Paediatric ward extension at Lister Hospital, Stevenage

“SITE DESCRIPTION 1.1 The Lister Hospital is the main NHS facility and A&E facility for North Hertfordshire. Located to the north of the Borough, the extensive site is bounded by Coreys Mill Lane to the south, North Road to the east and residential and commercial properties to the west. To the north, the site is bounded by the Rugby and Sports complex off North Road, and the northwestern projection is bounded by Hitchin Road and open fields.”

“The application site comprises a 0.18ha area on the southwestern corner of the Hospital campus, currently occupied by the consultants’ staff car park with vehicular access from Corey Mills Lane to the south, and to a private road to the west. The car park provides space for 44 no. staff cars, whilst also providing a drop off zone for ambulances.”

“RELEVANT PLANNING HISTORY 2.1 Various applications, however none are relevant to the application site.”

“The assessment carried out within this report demonstrates the proposed development is acceptable and in accordance with the Council’s adopted Local Plan (updated 2026), Design Guide SPD (2025), Parking Provision SPD (2025), Developer Contributions SPD (2025), the NPPF (2026) and Planning Practice Guidance. In addition, the benefits associated with improved paediatric facilities at the hospital are clear.”

“Patients would receive care in a modern, purpose-designed ward matched to their clinical needs. The layout would improve clinical workflow, support safer care, quicker clinical decision-making and improved recovery in a more appropriate environment for children, young people and families. The scheme would stabilise the inpatient element of paediatric services and provide the infrastructure required for future completion of the wider Paediatric Centre.”

“Hertfordshire County Council originally raised objection to the proposed development on the grounds that insufficient analysis had been provided on transport issues related to the proposed development as a transport statement / assessment had not been submitted. An objection was also raised in respect of the two ambulance bays proposed. It was recommended that the application was not approved until the matters raised above were satisfactorily addressed. 5.1.2.”

“DC88 5.5. SBC Environmental Health 5.5.1. No objection in relation to environmental noise and construction impact, subject to conditions. Requested Phase 1 Desktop Study and Risk Assessment report alongside submitted Ground Investigation Report in relation to contamination.”

“Members also raised questions regarding the construction management plan, highway safety, patient and ambulance access, parking provision, biodiversity net gain and the location of the external play space.”

“It was confirmed that existing pedestrian routes would provide access to the new ward, ambulance access would remain unaffected, and no increase in inpatient capacity or anticipated patient numbers was proposed. Officers advised that the parking concerns had been addressed, with the hospital exploring various initiatives across the hospital campus and the Origin Housing area to mitigate the loss of parking spaces.”

“A vote was taken and it was RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the applicant having first entered into a Unilateral Undertaking to secure/provide contributions towards Local Employment and Apprenticeships, Monitoring fee, and that a financial contribution of £12,500 be secured in lieu of meeting the Council’s requirements for Local Employment and Apprenticeships, with the contribution to be administered by the Council and allocated towards supporting…”

“The detail of which would be delegated to the Director of Planning and Regulation in liaison with the Council’s appointed solicitor, as well as the imposition of suitable safeguarding conditions.”