Memorial cat sculpture at Eastern Side Of Stevenage Railway Station, Stevenage

“Proposal : Proposed installation of a memorial bronze sculpture of Nala the cat…”

“DC88 1. SITE DESCRIPTION 1.1 The application site comprises a hard surfaced 0.5m² elevated area at the top of the ramp leading to the pedestrian bridge over Lytton Way. The site is enclosed by railings and lies adjacent to the Gordon Craig theatre. It is visible from the railway station to the west and given its elevated position, is also visible from Daneshill carpark, London Road (path) and Danesgate below.”

“Looking at the site itself in terms of its allocation in the Local Plan, it is located in Stevenage Town Centre as identified under Policy TC1 in the Stevenage Borough Local Plan 2011- 2031 (adopted 2019) and Local Plan Partial Update. More specifically, the site is designated as falling within the Central Core MOA under Policy TC5. Neither of these policies have been amended within the partial update.”

“DC88 7.2.3 The proposed development would not only act as a memorial sculpture but would help create a signature public space in front of the theatre and the key pedestrian route to the railway station from the town centre. It would also contribute to the wider public realm works which have been delivered as part of the Bus Interchange development to the south and deliver an enhanced arrival experience as you enter the town centre from the station.”

“Policy IT4(a) of the Local Plan (2019) stipulates that planning permission will be granted where development would not have an adverse impact upon highway safety (including pedestrian safety). This policy now refers to an unacceptable adverse impact upon highway safety within the Local Plan Partial Update to align more closely with the NPPF. Policy GD1(b) seeks to improve the overall ease of movement within an area for all users.”

“With regards to the operation of the wider highway network, the sculpture could only be accessed by foot and would be positioned away from the trafficked highway of Lytton Way and Danesgate. Moreover, the sculpture would also be well screened from view from Lytton Way by the existing theatre building.”

“THE CURRENT APPLICATION 3.1 This application seeks planning permission for the installation of a memorial bronze sculpture of Nala the cat. Nala frequently visited and spent time at Stevenage railway station and became a firm favourite of travellers passing through and residents alike. Nala became more widely known through social media.”

“Some representations have been received from people living as far away as the US and Australia. One general comment has been received objecting if the sculpture is being publicly funded and questioning why people have commented who do not live in Stevenage. 5. CONSULTATIONS 5.1. SBC Highway Engineers No comment. 6. RELEVANT PLANNING POLICIES 6.1 The Development Plan…”

“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.”

“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.”

“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…”

“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…”