Agenda and decisions

Apologies were received from Councillor Doug Bainbridge.

Cllr Jody Hanafin declared an interest. She advised that she pre-determined about on item 4 – 21/00627/FPM Marshgate Car Park, and therefore, she did not take part in the debate and not voted on the item.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 13 July 2021.

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the Planning and Development Committee meeting held on Tuesday 13 July 2021 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To consider the installation of a proposed 20.0m Phase 8 Monopole C/W wraparound Cabinet at base and associated ancillary works.

It was RESOLVED that application 21/00765/PATELE be refused planning permission for the following reasons:

1.     The proposed siting, design, form and dimension of the proposed 20m high monopole and associated equipment would cause substantive harm to the existing skyline when viewed from any side and where viewed from nearby residential properties on Whitney Drive and North Road. The proposal would also be seen as incongruous to the detriment of the character and appearance of the area. Consequently, it is considered by the Local Planning Authority that there would be more appropriate locations to site the proposed 20m high monopole and associated equipment where it does not cause harm to the skyline or to the character and appearance of the area. The proposal is therefore, contrary to Policies SP8 and GD1 of the Stevenage Borough Local Plan 2011 – 2031 (adopted 2019) and the NPPF (2021).

2.     The proposed siting of the 20m high monopole and associated equipment would cause significant harm to natural vegetation which is located in close proximity to the proposed mast and associated equipment. Consequently, it is considered by the Local Planning Authority that there would be more appropriate locations to site the proposed 20m high monopole and associated equipment where it does not cause significant harm to nearby natural vegetation. The proposal is therefore, contrary to Policies SP12 and NH5 of the Stevenage Borough Local Plan 2011 – 2031 (adopted 2019) and the NPPF (2021).

To consider the construction of new part 4 storey, part 5 storey Biopharma laboratory and workspace facility (Use Class E), public car park and wider public realm improvement works.

It was RESOLVED that planning permission be granted, subject to the conditions as per the recommendations set out in the report.

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

Noted.

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

Noted.

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

None.

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.

None.