Issue - meetings

Hybrid application for the comprehensive redevelopment of land at The Oval comprising: an Outline Application for a mixed use development on parcels A,B and D to include 250 dwellings, 1200sqm of mixed commercial (Class E), Parking and public realm improvements including a New Market Square, up to 2650sqm of retail (Class E) and 220sqm mixed use (Class E and Sui Generis) and parking on Parcel C, and a Full Application for the Construction of 91 dwellings and shared communal facilities for Independent Living (Parcel E), community building including place of worship and public realm (Parcel F).

The Committee considered a report in respect of application 23/00954/FPM seeking planning permission for the comprehensive redevelopment of land at The Oval comprising: an Outline Application for a mixed use of development on parcels A, B and D to include 250 dwellings, 1200sqm of mixed commercial(Class E), Parking and public realm improvements including a New Market Square, up to 2650sqm of retail (Class E) and 220sqm mixed use (Class E and Sui Generis) and parking on Parcel C, and a Full Application for the construction of 91 Dwellings and shared communal facilities for Independent Living (Parcel E), community building including place of worship and public realm (Parcel F). Planning permission was being sought for a phased development which meant some buildings and areas were subject to detailed planning permission and other areas were only outlined with appearance, access, landscaping, layout and scale reserved for future consideration.

The Team Leader stated The Oval Neighbourhood Centre was located to the northeast of Stevenage and formed one of the six original neighbourhoods following the town’s designation as the first ‘New Town’ in 1946. It embodied many of the bold and experimental design principles characteristics of town planning in the 1950s, 60s and 70s including segregated traffic and pedestrian movements using underpasses and changing land uses, dedicated cycle ways, pedestrianised shopping precincts and deck access housing.

It was explained that the Oval Neighbourhood Centre was formed of a L-Shaped shopping parade running east-west. It was a pedestrianised street with a range of units on the ground floor and residential properties accessed via gated steps and decks above, the main shopping area has a range of independent retailers and service providers in the units. The residential properties included 22 two storeys, 3-bedroom flats which was accessed via the gated ‘decks’, the oval centre (including the residential part) was served by two carparks, the main car park is accessed from Vardon Road and provided easy pedestrian access into the main shopping street. A second car park was accessed via Jessop Road located to the north of the site, this car park was not used as much and had limited connectivity with the main shopping area.

Furthermore, the Team Leader stated that a large community centre was located to the east of the site, the building was constructed across several levels and housed the main community hall together with All Saints Church and the St Nicolas and St Martins family centre. The Times Club (including the Hillites Bar) was located on the southern part of the site. To the north of the community building was a children’s play area which included a rectangular area of green space used informally for ball games and children’s play. An enclosed community garden was located to the east which bound by hedgerows and trees and the Jehovah’s Witness Hall to the south which was not within the application. The Parameter plan was shown within the report to explain the maximum development area and building heights of the buildings subject to outline  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5