Agenda, decisions and minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Kamal Choudhury, Lynda Guy and Ellie Plater.

There were no declarations of interest.

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Kamal Choudhury, Lynda Guy and Ellie Plater.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 3 September 2024.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Planning and Development Committee held on 3 September 2024 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

It was RESOLVED that the Minutes of the Planning and Development Committee meeting held on 3 September 2024 be agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To receive an update on the Local Plan Review in advance of Reg 19 consultation.

It was RESOLVED that the Update on Local Plan Review be noted.

The Head of Planning Policy provided the Committee with a detailed update on the progress of the Stevenage Local Plan Review.

The Committee heard that the Local Plan (adopted in May 2019) provided a spatial vision for Stevenage to 2031 and comprised 13 strategic policies and 73 detailed policies, supported by a policies map and key diagram.

The review was influenced by national, regional, and local drivers, including revisions to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), the North East Central Hertfordshire Joint Strategic Plan, and findings from the Station Gateway Area Action Plan consultation.

The Head of Planning Policy advised that, following legal advice, a two-stage process was adopted:

Stage 1: Partial Review and Update, with a focus on addressing immediate policy needs such as climate change, sustainability, HMOs, and tree-lined streets.

Stage 2: A full review, extending beyond 2031, incorporating broader strategic priorities like infrastructure and healthy homes principles.

The Committee were informed that the Regulation 18 consultation (July–August 2024) highlighted public and stakeholder concerns about climate policies, HMOs, and flooding. The upcoming Regulation 19 consultation, scheduled for 20 November 2024–14 January 2025 (with a possible extension), would allow further public engagement on the updated plan.

National Context and Transitional Arrangements:

The Head of Planning Policy advised the Committee that changes to the NPPF and associated timelines meant the Council must submit the Local Plan by December 2026, under the current planning framework, to avoid delays from adopting a new system. The current plan's policies were over five years old, reducing their material weight in decision-making. Advancing the review would help restore policy strength.

Outlining the next steps, the Head of Planning Policy informed the Committee that, following the Regulation 19 consultation, the plan would be submitted to the Secretary of State in Spring 2025, with examination expected in Summer/Autumn 2025 and adoption thereafter. The second-stage full review would commence post-adoption.

Approval was sought for the Regulation 19 consultation to proceed.

The Chair thanked the Head of Planning Policy for their update and invited Members to ask questions.

In response to a question regarding the NPPF timeline extension, the Head of Planning Policy clarified that Local Plans must be submitted by June 2025 under the current system; otherwise, they were subject to a new framework, potentially causing delays. While some councils might pause due to the extension to December 2026, Stevenage Borough Council was progressing with urgency due to the reduced material weight of policies in plans older than five years.

Members raised concerns about the practicalities of the proposed tree replacement ratio (up to 1:21) and its implications for carbon sequestration. In response, Officers advised that the replacement policy used a sliding scale based on tree size and significance. Small trees required fewer replacements, while veteran trees (e.g., 300–400 years old) demanded higher replacements to offset their ecological value. The approach aimed to balance development needs with environmental conservation.

Members highlighted what could be perceived as a lack of emphasis on protecting grasslands and other carbon-sequestering areas. In  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To consider the demolition of existing property known as Cartref and erection of 38 no. dwellings with associated road, parking, green spaces and ancillary works.

It was RESOLVED that application 24/00058/FPM be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The Committee considered an application for the erection of 38 dwellings with associated infrastructure including new access points off Clovelly Way and Symonds Green Lane, cycleway and footpath connections and parking provision in line with local policy. The existing buildings had already been cleared following a prior approval.

The Committee were informed that the site was located near industrial estates and offices to the South, residential areas to the North and the Symonds Green Lane Conservation Area which was adjacent to the site boundary. The site comprised of previously developed land and an undesignated green space which would be developed into 32 houses and 12 flats.

The Committee were shown proposed site plans, elevations and bin and cycle enclosure plans.

Addressing affordable housing, the Team Leader (RE) advised the Committee that the provision of 12 affordable units met the 30% requirement for undeveloped land. However, the First Homes element of national policy was not included as part of proposal and was deemed a conflict with national policy,  butStevenage’s housing needs prioritised other forms of affordable housing.

The Committee heard that the loss of green space complied with policy, as it was offset by existing facilities nearby such as Meadway playing fields and Symonds Green Village Green. Additional tree planting was proposed to compensate for removals associated with the land west of Stevenage development, which necessitated safeguarding a road corridor within the site.

The Committee were informed that parking, and bin and cycle storage was policy compliant.

The Team Leader (RE) advised the Committee that they were awaiting comments from the Lead Local Flood Authority due to backlog issues. Approval would be subject to their conditions being met.

The Committee heard that part of the site overlapped with safeguarded land for the land West of Stevenage development, ensuring no conflict with strategic road infrastructure plans.

Members commented on the loss of green space in the proposed development area, particularly it’s impact on Meadway Playing Fields. Queries were made about whether future road developments, particularly access roads connecting to the A1(M), would further affect this space.

The Team Leader (RE) clarified that the Land West of Stevenage development would not have direct access from the A1(M) but would instead utilise existing infrastructure, including Redcar Drive and Meadway with a new road via a tunnel to also serve the development. Upgrades to those roads were planned to accommodate increased traffic. It was confirmed that the Meadway Playing Fields would largely be preserved, with improvements such as a new pavilion proposed as part of a separate planning application. Officers acknowledged the loss of open space in the proposed development but justified this decision based on the need to meet housing supply requirements.

Further comments were made by Members regarding increased traffic congestion near the A1(M) junctions, particularly given the existing pressure caused by Costco traffic. The Team Leader (RE) confirmed there would be no new junctions from the A1(M), and traffic from the Land West of Stevenage development would be routed through the current  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

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

It was RESOLVED that application 24/00525/FPM be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The Team Leader (AD) introduced the application. The Committee heard that the application was for the redevelopment of the old Bond International Warehouse site, located within the Pin Green Industrial Estate, the second largest employment area in Stevenage. The proposal involved the demolition of the existing warehouse and construction of a new building for flexible industrial storage, distribution and light industrial use along with associated parking, landscaping and servicing works.

The Committee were informed that the 1.9 hectare site was surrounded by industrial properties to the North and East, residential properties to the South and the newer Giles Crescent development to the West.

The Chair invited the Objector, Jill Borcherds (Cycling UK Stevenage) to address the Committee.

The Objector commented on the lack of cycling infrastructure on Wedgwood Way and Cartwright Road. They highlighted that Wedgwood Way currently had no dedicated cycleways, which compromised the safety of active travel, especially given the presence of heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) and other traffic.

Emphasising local and emerging policies on sustainable transport and climate change, the Objector called for proper cycleway links along both sides of Wedgwood Way, from Giles Crescent and Cartwright Road to Martins Way, to support safe travel for residents and site workers. They noted that without such infrastructure, cycling will remain unsafe, particularly for children. Further concerns were raised regarding incomplete cycleway links on Gresley Way, which would enable safer access to Great Ashby.

The Objector concluded by urging the council to prioritise safe and accessible cycling infrastructure to promote sustainable travel, improve health, and align with environmental goals.

The Chair invited Gareth Pritchard (Stantec) to address the Committee on behalf of the applicant – Wrenbridge (FRELD Stevenage) LLP.

The Applicant’s Representative expressed gratitude to Members and Officers for their work over the last six months and welcomed the officer recommendation that the proposed scheme complied with relevant planning policies. They emphasised that the site, currently underutilised within the Pin Green Employment Area, would be revitalised through the proposal, which sought to modernise and intensify the existing warehouse use.

The Applicant’s Representative highlighted several proposed benefits of the development, including:

·       A commitment to achieving a minimum BREEAM “Excellent” rating and an EPC rating of “A” to address the climate emergency.

·       A biodiversity net gain of 19.94% for habitats and 99.88% for hedgerow.

·       Creation of an estimated 159–300 operational jobs, with further opportunities during construction and throughout the supply chain.

·       High-quality design incorporating substantial glazing to enhance active frontages on Wedgwood Way and Cartwright Road.

The Applicant’s Representative noted that the proposed transport approach, confirmed as acceptable by officers, included additional improvements such as travel planning, shower and changing facilities, green roof cycle shelters, and other sustainability measures.

The Applicant’s Representative concluded by reaffirming their belief that the proposal complied with planning policies and requested approval of the application.

The Chair thanked both speakers and invited the Team Leader (AD) to present their report.

The Team Leader (AD) began by showing photographs of the current site and its surroundings, illustrating  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider the redevelopment of existing stables to provide 17 dwellings with access road, parking, landscaping, footpath connections, infiltration basing and pump station.

It was RESOLVED that application 23/00710/FPM be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The Committee received a presentation from the Senior Planning Officer regarding the resubmission of the application for Courtlands, previously approved in 2021. Key points raised during the presentation included:

The Committee heard that the resubmission proposed no changes to the number of houses or overall site layout. The changes pertained solely to the size and internal configurations of the houses, which now included additional features such as utility rooms and boot rooms. These changes aligned with the expectations of rural homeowners and eliminated the need for future individual permitted development applications.

The Senior Planning Officer advised the Committee that the site was accessed via Old Chantry Lane through Todd’s Green. The development included a wildflower meadow and a link to Halfpenny Bridge, which connected to public rights of way into Stevenage. The development replaced former buildings of the Courtlands Riding Stables with a smaller built form.

Minor changes to house elevations were presented, including adjustments to dormers, garage roofs, and extensions to accommodate the new internal layouts. The footprint of the buildings had slightly increased, but their height and width remain unchanged.

The Senior Planning Officer advised the Committee that while the development was within the Green Belt, the built form remained 800 square metres smaller than the original riding stables. The principle of development was established under the previous application, and the visual impact of the current proposal remained comparable. The development included a biodiversity net gain through landscaping improvements, such as the wildflower meadow, enhancing the site’s visual amenities.

The Committee heard that the original application delivered affordable housing at Dunn Close, which had already been implemented. The current proposal continued to support social and economic benefits, including job creation during construction and housing delivery.

Following the presentation, Members engaged in discussions and raised questions about conditions, biodiversity measures, and planning processes. Key points from the discussion included:

Conditions and Compliance:

A query was raised regarding whether conditions from the original application, such as the inclusion of swift and bat boxes and hedgehog highways, had been included in the new submission. It was confirmed that all conditions from the original application were carried over. Most conditions had already been discharged and were compliant, with the exception of drainage, which was under ongoing review by the Lead Local Flood Authority (LLFA).

Consistency in Biodiversity Requirements:

A question was raised about why biodiversity features were included for some applications and not others. The response highlighted a reliance on external advice from specialists, including individuals associated with Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, due to the council's lack of an in-house ecology officer. It was noted that the council was actively recruiting for an ecology officer to provide strategic guidance for future applications.

Tree Loss and Biodiversity Net Gain:

It was clarified that any tree loss had already occurred under the original application, and replacements were accounted for. The site achieved a biodiversity net gain of 97.61% in habitat units, which remains unaffected by the minor increase in house footprints proposed in  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To consider the construction of 7 no. bin enclosures each to house 12 no. 360 litre wheelie bins on land adjacent to each of seven residential blocks.

It was RESOLVED that application 24/00667/FP be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The Committee received a presentation from the Senior Planning Officer.

The Committee heard that the proposal involved all flat blocks along Penn Road, excluding a block on Cutty’s Lane, which was part of a separate application. Each block would have a dedicated external bin store to replace the existing internal waste storage facilities.

The Senior Planning Officer advised that the proposed bin stores would be constructed from timber and would have a height of 1.5 metres, comparable to existing adjacent storage units. The stores would be situated in locations appropriate to each block:

·       For some blocks, the stores would be located at the front.

·       For others, they would be placed at the rear or to the side, ensuring minimal visual impact.

The Committee heard that current internal waste storage facilities were inadequate, unpleasant to use, and did not support effective recycling.

The new stores would provide larger, easily accessible bins, encouraging recycling and improving waste management for residents.

The Senior Planning Officer advised that the bin stores were designed to be visually unobtrusive and harmonise with the existing built environment. Their modest height and timber construction ensured they did not detract from the visual amenity of the area.

The Senior Planning Officer concluded that the proposal would enhance waste storage facilities for residents without causing harm to visual or residential amenities and recommended approval.

A recorded vote* was taken on the application and it was RESOLVED that application 24/00667/FP be granted planning permission subject to the conditions and informatives set out below:-

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

Site Location Plan; 267/835 Rev A; 267/811B Rev A; 267/813B Rev A; 267/815B Rev A; 267/817B Rev A; 267/819B Rev A; 267/821B Rev A; 267/823B Rev A;

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.

INFORMATIVES

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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

To consider the construction of 1 no. bin enclosures to house 12 no. 360 litre wheelie bins.

It was RESOLVED that application 24/00668/FP be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the report.

To consider retrospective planning permission for retention of single garage following demolition of existing two sheds

It was RESOLVED that application 24/00681/FP be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The Committee heard that the application was brought before the committee as it was a council-owned project. The site originally contained two dilapidated timber sheds and two garages. The sheds were replaced with a new garage, and alterations were made to the two existing garages, including raising their height to match the new garage, in order to allow for continuous guttering.

The two altered garages were raised in height to match the new garage, which protruded approximately 0.9 metres beyond the original building line.

While the new structure appeared slightly incongruous within the setting, it was noted that maintaining the original design and size would not have allowed for a functional garage space under planning rules, as it would have been too small to park a car.

The Senior Planning Officer acknowledged the visual discrepancy but stated that the larger size of the new garage, which extended slightly beyond the original footprint, was necessary to make it a usable space for parking, thereby enabling the council to generate revenue. The Senior Planning Officer concluded that the balance between functionality and appearance justified the recommendation for approval.

A recorded vote* was taken on the application and it was RESOLVED that

application 24/00681/FP be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out below:-

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

267/836-P3; Site Location Plan;

* Recorded Vote

For – Councillors Julie Ashley-Wren, Rob Broom, Forhad Chowdhury, Nazmin Chowdhury, Peter Clark, Akin Elekolusi, Coleen Houlihan, Claire Parris, Graham Snell, Carolina Veres and Anne Wells.

Against – 0

Abstentions – 0

Absent – Councillors Kamal Choudhury, Lynda Guy and Ellie Plater.

To consider the addition of perimeter edge guarding to flat roofs.

It was RESOLVED that application 24/00598/FP be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The Senior Planning Officer advised the Committee that the application was brought to Committee due to the Council ownership of the property.

The Committee heard that the application was for the installation of perimeter guard railing at Fovant Court, located on Ingleside Drive.

The proposal involved installing a perimeter guard railing around the roof of Fovant Court to ensure safety for council staff who may need to access the roof for maintenance or other purposes. The Senior Planning Officer clarified that the red outline in the presentation was for clarity only and the actual railing would be a grey post and railing system, in line with health and safety regulations.

The Committee heard that, while the railing would be visible, it would not significantly detract from the building’s appearance. The necessity of the installation, due to health and safety laws, outweighed potential aesthetic concerns. It was considered that the installation would not be so visually prominent as to warrant a refusal.

The Senior Planning Officer recommended approval of the application, as the installation was deemed essential for safety and would not have a detrimental visual impact.

A recorded vote* was taken on the application and it was RESOLVED that

application 24/00598/FP be granted planning permission subject to the conditions and informatives set out below:-

1        The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: CD-ADC392-1-12FC-100_P1; CD-ADC392-1-12FC-101_P1; CD-ADC392-1-12FC-102_P1; CD-ADC392-1-12FC-200_P1; CD-ADC392-1-12FC-201_P1; CD-ADC392-1-12FC-202_P3; CD-ADC392-1-12FC-203_P3;

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

 3       The materials to be used in the development hereby permitted shall be as per the approved plans and associated documents to the satisfaction of 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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 10.

To consider the installation of perimeter edge guard railing to flat roof areas.

It was RESOLVED that application 24/00626/FP be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The Senior Planning Officer advised the Committee that the application was brought to Committee due to the Council ownership of the property.

The Committee heard that the application was for the installation of perimeter guard railing at Cavalier Court, located on Ingleside Drive.

The proposal involved installing a perimeter guard railing around the roof of Cavalier Court to ensure safety for council staff who may need to access the roof for maintenance or other purposes. The Senior Planning Officer clarified that the red outline in the presentation was for clarity only and the actual railing would be a grey post and railing system, in line with health and safety regulations.

The Committee heard that, while the railing would be visible, it would not significantly detract from the building’s appearance. The necessity of the installation, due to health and safety laws, outweighed potential aesthetic concerns. It was considered that the installation would not be so visually prominent as to warrant a refusal.

The Senior Planning Officer recommended approval of the application, as the installation was deemed essential for safety and would not have a detrimental visual impact.

A recorded vote* was taken on the application and it was RESOLVED that

application 24/00626/FP be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out below:-

1        The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: CD-ADC392-1-14CC-100_P1; CD-ADC392-1-14CC-101_P1; CD-ADC392-1-14CC-102_P1; CD-ADC392-1-14CC-200_P1; CD-ADC392-1-14CC-201_P1; CD-ADC392-1-14CC-202_P2; CD-ADC392-1-14CC-203_P2;

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

 3       The materials to be used in the development hereby permitted shall be as per the approved plans and associated documents to the satisfaction of 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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 11.

To consider the installation of perimeter edge guard railing to flat roof areas.

It was RESOLVED that application 24/00627/FPM be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out in the report.

The Senior Planning Officer advised the Committee that the application was brought to Committee due to the Council ownership of the property.

The Committee heard that the application was for the installation of perimeter guard railing at Cranborne Court, located on Ingleside Drive.

The proposal involved installing a perimeter guard railing around the roof of Cranborne Court to ensure safety for council staff who may need to access the roof for maintenance or other purposes. The Senior Planning Officer clarified that the red outline in the presentation was for clarity only and the actual railing would be a grey post and railing system, in line with health and safety regulations.

The Committee heard that, while the railing would be visible, it would not significantly detract from the building’s appearance. The necessity of the installation, due to health and safety laws, outweighed potential aesthetic concerns. It was considered that the installation would not be so visually prominent as to warrant a refusal.

The Senior Planning Officer recommended approval of the application, as the installation was deemed essential for safety and would not have a detrimental visual impact.

A recorded vote* was taken on the application and it was RESOLVED that

application 24/00627/FPM be granted planning permission subject to the conditions set out below:-

1        The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: CD-ADC392-1-14CC-100_P1; CD-ADC392-1-14CC-101_P1; CD-ADC392-1-14CC-102_P1; CD-ADC392-1-14CC-200_P1; CD-ADC392-1-14CC-201_P1; CD-ADC392-1-14CC-

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

 3       The materials to be used in the development hereby permitted shall be as per the approved plans and associated documents to the satisfaction of 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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 12.

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 Decisions be noted.

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 Application be noted.

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

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

There was no Urgent Part I Business.

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 to Information) (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.

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 to Information) (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 the unauthorised change of use from Hotel (Use Class C1) to Hostel (Use Class Sui Generis) to accommodate persons seeking asylum.

It was RESOLVED that the update received from the Head of Planning Enforcemnet be noted.

The Committee received a verbal update from the Head of Planning and Enforcement.

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

There was no Urgent Part II Business.

There was no Urgent Part II Business.