Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillor Ellie Plater, Anne Wells and Nigel Williams.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 21 July 2025.

It was RESOLVED that the minutes of the meeting of the Planning and Development Committee held on 21 July 2025 be approved as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To consider the erection of 1no. detached industrial building with flexible use classes Eg(iii) and B8 uses, and 2no. semi-detached industrial buildings with flexible use classes Eg(iii), B2 and B8 uses with ancillary offices (for a total area of 11,093m2 GIA), and supporting car/cycle parking, landscaping and service yards.

The Committee received a presentation from the Team Leader for the application of the Former Kodak Site along Bessemer Drive. The application was for the erection of industrial building with flexible uses along with office space, car/cycling parking, landscaping and service yards.

The officer presented the site plans, access arrangements, landscaping and biodiversity and design and policy considerations.

Site plans and existing photos of the area were presented to the Committee, and it was noted that the main road running through the site was subject to a right of way covenant requiring access to the Mercedes dealership. This had therefore influenced the layout of the proposed development.

Access from Bessemer Drive was shown and it was noted that the footpath and cycle way would be upgraded as well as improved access for HGV.

It was noted that the Section 106 obligations relating to Hertfordshire County Council Highways were yet to be agreed, and that authority was delegated to the Assistant Director to secure these as part of the finalised Section 106 agreement. 

The Committee acknowledged that the site was currently allocated for research and development/office use in the adopted Local Plan. However, as part of the Local Plan review, the policy designation for the site had been updated to include light industry and warehousing.

It was noted that the required 10% biodiversity net gain would not be provided on-site. However, this would be secured off-site through credits in line with national legislation, with conditions to ensure compliance.

An objection had been received from the Lead Local Flood Authority, requesting further information on surface water drainage. Officers confirmed that this matter was being resolved with the applicants and consultants, and that delegated powers would be used to ensure the objection was addressed before any decision was issued.

A question was raised regarding site access and officers confirmed rights of access would be retained.

Members commented on the acronyms used in the report and it was noted that officers would make sure they were explained in future reports.

A question was raised regarding access to the site, and officers confirmed that routes into the site would be redesigned in agreement with Hertfordshire County Council to ensure priority for pedestrians and cyclists. Caxton Way access would be gated for emergency use only and would not be in frequent use.

A member noted that the development would greatly improve the appearance of the site and asked about the displacement of vehicles shown. Officers explained that the buses no longer operated there, and confirmed that their displacement was not a planning consideration. A further question on swift and bat boxes was raised, and officers advised that while their installation would be secured by condition, monitoring of occupation was outside the planning process, though local groups often checked provision.

A member questioned contaminated land risks and officers advised no issues had been identified, but conditions would require investigation and remediation if any were found to ensure the site remained safe.

A recorded vote* was taken on  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To consider the demolition of existing Swimming Centre and erection of new sports and leisure centre with associated parking, landscaping and access.

The Committee received a presentation from the Team Leader on the application for the demolition of the existing swimming centre and erection of a new sports and leisure centre. Members were shown photographs of the existing site along with site maps.

The Chair invited Tom Brennan, the Chairman and volunteer coach of Aqualina Artistic Swimming Club to address the Committee.

It was noted that the club had a 50-year history in Stevenage and had a role in producing national level athletes. He expressed that the proposed pool depth of 1.8 metres was insufficient for artistic swimming and risked the club’s continuity. It was requested that the Committee considered the adjustment to preserve the club and its future participation in artistic swimming in the area.

The Chair invited Trevor Knott, a user of the leisure centre to address the Committee.

Trevor Knott spoke in opposition to the application, highlighting the reduction in sporting facilities and activities in the proposed centre. Comments were raised regarding limited access for elderly users and suggested that the consultation surveys were framed in a way that influenced responses.

The Chair invited Dave Wells, Assistant Director for Regeneration from Stevenage Borough Council to address the Committee.

The Assistant Director for Regeneration spoke in support of the new sports and leisure centre, noting that existing facilities were outdated and no longer met community needs. It was noted that proposals formed a key part of the town’s regeneration, supporting health, wellbeing, sustainability, and inclusivity, while addressing design, safety, and biodiversity. He acknowledged not all sports could be accommodated but explained that alternative provisions and support would be offered.

The chair thanked all speakers for their contributions and invited the Team Leader to respond.

The officer outlined the proposed development to replace the existing swimming centre. This included a new 10 lane swimming pool, teaching pool, splash pad, sports hall, gym, studios, café, and supporting facilities. The scheme provided improved access to the town centre gardens and enhanced landscaping to achieve a 10% biodiversity net gain. The design was said to reflect local character and modern influences and would meet Local Plan policies.

A net loss of 38 parking spaces was acknowledged, but was judged acceptable given the site’s central location, access to other car parks and sustainable transport links.

Comments from Cycling UK regarding connectivity and cycling access had been noted, however officers considered these were not sufficient to outweigh the significant public benefits of the scheme.

Highway access would be improved through reinstating the entrance and exit along Fairlands Way and would enhance pedestrian and cycle connections, with no objections from the local highway authority.

It was noted that drainage would be managed through swales, rain gardens, and discharge into the existing culvert, with ongoing discussions with the Lead Local Flood Authorities.

The scheme would incorporate sustainable construction measures, including air source heat pumps which would comply with current building regulations.

Sport England supported the proposal, noting the improved facilities to meet demand despite a reduction in space.  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

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.

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 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 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.

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

There was no Urgent Part II Business.