Public sculpture at Fairlands Way, Stevenage

“SITE DESCRIPTION 1.1 The application site, which falls within a designated Principal Open Space and Green Link, comprises a 1.85m² area towards the south of Fairlands Valley Park, located to the northwest of the car park accessed to the north of Broadhall Way.”

“CONCLUSIONS 8.1. To conclude, the principle of the proposed development is acceptable as it would support the operation and maintenance of the Monks Wood area within Fairlands Valley Park. Furthermore, it would preserve the character and appearance of the wider site and would not detract from the visual amenities of the area.”

“RECOMMENDATIONS 9.1 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 proposal would not create a substantive visual break in the Green Link and would not have an otherwise material adverse effect on the recreational, structural, amenity or wildlife value of a green link. It is therefore considered to be in accordance with Local Plan policy NH4. This policy remains unchanged within the Local Plan Partial Update.”

“It is acknowledged that the proposal is located just outside of the designated Wildlife Site as under Policy NH2/19 (Monks & Whomerley Woods) of the Local Plan. The proposal would be an appropriate addition to the wider surrounding area and would also not result in substantive loss or deterioration of a Wildlife Site, and is therefore considered to be acceptable.”

“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 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.”

“2 The development hereby permitted shall be begun before the expiration of three years from the date of this permission. REASON:- To comply with the requirements of Section 91 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (as amended by Section 51 of the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act 2004).”

“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. REASON:- To ensure the development has an acceptable appearance.”