Decision details

The Executive considered a report in respect of a review of the Article 4 Directions and Employment Sites in Stevenage.

The Chair of the Planning & Development Committee summarised the views of that Committee on the report, made at its meeting held on 13 July 2021, as follows:

·        support to officers in their endeavours to firm up the evidence base in seeking to retain the protection afforded by the Article 4 Directions;

·        the discord and disharmony that would be ensue should residential and industrial/commercial uses be mixed, which could be the case should the Article 4 Directions cease;

·        major planning applications should be determined by the Planning & Development Committee rather than through permitted development processes.

The Executive supported the views of the Planning & Development Committee, and considered that lobbying of the Hertfordshire Local Enterprise Board (LEP) and Hertfordshire Growth Board would be required to garner their support to the work of the Council in seeking to retain the protection afforded by the Article 4 Directions, based on the Borough’s New Town heritage of separation of commercial/residential land uses.

It was RESOLVED:

1.          That the new arrangements imposed by Government on use class changes and relating to change of use from commercial to residential use via permitted development rights be noted.

2.          That the extended period that existing Article 4 Directions in Stevenage are in force, to 31 July 2022, relating to:

(A)   Change of use from Light Industrial to Residential use – applicable to Gunnels Wood and Pin Green Employment areas.

(B)   Change of use from Office to Residential use – applicable to Gunnels Wood and Pin Green Employment areas,

be noted.

3.          That the evidence base relating to employment sites in the Borough be developed to support the existing Article 4 Directions and further support protection of employment space in the Borough be agreed.

4.          That the comments of the Planning & Development Committee, held on 13 July 2021, regarding the content of this report be supported.

5.          That delegated powers be granted to the Assistant Director: Planning and Regulation, following consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Environment and Regeneration, to make any subsequent amendments to Article 4 Directions.

6.          That the lobbying activities of the Council for retention of the protection afforded by the Article 4 Directions (including lobbying for the support of the Hertfordshire LEP and Hertfordshire Growth Board) be concentrated and based on the Borough’s New Town heritage of separation of residential/commercial land uses, which has not changed since the original Article 4 Directions were granted.

Reason for Decision:  As contained in report; and 6. To lobby support for the continuation of the Article 4 Directions.

Other Options considered:  As contained in report.