Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Lynda Guy and Ellie Plater.

Councillor Myla Arceno and Nazmin Chowdhury were present as substitutes.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 4 June 2026.

The Minutes of the meeting of the Planning and Development Committee held on 4 June 2026 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To consider the erection of extensions, alterations and associated works to facilitate conversion to 6no. flats.

The Team Leader presented the report, which sought planning permission for the conversion and extension of the existing mixed-use property at 46 Basils Road to provide six one-bedroom flats.

The presentation outlined the proposed extensions and alterations, the proposed parking and cycle provision, and the key planning considerations that had informed the recommendation for approval.

The Chair introduced Mrs Maria Da Silva-Gane, a local resident to address the Committee.

The Committee heard from the objector, speaking on behalf of local residents, who raised concerns regarding the scale of the development, the standard of accommodation for future occupiers, parking provision, the impact on neighbouring amenity, bin storage arrangements and the effect on the character of the surrounding area.

The Chair introduced Kenya Sharland, a consultant on behalf of the applicant address the Committee.  

The applicant's consultant addressed the Committee in support of the proposal, advising that the scheme had been amended following discussions with officers and that it would bring a vacant building back into use whilst delivering six much-needed homes in a sustainable location.

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

It was noted that although the proposal did not achieve the recommended back-to-back separation distance or provide the full parking standard, officers considered the impacts to be acceptable having regard to the proposed mitigation measures, including obscure glazing to protect neighbouring privacy, and the site's sustainable location close to local services and public transport.

Members were also advised of two late representations received from Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service and the local MP, both of which had been considered by officers.

During questions to officers, Members sought clarification on the proposed obscure glazing and its impact on future occupiers, the parking provision and residents' eligibility for parking permits, the height and design of the proposed extension, waste management arrangements, the consultation undertaken with neighbouring residents and the relevance of a restrictive covenant.

Members also expressed concerns regarding the standard of accommodation for future occupiers, parking pressures, the impact of the proposal on the character of the area and the potential precedent that could be set by approving the development.

To allow proceedings to move to a debate a proposer and seconder was required. Councillor Bainbridge moved, and Councillor Ashley-Wren seconded the report, and the motion was declared CARRIED.

During the debate, Members expressed concerns that the proposal represented an overdevelopment of the site. Concern was raised regarding the outlook and natural light available to two of the proposed units, together with the limited separation distances and potential overlooking of neighbouring properties.

Members also discussed the proposed parking provision, noting that only four off-street parking spaces were proposed to serve the six flats. Concerns were expressed that the surrounding streets already experienced significant parking pressures and that the development would be likely to exacerbate these issues, including within the existing residents' permit parking area.

It was noted that the proposal would have an adverse impact on the character of the  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To consider the proposed installation of a memorial bronze sculpture of Nala the cat.

The Committee received a presentation on the application seeking planning permission for the installation of a memorial bronze sculpture of Nala the Cat within the public realm adjacent to the Gordon Craig Theatre and the pedestrian route to Stevenage Railway Station.

Members were advised that the sculpture would commemorate Nala, who had become well known locally through her regular presence at the railway station and following on social media.

The sculpture had been designed to resemble Nala sitting on a station ticket barrier and would be privately funded through crowdfunding.

Members were advised that the proposed location had been selected to avoid obstructing pedestrian movement and would remain fully accessible for wheelchair users and those with pushchairs.

In response to questions, officers confirmed that, should the site be redeveloped in the future, the sculpture could be removed without damage and relocated, with any future location to be determined at the appropriate time.

To allow proceedings to move to a debate a proposer and seconder was required. Councillor Williams moved, and Councillor Chowdhury seconded the report, and the motion was declared CARRIED.

During the debate, Members expressed unanimous support for the proposal, recognising Nala the Cat as a well-known and much-loved part of the Stevenage community.

Members commented on Nala's positive impact on commuters and visitors to the railway station, noting that she had become widely recognised both locally and beyond the Borough.

The Committee welcomed the proposal as a tribute to Nala's legacy and agreed that the sculpture would provide a lasting memorial for residents and visitors alike. No objections were raised during the debate, and the Committee proceeded to vote on the application.

It was RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the conditions set out below and delegated authority be given to the Director of Planning and Regulation in consultation with the Chair of the Planning and Development Committee, to amend or add to the conditions subject to which the permission would be granted, where such amendments or additions would satisfy the relevant national policy tests and would most effectively deliver the development which the Committee has resolved to approve.

SUBJECT TO THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS/REASONS

1 The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: Sculpture Design Proposal by Ben Twiston-Davies.

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

The Council has acted Pro-Actively for the following reason:

1 Planning permission has been granted for this proposal. Discussion with the applicant to seek an acceptable solution was not necessary in this instance. The Council has therefore acted pro-actively in line with the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework and in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015.

INFORMATIVE

1 Building Regulations To obtain advice regarding current Building Regulations please contact Hertfordshire Building Control Ltd. by emailing us at building.control@hertfordshirebc.co.uk or phoning us on 01438 879990.

To make a building regulations application  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To consider the installation of a proposed public sculpture of a stag.

The Committee considered the application for a public stag sculpture to be installed southeast of St. Nicholas School, on land owned by Stevenage Borough Council.

Officers confirmed the proposal was policy compliant, causing no loss of designated open space, and offered a positive visual and cultural contribution to the area.

The sculpture, formed in durable corten steel, was assessed as acceptable in scale, design, and siting, with a 4.5?metre offset from the Millennium Avenue path ensuring no obstruction or highway impact. It was noted that the installation would generate no noise, odour, lighting, or amenity harm.

The Committee acknowledged comments regarding durability, climbing, vandalism, and littering, alongside the artist’s assurances that the proportions discouraged climbing and that the prominent location reduced antisocial behaviour risks.

Members raised questions on safety measures, potential fencing, costs, and funding and officers advised that funding derived from a separate public art fund and that any protective features could be considered outside the planning process. The cultural relevance of the stag to Stevenage and Hertfordshire was recognised.

To allow proceedings to move to a debate a proposer and seconder was required. Councillor Chowdhury moved, and Councillor Ashley-Wren seconded the report, and the motion was declared CARRIED.

It was noted that members had expressed strong support for the proposed piece of public art, commenting on its design and being well suited to its setting.

Members stated that art, music and culture were important contributors to wellbeing and quality of life, and they welcomed efforts to enhance the town’s appearance.

Some concern was raised regarding the likelihood of children attempting to climb the structure despite its height, and it was acknowledged that the artist would be holding a public conversation at Junction 7 in early July, which members were encouraged to attend.

It was RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the conditions set out below and delegated authority be given to the Director of Planning and Regulation in consultation with the Chair of the Planning and Development Committee.

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

Proposed stag sculpture; Site Location Plan; Block Plan;

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.

The Council has acted Pro-Actively for the following reason:-

1             Planning permission has been granted for this proposal. Discussion with the applicant to seek an acceptable solution was not necessary in this instance. The Council has therefore acted pro-actively in line with the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework and in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015.

INFORMATIVE

 1         Public Information on Planning Applications

Warning: all information provided on your planning application is now publicly available.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider the installation of a public sculpture.

The Committee considered the planning application for a Flight Trace sculpture, next to the Millennium Path and Monks Wood at Fairlands Valley Park.

Officers advised that the stainless?steel artwork, designed to trace the natural flight paths of local birds, was policy compliant and would not result in the loss of principal open space or harm neighbouring amenities. It was noted that it would have a reflective finish, and would produce no light or noise emissions.

Members questioned the abstract form, dimensions, and materials, and officers confirmed the structure’s height range and its steel construction intended to integrate with the surrounding landscape.

To allow proceedings to move to a debate a proposer and seconder was required. Councillor Williams moved, and Councillor Arceno seconded the report, and the motion was declared CARRIED.

It was RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the conditions set out below and delegated authority be given to the Director of Planning and Regulation in consultation with the Chair of the Planning and Development Committee.

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

Site Location Plan; 001 Block Plan; 001 Design Dimensions;

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.

The Council has acted Pro-Actively for the following reason:-

1             Planning permission has been granted for this proposal. Discussion with the applicant to seek an acceptable solution was not necessary in this instance. The Council has therefore acted pro-actively in line with the requirements of the National Planning Policy Framework and in accordance with the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015.

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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 6.

To consider the erection of a 10-storey building comprising of 94 no. flats which consists of 11 no. studios, 36 no. 1 bedroom and 47 no. 2 bedroom units, associated parking, access and ancillary works.

The Senior Planning Officer reported that the application was for a 10?storey residential block of flats proposed on the former car park site to the north of Six Hills House. The application had originally been received in 2021 and was previously considered by the Committee in December 2022, when Members resolved to grant planning permission subject to the completion of a Section 106 agreement securing financial contributions and a review mechanism to capture any uplift in profits for affordable housing.

It was noted that the matter had returned to Committee because the Section 106 process had stalled. The Officer confirmed that the development proposal itself had not changed since the 2022 resolution; only the financial contribution levels had been updated.

Officers provided photographs showing the current condition of the site, surrounding views, and the relationship with nearby features.

Officers also outlined the parking arrangements, including undercroft and two basement levels providing a total of 48 parking spaces.

The Chair introduced Gigi Dinut, a local resident to address the Committee.

The objector explained that the application contained unsafe defects, including drainage infrastructure located outside the red?line boundary, unenforceable off?site engineering works, and disabled parking bays that failed Equality Act safety requirements.

The speaker reported that the scheme caused heritage harm with no public benefit, offered no affordable housing, and relied on unconfirmed financial contributions despite County Council objections. It was further stated that determining the application shortly before adoption of the updated Local Plan and revised CIL risked shifting infrastructure costs onto local taxpayers.

The Chair thanked the speaker and invited the Senior Planning Officer to respond.

The Planning Officer explained that the drainage strategy for the application had originally been independently assessed and approved, with updated conditions later agreed following a late objection from the Lead Local Flood Authority.

Members were advised that the Education Authority had also withdrawn its objection after further legal advice confirmed that a review clause could be secured within the Section 106 agreement to capture any future uplift in profit for education contributions.

It was highlighted that the scheme before the committee was materially identical to that already approved in 2022, with the only change being the removal of financial contributions due to viability constraints. Officers reported that all technical matters including drainage, highways, amenity, ecology and archaeology had been fully assessed and found acceptable. It was noted that Historic England’s current heritage objection conflicted with their previous acceptance of an implemented 2016 permission on the same site.

Members noted that the Council’s housing delivery stood at 38% on target, triggering the presumption in favour of sustainable development. Officers concluded that although the development would cause less than substantial harm to the setting of the Six Hills Barrows, this harm was outweighed by the significant public benefits of delivering 94 new homes on a well?connected brownfield site.

Overall, the committee was advised that refusal on grounds not previously identified could be considered unreasonable, and that the established principle of development, combined  ...  view the full minutes text for item 7.

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.

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.