered by the terms and conditions of the National Joint Council for Local Government Services (NJC) once known and as recommended by the Panel.  This indexation to apply until 2024 subject to any further Independent Panel reports

It was moved, seconded and RESOLVED:

1.         That the Treasury Management Strategy be approved

2.         That the prudential indicators for 2020/21 be approved

3.         That the minimum revenue provision policy be approved

4.         That an increase to the maximum level of long term (invested for longer than 12 months) investments from £10Million to £20Million when cash balances are higher than £30Million be approved

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Council meeting held on 29 January 2020 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Mayor.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Sarah-Jane McDonough.

There were no declarations of interest.

It was RESOLVED that application 19/00474/FPM be refused planning permission for the following reasons:

1.         The proposed development by virtue of its height, design and appearance would result in an incongruous form of development which would be harmful to the visual amenities of the area.  The proposal would, therefore, be contrary to policies SP7, SP8 and GD1 of the Stevenage Borough Local Plan 2011-2031 and the advice in the National Planning Policy Framework 2019 and the Planning Practice Guidance 2014 relating to high quality design.

2.         The proposal comprising 576 dwellings in 7 flatted blocks on this constrained site would result in an overdevelopment of the site which would be harmful to the character and appearance of the area.  The proposal would, therefore, be contrary to policies SP7, SP8 and GD1 of the Stevenage Borough Local Plan 2011-2031 and the advice in the National Planning Policy Framework 2019 and the Planning Practice Guidance 2014 relating to high quality design.

3.         The proposal would fail to provide the necessary mitigation required to deal with the impact that the proposed development would have on the demand on the infrastructure required to support the proposed development.  The proposal would, therefore, be contrary to policy SP5 of the Stevenage Borough Local Plan 2011-2031.