Agenda and draft minutes

The Chair opened the meeting and informed members of the passing of Alderman David Cullen who was a former Councillor and long-time Chair of Planning. The Chair advised Members that there would be an opportunity for tributes at the meeting of the Council on 22 January 2025. 

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Kamal Choudhury and Councillor Anne Wells 

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the previous meetings held on 29 October 2024 & 3 December 2024.

3 December 2024 Minutes to follow.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the meetings of the Planning and Development Committee held on 29 October 2024 and 3 December 2024 be approved as correct records and signed by the Chair.

To consider the construction of bin enclosure to house 10 no. 360 litre wheelie bins.

At this juncture, the Interim Assistant Director advised the Committee that the four applications being considered at the meeting were all for identical bin enclosures outside four different flat blocks all on Walden End. As such, the presentations would contain a lot of duplication. The Interim Assistant Director reminded the Committee that each application had to be considered on its own merits. 

The Committee received a presentation from the Interim Assistant Director (Planning and Regulation). The Committee were informed about refurbishment works which had taken place at the flats, and the proposal that each flat block would have a dedicated bin enclosure to house 10no. 360 litre wheelie bins.  

The Interim Assistant Director advised Members that the proposed bin enclosures would be constructed from Timber and would have a height of 1.45 metres. All four stores would be located at the front of the flat blocks.  

The Committee heard that the main principles were the design of the visual impact, the impact on the area of open space and the impact of residential amenity. It was also noted that officers had considered the proposals acceptable in relation to the local plan and national planning policy framework.  

The Interim Assistant Director advised the Committee that an addendum report circulated with the agenda papers, included comments from Cycle UK regarding the installation of cycle storage facilities at these flat blocks to encourage a modal shift. This however was not part of the original application but could be discussed with the applicants in the future. 

The Committee was informed of an objection from HCC Highways, which raised concerns about the potential highway safety issue with the unit’s door opening out onto public highway. The Interim Assistant Director advised the Committee that the door in question would only be used for refuse collections thus minimising the potential for any obstruction. 

In response to a question regarding access to the codes on the bin enclosures, the Interim Assistant Director advised that the refuse team would have access to this code and residents would use the back of the bin store for access.   

At this juncture, Members commented on the similarity of these four reports and questioned why they could not reference back to the first item, to which the officer responded that each submission was an individual application and therefore a statutory requirement to review each application separately. 

Members sought clarification on environmental waste and the risk of fly tipping. The Interim Assistant Director responded that it was a matter for Stevenage Direct Services and did not form part of the planning application being considered. 

At this junction the Chair of the Environment and Economy Select Committee advised Members of an upcoming session on waste and recycling which covered these policies and welcomed members to attend. 

A recorded vote* was taken on the application and it was RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions and informatives: 

1.    The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To consider the construction of bin enclosure to house 10 no. 360 litre wheelie bins.

The Interim Assistant Director informed the committee that the application was identical to item three but for flat block 18-32 Walden End and offered to reprise the presentation.  

A recorded vote* was taken on the application and it was RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions and informatives: 

1.    The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: 

Location Plan; 267/587;  

2.    The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission. 

3.    The external materials used in the development to which this permission relates shall be those detailed on the approved plans and in the accompanying planning submission documents unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority. 

INFORMATIVE  

1.  Public Information on Planning Applications 

Warning: all information provided on your planning application is now publicly available. Individuals and organisations offering their services may contact you. The Council does not endorse or approve any builders, surveyors, trades persons or other supplier, and advises householders to obtain quotes/references, and check the legitimacy of any contractor who contacts them before making payment. 

2.    Community Infrastructure Levy 

Stevenage Borough Council adopted a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule at Full Council on 27 January 2020 and started implementing CIL on 01 April 2020.  

         This application may be liable for CIL payments and you are advised to contact the CIL Team for clarification with regard to this. If your development is CIL liable, even if you are granted an exemption from the levy, please be advised that it is a requirement under Regulation 67 of The Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 (as amended) that CIL Form 6 (Commencement Notice) must be completed, returned and acknowledged by Stevenage Borough Council before building works start. Failure to do so will mean you risk losing the right to payment by instalments and a surcharge will be imposed. NB, please note that a Commencement Notice is not required for residential extensions if relief has been granted.  

Stevenage's adopted CIL Charging Schedule and further details of CIL can be found on the Council's webpages at www.stevenage.gov.uk/CIL or by contacting the Council's CIL Team at CIL@Stevenage.gov.uk. 

3.    Building Regulations 

To obtain advice regarding current Building Regulations please contact Hertfordshire Building Control Ltd. by emailing us at building.control@hertfordshirebc.co.uk or phoning us on 01438 879990. 

         To make a building regulations application please apply through our website portal at https://www.hertfordshirebc.co.uk/contact-us/ payment can be made online or by phoning the above number after the application has been uploaded.  Please phone Hertfordshire Building Control for fees guidance on 01438 879990. 

Hertfordshire Building Control can also be contacted by post at Hertfordshire Building Control Ltd, Campus East, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6AE. 

Once a building regulations application has been deposited with relevant drawings and fee building work may commence.  You will be advised in their acknowledgement letter of the work stages we need to inspect but in most instances these  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To consider the construction of bin enclosure to house 10 no. 360 litre wheelie bins.

The Interim Assistant Director informed the committee that the application was identical to item three but for flat block 34-48 Walden End and offered to reprise the presentation.  

Members commented on the location of the enclosure at this flat block being in close proximity to a lamppost and BT column, to which the Interim Assistant Director confirmed they had been positioned to avoid utilities where possible. 

A recorded vote* was taken on the application and it was RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions and informatives: 

1.    The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: 

Location Plan; 267/588 

2.    The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission. 

3.    The external materials used in the development to which this permission relates shall be those detailed on the approved plans and in the accompanying planning submission documents unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority. 

INFORMATIVE  

  1. Public Information on Planning Applications 

Warning: all information provided on your planning application is now publicly available. Individuals and organisations offering their services may contact you. The Council does not endorse or approve any builders, surveyors, trades persons or other supplier, and advises householders to obtain quotes/references, and check the legitimacy of any contractor who contacts them before making payment. 

2.    Community Infrastructure Levy 

Stevenage Borough Council adopted a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule at Full Council on 27 January 2020 and started implementing CIL on 01 April 2020.  

         This application may be liable for CIL payments and you are advised to contact the CIL Team for clarification with regard to this. If your development is CIL liable, even if you are granted an exemption from the levy, please be advised that it is a requirement under Regulation 67 of The Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 (as amended) that CIL Form 6 (Commencement Notice) must be completed, returned and acknowledged by Stevenage Borough Council before building works start. Failure to do so will mean you risk losing the right to payment by instalments and a surcharge will be imposed. NB, please note that a Commencement Notice is not required for residential extensions if relief has been granted.  

Stevenage's adopted CIL Charging Schedule and further details of CIL can be found on the Council's webpages at www.stevenage.gov.uk/CIL or by contacting the Council's CIL Team at CIL@Stevenage.gov.uk. 

3.    Building Regulations 

To obtain advice regarding current Building Regulations please contact Hertfordshire Building Control Ltd. by emailing us at building.control@hertfordshirebc.co.uk or phoning us on 01438 879990. 

         To make a building regulations application please apply through our website portal at https://www.hertfordshirebc.co.uk/contact-us/ payment can be made online or by phoning the above number after the application has been uploaded.  Please phone Hertfordshire Building Control for fees guidance on 01438 879990. 

Hertfordshire Building Control can also be contacted by post at Hertfordshire Building Control Ltd, Campus East, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6AE.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider the construction of bin enclosure to house 10 no. 360 litre wheelie bins.

The Interim Assistant Director informed the committee that the application was identical to item three but for flat block 50-64 Walden End and offered to reprise the presentation.  

A recorded vote* was taken on the application and it was RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions and informatives: 

1.    The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: 

Location Plan; 267/589 

2.    The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission. 

3.    The external materials used in the development to which this permission relates shall be those detailed on the approved plans and in the accompanying planning submission documents unless otherwise agreed in writing by the local planning authority. 

INFORMATIVE  

1.  Public Information on Planning Applications 

Warning: all information provided on your planning application is now publicly available. Individuals and organisations offering their services may contact you. The Council does not endorse or approve any builders, surveyors, trades persons or other supplier, and advises householders to obtain quotes/references, and check the legitimacy of any contractor who contacts them before making payment. 

2.    Community Infrastructure Levy 

Stevenage Borough Council adopted a Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) Charging Schedule at Full Council on 27 January 2020 and started implementing CIL on 01 April 2020.  

         This application may be liable for CIL payments and you are advised to contact the CIL Team for clarification with regard to this. If your development is CIL liable, even if you are granted an exemption from the levy, please be advised that it is a requirement under Regulation 67 of The Community Infrastructure Levy Regulations 2010 (as amended) that CIL Form 6 (Commencement Notice) must be completed, returned and acknowledged by Stevenage Borough Council before building works start. Failure to do so will mean you risk losing the right to payment by instalments and a surcharge will be imposed. NB, please note that a Commencement Notice is not required for residential extensions if relief has been granted.  

Stevenage's adopted CIL Charging Schedule and further details of CIL can be found on the Council's webpages at www.stevenage.gov.uk/CIL or by contacting the Council's CIL Team at CIL@Stevenage.gov.uk. 

3.    Building Regulations 

To obtain advice regarding current Building Regulations please contact Hertfordshire Building Control Ltd. by emailing us at building.control@hertfordshirebc.co.uk or phoning us on 01438 879990. 

         To make a building regulations application please apply through our website portal at https://www.hertfordshirebc.co.uk/contact-us/ payment can be made online or by phoning the above number after the application has been uploaded.  Please phone Hertfordshire Building Control for fees guidance on 01438 879990. 

Hertfordshire Building Control can also be contacted by post at Hertfordshire Building Control Ltd, Campus East, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6AE. 

Once a building regulations application has been deposited with relevant drawings and fee building work may commence.  You will be advised in their acknowledgement letter of the work stages we need to inspect but in most instances these are  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To note a report on decisions taken by the Assistant Director Planning and Regulatory in accordance with his delegated authority.

It was RESOLVED that the Information Report – Delegated Decision be noted.   

To note a report on appeals and called in applications.

The Interim Assistant Director provided the Committee with a brief verbal update to accompany the information report:  

·         Boxfield Green 

The Planning Inspector stated there was an error in the enforcement notice which has been withdrawn and reproduced.  

·         Aintree Way 

A site visit was conducted by the Planning Inspector. Awaiting decision on the enforcement notice.  

·         Land West of Lytton Way (ICON Site) 

A recent site visit was conducted by the inspector. A decision was expected imminently, with full details to be shared with the Committee once the decision was received. 

It was RESOLVED that the Information Report – Appeals / Called In Decisions be noted.

To consider any Part I Business accepted by the Chair as urgent.

There was no Urgent Part I Business.

To consider the following motions that:

1.    Under Section 100(A) of the Local Government Act 1972, the press and public be excluded from the meeting for the following item of business on the grounds that it involved the likely disclosure of exempt information as described in paragraphs 1-7 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 (if any)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: 

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 toInformation) (Variation) Order 2006. 

2.     That Members consider the reasons for the following reports being in Part II and determine whether or notmaintaining the exemption from disclosure of the information containedtherein outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the meetings of the Planning and Development Committee held on 29 October 2024 & 3 December 2024.

3 December 2024 Minutes to follow.

It was RESOLVED that the Part II Minutes of the previousmeetings of the Planning & Development Committee held on 29 October 2024 and 3 December be approved as correct records.  

To consider any Part II Business accepted by the Chair as urgent.

There was no Urgent Part II Business.