Agenda and decisions

Apologies for absence were submitted on behalf of Councillor Julie Ashley-Wren.

Councillor Andy McGuinness was in attendance as a substitute.

Councillor Chris Howells declared that he would be speaking in relation to Items 5 and 6 on the Agenda as a ward Councillor representing his constituents and as such would take no part in the subsequent debate and would not vote on the items.

At this juncture, the Development Manager gave an update to the Committee in relation to the development at Franklins Park and in particular the current situation regarding the acoustic fence.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 14 July 2022.

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the Planning and Development Committee held on 14 July 2022 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To consider the Annual Monitoring Report 2020-21.

The committee received a presentation regarding the Annual Monitoring Report 2020 – 21.

It was RESOLVED that the report be noted.

To consider and outline application (with all matters reserved except access) for the demolition of existing buildings and replacement buildings to accommodate new office and residential floorspace (Class B1 and Class C3), with associated landscaping, car parking and ancillary works.

It was RESOLVED that planning permission be refused for the following reasons:

1)     The outline plans for the residential and commercial development would comprise of insufficient off-street parking, combined with restrictions on Maxwell Road, would likely result in on-street parking along Fairview Road where there are currently no restrictions. This will likely result in a situation which would be prejudicial to the safety and operation of Fairview Road. The development proposal is therefore, contrary to Policies SP6 and IT5 of the Stevenage Borough Local Plan 2011 – 2031 (adopted 2019), the Council’s Parking Provision and Sustainable Transport SPD (2020), the National Planning Policy Framework (2021) and National Planning Practice Guidance;

2)     The outline plans for the residential and commercial development, due to its siting, scale, massing and being be up to seven stories in height, would result in an unacceptable loss of sunlight to the kitchen / multi-functional space of Broomin Green Farm to the detriment of the amenities of the occupiers of this property. Therefore, the proposed development would fail to comply with Policy GD1of the Stevenage Borough Local Plan 2011 – 2031 (adopted 2019), the Council’s Design Guide SPD (2009), the National Planning Policy Framework (2021) and National Planning Practice Guidance;

3)     Outline plans to redevelop the site with a mix of commercial floorspace of up to 11,059 sq.m and up to 80 flats would result in overdevelopment of the site which would have a detrimental impact on the character and appearance of Maxwell Road and the visual amenities of the wider area. The development is therefore, contrary to Policies SP8 and GD1 of the Stevenage Borough Local Plan 2011 – 2031 (adopted 2019), the Council’s Design Guide SPD (2009), the National Planning Policy Framework (2021) and National Planning Practice Guidance;

4)     Outline plans for the residential development would include an insufficient provision of children’s play space and ground floor amenity space which cannot be adequately provided due to overdevelopment of the site. The proposed development would, therefore, be contrary to Policies SP7, SP8 and GD1 of the Stevenage Borough Local Plan 2011 – 2031 (adopted 2019), the Council’s Design Guide SPD (2009), the National Planning Policy Framework (2021) and National Planning Practice Guidance;

5)     The outline plans for the residential development would result in an unacceptable loss of designated employment land as designated by Policy EC2a of the Stevenage Borough Local Plan 2011 – 2031 (adopted 2019) and that there is currently an undersupply of employment land as identified in the adopted Local Plan. Therefore, the proposal would fail to accord with Policies SP3 and EC4 of the Stevenage Borough Local Plan 2011 – 2031 (adopted 2019), the National Planning Policy Framework (2021) and National Planning Practice Guidance;

6)     The outline plans for the commercial and residential development due to the proposed buildings in terms of their siting, design, scale, bulk and massing with a height of up to 7 stories located on three sides of the boundary of Broomin Green Farm which is a Grade II  ...  view the full decision text for item 4.

To consider a proposed 5G telecoms installation: 15M street pole and 3 additional ancillary equipment cabinets and associated ancillary works.

The Committee considered an application for a 5G telecoms installation: 15m street pole and 3 additional ancillary equipment cabinets and associated ancillary works.

It was RESOLVED that prior approval be Required and Given.

To consider the installation of a new 15m-high telecommunications monopole and 3no. ground-based equipment cabinets; and ancillary development thereto.

The Committee considered an application for the installation of a new 15m high telecommunications monopole and 3no. ground-based equipment cabinets and ancillary development thereto.

It was RESOLVED that prior approval be Required and Given.

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 report be noted.

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

The Development Manager reported on the recent Appeal Decision from the Planning Inspectorate received in relation to land to the West of Lytton Way, Stevenage (Icon Building).

It was RESOLVED that the report be 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.