Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Peter Clark and Forhad Chowdhury.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 28 October 2025.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Planning & Development Committee held on 28 October 2025 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To consider the demolition of existing buildings and erection of Class E discount food store with associated car parking, landscaping, engineering and drainage works.

The Chair of the Committee welcomed and introduced the public speakers. It was noted that in agreement with the Chair and Vice Chair, there would be one speaker in favour of the application and two speakers against the application.

It was noted that the Council had received a late representation from MRPP on behalf of Tesco Stores Limited, and in consultation with the Chair it was agreed that the representation was referred to the Committee.

The Chair introduced Lady Norma Somers to address the Committee.

Lady Somers, the owner of the Grade II listed Broomin Green Farm, raised concerns about the proposed Lidl development. The speaker highlighted unclear land ownership and leasing arrangements, and questioned Lidl’s legal position. She explained that the store had long operating hours, overnight lighting, noise from trolleys and HGV deliveries which would impact her home life and wellbeing. The traffic data was challenged, stating that it did not reflect real congestion at Maxwell Road and Gunnels Wood Road junction.

The Chair introduced Jill Borcherds from Cycling UK to address the Committee.

It was noted that Cycling UK raised concerns about the lack of clear cycle access routes into the site. It was noted that the plans did not show how cyclists would directly access the store from surrounding cycleways. It was further noted that Hertfordshire County Council (HCC) had agreed with Cycling UK to recommend a planning condition to require a safe cycle route into the site to be agreed before the development began. The speaker discussed that without this condition, the development would fail to support the wider cycle network or enable people to cycle safely to and within the site. 

The Chair introduced Katie Russell-Smith, the planning agent representing the applicant.

The planning agent spoke in favour of the application, highlighting a new Lidl store located on an underused site, which would bring local jobs, investment and affordable shopping to the area. It was noted that the relationship with the nearby listed farmhouse had been considered, with officers judging any impact to be limited and manageable. Noise, lighting and delivery impacts had been assessed as acceptable with conditions proposed. She concluded that officers consider the benefits outweighed any harm and therefore recommended approval.

The Chair thanked all the speakers for their contributions and invited the Team Leader to respond.

The Committee adjourned for officers to consider some of the issues raised from the speakers.

The Team Leader then presented the Lidl application and outlined the proposal to demolish existing buildings and construct a new discount food store with parking, landscaping and associated works.

The Committee were shown images of the site, proposed layout and landscaping plans. Officers noted the late representations from Cycling UK and presented the committee with the relevant local plan policy, which explained how the proposed routes, crossings and connections met policy requirements.

Officers then responded to the late representation sent from MRPP on behalf of Tesco Stores Limited. Officers confirmed that allocated retail land outside of a town centre  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

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

Members raised a question regarding an application which was granted planning permission.

The Assistant Director advised that planning applications could be determined under delegated powers, and that members were able to make representations or request a call-in only during the statutory consultation period, if required, determine with officers whether the reasons provided justified committee consideration.

Members were advised to review the weekly planning applications list to ensure they were aware of relevant submissions.

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

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 – 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 not maintaining the exemption from disclosure of the information contained therein outweighs the public interest in disclosure.

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

There was no Urgent Part II Business.