Agenda and draft minutes

Apologies for absence were received from Councillors Akin Elekolusi, Kamal Choudhury, Forhad Chowdhury and Nigel Williams.

To approve as a correct record the Minutes of the previous meeting held on 2 December 2025

The Minutes of the meeting of the Planning & Development Committee held on 2 December 2025 were agreed as a correct record and signed by the Chair.

To consider the partial demolition of existing Swimming Centre.

The Committee received a presentation on the application for partial demolition of the existing swimming centre. The officer presented the site plans and clarified that this application was a necessary step in the progression of the development of the new Leisure Centre and would ensure works relating to the wider redevelopment of the site could be implemented more seamlessly and timely given the timeframes and parameters of this strategic project.

A question was raised regarding the current use of the section that was proposed to be demolished, and clarification was given by the officer that this was an area used by staff at the swimming pool.

A Member requested further information on the full development of the new Leisure Centre, and the officer explained that they could be contacted directly for any further questions on that application.

A recorded vote* was taken on the application and it was RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions, and Authority would be given to the Assistant Director of Planning and Regulation in consultation with the Chair of Planning Committee, to amend or add to the suggested draft conditions set out in this report, prior to the decision notice being issued, where such amendments or additions would be legally sound and most effectively deliver the development that the Planning Committee has resolved to approve. These suggested conditions are as follows:

Conditions

1. The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: SSLH-FBA-01-ZZ-D-A-0109-P02; SSLH-FBA-01-ZZ-D-A-0108-P02; SSLH-FBA-01-ZZD-A-0184-P02

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

3. The development shall be carried out in accordance with the measures as contained in 'Demolition Plan of Works - Method Statement' (dated 10.11.25) for the duration of the demolition.

INFORMATIVES

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 please apply through our website portal at https://www.hertfordshirebc.co.uk/contact-us/ payment can be made online or by phoning the above number after the application has been uploaded. Please phone Hertfordshire Building Control for fees guidance on 01438 879990.

Hertfordshire Building Control can also be contacted by post at Hertfordshire Building Control Ltd, Campus East, Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, AL8 6AE.

Once a building regulations application has been deposited with relevant drawings and fee building work may commence. You will be advised in their acknowledgement letter of the work stages we need to inspect but in most instances these are usually:

• Excavation for foundations
• Damp proof course
• Concrete oversite
• Insulation
• Drains (when laid or tested)
• Floor and Roof construction
• Work relating to fire safety
• Work affecting access and facilities for disabled people
• Completion

Please phone Hertfordshire Building Control on 01438 879990 before 10.00am to ensure a same day inspection (Mon - Fri).

2. Biodiversity Net Gain

Applications where Biodiversity Net Gain is not required as development is considered De Minimis

The effect of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

To consider the construction of 3G non-infill floodlit play zone, including hard standing area and sports fencing.

To consider the display of 13no. non illuminated vinyl banners to play zone.

The Committee received a presentation from the Senior Planning Officer regarding a planning application for the construction of a 3G non-infill floodlight play zone and the display of 13 non-illuminated vinyl banners.

The Officer clarified that the presentation covered two applications and that a separate vote would need to be taken with respect to the planning application and the advertisement consent.

Site design plans were presented to the Committee, including proposed traffic management during construction, cycle stands, and impact of light spillage from the floodlights.

It was clarified that no new parking would be provided as an existing car park was already in place next to the proposed development site. It was noted that any harm to the adjacent conservation area would be minimal and was outweighed by the public benefits of a safe and secure exercise area.

It was further noted that an objection had been received from Cycling UK as there was no new cycle network being proposed to the location of the site. The officer clarified that whilst the concerns were acknowledged, the site was positioned within an open space park that included two footpaths and that no additional cycle routes would be provided as part of the development proposal.

The Officer explained that the proposed signage would be non-illuminated, and the floodlights would have a condition imposed to make sure the majority were switched off by 10pm with one left on until 10:15pm to allow safe exit of the site.

Members asked multiple questions about the lighting which included if they would always be on, and if 10pm was too late to have them in use. It was clarified by the officer that they would only be activated during times that the play zone was being used, that the condition for the lighting was consistent with recent approvals and the light spillage would not reach any residential dwellings.

A question was raised about the access path via Ditchmore Lane and clarification was given that this pathway would be unaffected by the application.

Members sought clarification of the acronym BEAMS used in the report and officers explained that this was the Built Environment Advisory Management Service who provide advice on listed buildings and conservation areas.

A recorded vote* was taken on the application (25/00894/FP) and it was RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:

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

MCA-MUK3521-01-D; MCA-MUK3521-02; MCA-MUK3521-03-A; MCA-MUK3521-04; MCA-MUK3521-05; MCA-MUK3521-06; MCA-MUK3521-07-A; MCA-MUK3521-08; MCA-MUK3521-09-A; MCA-MUK3521-10;

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.

4. In the event that contamination is found at any time when carrying out the approved development that was not previously identified it must be  ...  view the full minutes text for item 4.

To consider the erection of covered storage building for household waste.

The Committee considered an application for the erection of a covered storage building for household waste at the Stevenage Borough Council Waste Depot.

It was noted that household waste was currently stored within an external compound with concrete retaining walls, located toward the rear of the site backing onto Meadway. The proposed development comprised a steel-framed structure with a metal roof, designed to be in keeping with existing buildings on the site.

The Committee was advised that the purpose of the structure was to provide an enclosed environment for the storage of household waste to address pest control and meet environmental requirements. Elevation plans demonstrated that the proposed building would be similar in appearance and scale to the existing shed on site, with the new covered structure positioned adjacent to it within the identified storage area.

Members asked about how the waste was currently stored and what happened to it after it is processed at the depot. The officer explained that operationally it was stored within concrete containing walls, and that the proposed new structure would help address the new rules around storing food waste. It was noted that the member should contact the Waste Management Team for further information.

A recorded vote* was taken on the application and it was RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:

1. The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans:SKK4307/001 Rev B; SKK4307/101 Rev B; SKK4307/102 Rev B; SKK4307/104 Rev B; SKK4307/106 Rev B; SKK4307/002 Rev A;

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

3. No construction work relating to this permission shall be carried out on any Sunday, Public or Bank Holiday nor at any other time except between the hours of 0730 and 1800 on Mondays to Fridays and between the hours of 0900 and 1300 on Saturdays.

4. In the event that contamination is found at any time when carrying out the approved development that was not previously identified it must be reported in writing immediately to the local planning authority. An investigation and risk assessment must be undertaken and where remediation is necessary a remediation scheme must be submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. Following completion of measures identified in the approved remediation scheme a verification report must be submitted to

and approved in writing by the local planning authority.

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

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  ...  view the full minutes text for item 5.

To consider the erection of single storey front extension.

The Committee considered an application for the erection of a single-storey front extension at 1 Oakfields Close, Stevenage. Members were advised that, although such householder applications were normally determined under delegated powers by the Director, the application had been brought before Committee in accordance with the Council’s Constitution due to the applicant being an employee of Stevenage Borough Council, or a family member thereof.

Elevation drawings and photographs demonstrated that the alterations were modest in scale and design. Officers advised that the proposal was considered acceptable and recommended that planning permission be granted.

A recorded vote* was taken on the application and it was RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions:

1. The development hereby permitted shall be carried out in accordance with the following approved plans: Site Location Plan; 25/36/01;

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 construction of the external surfaces of the development hereby permitted shall match the materials used in the construction of the original building to the satisfaction of the Local Planning Authority.

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

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 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 details of CIL can be found on the Council's webpages at www.stevenage.gov.uk/CIL or by contacting the Council's CIL Team at CIL@Stevenage.gov.uk.

3 Building Regulations

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

To consider the Lawful Development Certificate (Proposed) for internal alterations to dwelling and alterations to fenestration.

The Committee considered an application for a Lawful Development Certificate in respect of internal alterations and minor changes to the fenestration of a mid-terrace dwelling on Archer Road.

Members were advised that, although such applications were normally determined under delegated powers by the Director, the application had been brought before Committee in accordance with the Council’s Constitution due to the applicant being an employee of Stevenage Borough Council, or a family member thereof.

Members were further advised that the matter before them was not an assessment of the planning merits of the proposal, but solely whether the works constituted lawful development and therefore did not require planning permission.

The proposal included limited alterations to windows and internal reconfiguration to allow occupation by a live-in landlord and two tenants. Officers advised that, having considered the relevant planning legislation and case law, the arrangements did not amount to a material change of use or the creation of a House in Multiple Occupation (HMO), and therefore did not require planning permission.

It was further noted that a larger rear extension had previously been approved under prior approval procedures. Given the limited nature of the fenestration changes and the absence of a material change of use, officers recommended that a Certificate of Lawfulness be granted.

Members sought clarification on whether the footprint of the property would be altered as part of the current application. The presenting officer confirmed that prior approval on the extension had previously been granted in 2024 to enlarge the property. The Officer advised that the current application related solely to internal alterations and did not propose any changes to the approved footprint.

A recorded vote* was taken on the application and it was RESOLVED that the Lawful Development Certificate is issued subject to the following conditions:

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

Site Location Plan; FRONT ELEVATION; FLOOR PLANS;

2 Following an assessment of the proposal, it has been determined that it accords with the criteria set out in Schedule 2, Part 1, Class A of the Town and Country Planning (General Permitted Development) (Amendment) (England) Order 2015 (as amended). Therefore, the proposed works do not require planning permission and would be classed as permitted development.

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

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: 

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.