Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Cllr Robert Boyle, Cllr Akin Elekolusi, Cllr Lynda Guy and Cllr Anne Wells.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 5 June 2025.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Planning & Development Committee held on 5 June 2025 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

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

The Committee received a presentation from the Team Leader (AD) on an application seeking permission for the demolition of the existing two?storey office building and construction of a new unit for flexible use (Classes E, B2 and B8), with associated access, servicing, parking and landscaping.

The Team Leader (AD) outlined the site context within the Gunnels Wood employment area, noting surrounding uses and residential dwellings to the north. Plans, elevations and landscaping proposals were presented. It was confirmed that 13 trees would be removed but replaced with new planting, and that design measures such as a stepped roof profile sought to reduce the visual massing of the building.

The Committee was advised that the Lead Local Flood Authority had lifted its objection, subject to standard conditions relating to drainage and surface water management.

A Member questioned why the existing office building could not be extended rather than demolished, commenting on potential waste and the impression that the scheme was designed for a specific occupier. In response, Officers advised that there was no relevant planning history for redevelopment of the site, and that the landowner had chosen to submit an application to redevelop the site rather than extend.  It was further noted that Stevenage had a shortage of modern employment floor space, and that the proposed building would address this need.

Members commented on the number of HGV spaces, adequacy of parking provision, and loss of trees. Officers confirmed that 35 car spaces would be provided, meeting parking standards for B2 and B8 uses, and that conditions required further parking details if the unit were to be occupied by a research and development user. Replacement planting and biodiversity net gain requirements were highlighted.

Questions were raised regarding cycle and pedestrian routes adjoining the site. Officers confirmed that highway improvements and segregated cycle routes associated with the wider west of Stevenage development would not be affected.

During discussion, Members commented regarding demolition of relatively modern buildings and the need for more robust local policy on this matter.

A recorded vote* was taken on the application and it was RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED the applicant having first entered into a Unilateral Undertaking to secure/provide contributions towards:

•         S278 Agreement (covering access works)

•         £6000 Travel Plan evaluation and support fee

•         Local Employment and Apprenticeships

•         Monitoring fee

The detail of which be delegated to the Assistant Director of Planning and Regulation in liaison with the Council’s appointed solicitor, along with the recommendations of the Lead Local Flood Authority, as well as the imposition of suitable safeguarding conditions.

Authority be given to the Assistant Director of Planning and Regulation in consultation with the Chair of Planning Committee, to amend or add to the suggested draft conditions set out in this report, prior to the decision notice being issued, where such amendments or additions would be legally sound and most effectively deliver the development that the Planning Committee has resolved to approve. These suggested conditions are as follows:

1.     The development  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To consider the change of use from Indoor Market, Use Class E(a) to Education Facilities for North Herts College, Engineering and Construction Campus, Use Class F1(a), with associated internal alterations and minor alterations to the building façade.

The Committee received a presentation from the Planning and Enforcement on an application for change of use of the existing indoor market to educational facilities for North Hertfordshire College (Use Class F1a), together with associated internal and external alterations.

It was explained that the proposals included workshops for construction and engineering trades, with ventilation equipment and external louvres. The relocation of the indoor market to Boston House was noted.

The Chair invited Jill Borcherds (Cycling UK) to address the Committee. Ms Borcherds raised concerns regarding the loss of secure public cycle parking within the market, insufficient cycle spaces for students, and poor cycle access routes due to prohibitions through the town centre. She argued that the proposals risked encouraging unsafe cycling behaviour.

The Chair then invited Mr. Richard Grenfell, representing the applicant North Hertfordshire College, to address the Committee. Mr Grenfell emphasised the urgent need to relocate the College’s construction and engineering curriculum to a viable site, highlighting benefits to local skills provision. He noted that cycle parking was incorporated internally and that the site was highly accessible by public transport.

Members commented that proposed cycle provision remained inadequate. Officers confirmed that additional details could be secured by condition requiring further information on cycle storage prior to occupation.

A Member also raised queries regarding existing disabled parking bays, and Officers confirmed these would remain unaffected as they fell outside the red line boundary.

A motion was moved by Councillor Booth to add an additional condition requiring further details of secure cycle parking provision to be submitted and approved prior to occupation. The motion was seconded by Councillor Ashley-Wren.

The Committee then voted on the Officer’s recommendation, subject to the inclusion of this additional condition the final wording of which to be agreed between the Assistant Director (Planning & Regulatory) and the Chair.

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:

          8935_P001; 8935_P002; 8935_P003; 8935_P004; 8935_P005;           8935_P006; 8935_P101; 8935_P201; 8935_P301; 8935_P302;           8935_P401;

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

3.     The use hereby permitted shall be carried on only by North Hertfordshire College. When the premises cease to be occupied by North Hertfordshire College, the use hereby permitted shall cease.

4.     At least 3 months prior to the first occupation of the approved development, a detailed Travel Plan for the site shall be submitted to and approved in writing by the Local Planning Authority in consultation with the Highways Authority. The approved Travel Plan shall be implemented in accordance with the timetable and target contained therein and shall continue to be implemented as long as any part of the development is occupied subject to approved modifications agreed by the Local Planning Authority in consultation with the Highway Authority as part of the annual review.

5.     Unless  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

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

The Committee noted the Information Report – Delegated Decisions.

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

The Committee noted the Information Report – Appeals/Called In Applications.

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.

Not required.

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

There was no Urgent Part II Business.