Issue - meetings

To consider the demolition of existing buildings and structures and construction of a new building for Use Classes E(g)(iii), B2 and B8 (flexible), including hard and soft landscaping, parking, access, servicing and associated works.

It was RESOLVED that application 24/00525/FPM be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The Team Leader (AD) introduced the application. The Committee heard that the application was for the redevelopment of the old Bond International Warehouse site, located within the Pin Green Industrial Estate, the second largest employment area in Stevenage. The proposal involved the demolition of the existing warehouse and construction of a new building for flexible industrial storage, distribution and light industrial use along with associated parking, landscaping and servicing works.

The Committee were informed that the 1.9 hectare site was surrounded by industrial properties to the North and East, residential properties to the South and the newer Giles Crescent development to the West.

The Chair invited the Objector, Jill Borcherds (Cycling UK Stevenage) to address the Committee.

The Objector commented on the lack of cycling infrastructure on Wedgwood Way and Cartwright Road. They highlighted that Wedgwood Way currently had no dedicated cycleways, which compromised the safety of active travel, especially given the presence of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and other traffic.

Emphasising local and emerging policies on sustainable transport and climate change, the Objector called for proper cycleway links along both sides of Wedgwood Way, from Giles Crescent and Cartwright Road to Martins Way, to support safe travel for residents and site workers. They noted that without such infrastructure, cycling will remain unsafe, particularly for children. Further concerns were raised regarding incomplete cycleway links on Gresley Way, which would enable safer access to Great Ashby.

The Objector concluded by urging the council to prioritise safe and accessible cycling infrastructure to promote sustainable travel, improve health, and align with environmental goals.

The Chair invited Gareth Pritchard (Stantec) to address the Committee on behalf of the applicant – Wrenbridge (FRELD Stevenage) LLP.

The Applicant’s Representative expressed gratitude to Members and Officers for their work over the last six months and welcomed the officer recommendation that the proposed scheme complied with relevant planning policies. They emphasised that the site, currently underutilised within the Pin Green Employment Area, would be revitalised through the proposal, which sought to modernise and intensify the existing warehouse use.

The Applicant’s Representative highlighted several proposed benefits of the development, including:

·       A commitment to achieving a minimum BREEAM “Excellent” rating and an EPC rating of “A” to address the climate emergency.

·       A biodiversity net gain of 19.94% for habitats and 99.88% for hedgerow.

·       Creation of an estimated 159–300 operational jobs, with further opportunities during construction and throughout the supply chain.

·       High-quality design incorporating substantial glazing to enhance active frontages on Wedgwood Way and Cartwright Road.

The Applicant’s Representative noted that the proposed transport approach, confirmed as acceptable by officers, included additional improvements such as travel planning, shower and changing facilities, green roof cycle shelters, and other sustainability measures.

The Applicant’s Representative concluded by reaffirming their belief that the proposal complied with planning policies and requested approval of the application.

The Chair thanked both speakers and invited the Team Leader (AD) to present their report.

The Team Leader (AD) began by showing photographs of the current site and its surroundings, illustrating  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5