Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Lynda Guy, Claire Parris and Julie Ashley-Wren.

Councillors Myla Arceno and Coleen De Freitas were in attendance as substitutes.

Councillor Myla Arceno declared an interest in Item 3, as they were employed by the NHS Trust and worked at Lister Hospital. It was noted that they would participate in the discussion but would not vote on the application.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 08 September 2026.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Planning and Development Committee held on 8 September 2026 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To consider an erection of extension with rooftop plant for new paediatric ward, and demolition of small modular buildings on site.

The Committee received a presentation on a planning application for the construction of a two-storey paediatric ward extension with rooftop plant at Lister Hospital, together with the demolition of existing modular buildings. The proposed extension would replace the existing Bluebell Ward facilities, which did not meet modern healthcare standards, and provide improved accommodation comprising 20 inpatient bed spaces, internal play areas and an enclosed external play space. The development would occupy the existing consultant staff car park, resulting in the loss of 44 parking spaces. Replacement provision would be made across the hospital campus through a combination of new spaces and existing capacity, including arrangements with Origin Housing. The proposal also included cycle parking for 10 bicycles. The Planning Officer advised that a 10% biodiversity net gain would be secured off-site and that a financial contribution of £12,500 would be secured through a legal agreement to support local employment and apprenticeship opportunities.

Members expressed concerns regarding the proximity of the external play space to the busy road junction and potential impacts from vehicle emissions on children using the facility.

Members also raised questions regarding the construction management plan, highway safety, patient and ambulance access, parking provision, biodiversity net gain and the location of the external play space.Whilst a Construction Management Plan had been submitted to reduce delays around delivery due to tight funding timeframes HCC Highways did not agree the submitted plan was acceptable, so officers advised that if granted, a condition would be imposed to any permission issued. The Trust would continue to work with Hertfordshire County Council to resolve the outstanding issues and minimise potential delays.

It was confirmed that existing pedestrian routes would provide access to the new ward, ambulance access would remain unaffected, and no increase in inpatient capacity or anticipated patient numbers was proposed. Officers advised that the parking concerns had been addressed, with the hospital exploring various initiatives across the hospital campus and the Origin Housing area to mitigate the loss of parking spaces. In relation to Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG), it was noted that the site was not exempt from the statutory requirements and, although the required 10% gain could not be achieved on-site, conditions would be imposed in accordance with the BNG Regulations to secure the required 10% net gain through off-site provision. The proposed development was recommended for approval, subject to completion of the legal agreement securing the financial contribution and associated monitoring fee.

Following the questions, a motion to proceed to the debate and vote was proposed and seconded.

A vote was taken and it was RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the applicant having first entered into a Unilateral Undertaking to secure/provide contributions towards Local Employment and Apprenticeships, Monitoring fee, and that a financial contribution of £12,500 be secured in lieu of meeting the Council’s requirements for Local Employment and Apprenticeships, with the contribution to be administered by the Council and allocated towards supporting Local Employment and Apprenticeships.

The detail of which would be delegated to  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

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

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

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

The Committee was advised that the appeal decision had been received in respect of 7 Boxfield Green. The Planning Inspector had dismissed the appeal and upheld the enforcement notice, subject to amendments to its wording. Officers would amend and reissue the notice in accordance with the Inspector’s recommendations, including the requirement for the box dormer to be removed.

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.