Issue - meetings

To consider the demolition of existing property known as Cartref and erection of 38 no. dwellings with associated road, parking, green spaces and ancillary works.

It was RESOLVED that application 24/00058/FPM be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The Committee considered an application for the erection of 38 dwellings with associated infrastructure including new access points off Clovelly Way and Symonds Green Lane, cycleway and footpath connections and parking provision in line with local policy. The existing buildings had already been cleared following a prior approval.

The Committee were informed that the site was located near industrial estates and offices to the South, residential areas to the North and the Symonds Green Lane Conservation Area which was adjacent to the site boundary. The site comprised of previously developed land and an undesignated green space which would be developed into 32 houses and 12 flats.

The Committee were shown proposed site plans, elevations and bin and cycle enclosure plans.

Addressing affordable housing, the Team Leader (RE) advised the Committee that the provision of 12 affordable units met the 30% requirement for undeveloped land. However, the First Homes element of national policy was not included as part of proposal and was deemed a conflict with national policy,  butStevenage’s housing needs prioritised other forms of affordable housing.

The Committee heard that the loss of green space complied with policy, as it was offset by existing facilities nearby such as Meadway playing fields and Symonds Green Village Green. Additional tree planting was proposed to compensate for removals associated with the land west of Stevenage development, which necessitated safeguarding a road corridor within the site.

The Committee were informed that parking, and bin and cycle storage was policy compliant.

The Team Leader (RE) advised the Committee that they were awaiting comments from the Lead Local Flood Authority due to backlog issues. Approval would be subject to their conditions being met.

The Committee heard that part of the site overlapped with safeguarded land for the land West of Stevenage development, ensuring no conflict with strategic road infrastructure plans.

Members commented on the loss of green space in the proposed development area, particularly it’s impact on Meadway Playing Fields. Queries were made about whether future road developments, particularly access roads connecting to the A1(M), would further affect this space.

The Team Leader (RE) clarified that the Land West of Stevenage development would not have direct access from the A1(M) but would instead utilise existing infrastructure, including Redcar Drive and Meadway with a new road via a tunnel to also serve the development. Upgrades to those roads were planned to accommodate increased traffic. It was confirmed that the Meadway Playing Fields would largely be preserved, with improvements such as a new pavilion proposed as part of a separate planning application. Officers acknowledged the loss of open space in the proposed development but justified this decision based on the need to meet housing supply requirements.

Further comments were made by Members regarding increased traffic congestion near the A1(M) junctions, particularly given the existing pressure caused by Costco traffic. The Team Leader (RE) confirmed there would be no new junctions from the A1(M), and traffic from the Land West of Stevenage development would be routed through the current  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4