Roman legionary sculpture at The North End Of The Fairlands Valley Park, Stevenage

“DC88 2. RELEVANT PLANNING HISORY 2.1 The relevant planning history on file is as follows: • 26/00305/FP - Installation of public sculpture. This application is currently pending consideration.”

“DC88 8. CONCLUSIONS 8.1 To conclude, the principle of the proposed development is acceptable as it would support the operation and maintenance of the Fairlands Valley Park. Furthermore, it would preserve the setting of Fairlands Farmhouse heritage asset, the character and appearance of the wider site, and would not detract from the visual amenities of the street scene.”

“The aforementioned is not a verbatim copy of the objections which have been raised. 5. CONSULTATIONS 5.1. Green Spaces Team – Comments received on the 15 th of April 2026: “The proposal is supported in principle. The sculpture has the potential to be an interesting and valuable addition to the park, contributing positively to the visitor experience and overall character of the space.”

“THE CURRENT APPLICATION 3.1 This application seeks planning permission for the installation of a public sculpture. This would comprise a Roman Legionary, a large-scale public sculpture intended for Stevenage as part of the Public Art Commission 2025. This application has been referred to the Planning and Development Committee for its decision. This is because the agent and landowner is Stevenage Borough Council. 4.”

“A summary of the comments received are set out below: • Waste of public funding/unnecessary expenditure; • Unsuitable location; • It will be subject to vandalism; • Stevenage does not have a strong history of Roman connections; • Poor prioritisation of limited public resources.”

“During discussions, Members sought clarification regarding the purpose of the sculpture and were informed that the proposal formed part of a wider Towns Fund regeneration programme. Officers advised that the rational for the proposal was not a material planning consideration, and that the Committee's role was to determine the planning merits of the application.”

“For – Councillors Julie Ashley-Wren, Doug Bainbridge, Forhad Chowdhury, Peter Clark, Lynda Guy, Jody Hanafin, Jackie Hollywell, Ellie Plater, Peter Wilkins, Nigel Williams and John Blackwood.”

“Absent – Councillors Rob Henry and Claire Parris.”

“A recorded vote* was taken on the application and 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.”

“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.”