Vehicle rental facility at South Car Park, Primett Road, Stevenage

What was proposed

The application proposed turning part of a public car park into a vehicle rental facility with an office, wash bay, lighting and resurfacing.

“Application: 25/00908/FP Location: South Car Park, Primett Road, Stevenage Proposal: Change of use of public car park to a rental vehicle premises (Sui Generis), the erection of modular rental vehicle office and rental vehicle wash bay and associated works (including lighting and resurfacing).”

“INTRODUCTION 1.1. The site comprises the southern portion of the Primett Road South Car Park, which is located between Primett Road and Lytton Way on the western edge of Stevenage Old Town. It extends to roughly one quarter of a hectare, is largely flat, and is enclosed on three sides by a mixture of shrubs, semi-mature trees, metal railings and timber knee rail fencing. 1.2.”

Officer report

Why it returned

The committee deferred the application in March 2026 and requested further evidence about parking, local businesses and investment before deciding it.

“In particular, members raised concerns regarding the uncertainty of future impacts on parking in the area. Questions were raised about utilisation data for the council’s Old Town car parks beyond the single months’ worth of data that was presented at the meeting. It was considered that a car park impact assessment, including consideration of the effect on local businesses and existing investment in the area, would be required before any decision could be made. 1.5.”

Officer report

What residents said

Objectors said parking demand already exceeded supply, the assessment understated pressures and the proposal could harm Old Town businesses and investment.

“The council received 73 letters of objection and 1 letter of support, which are summarised in the 12 March report and supplemental agenda. Since receipt of the parking impact assessment, the application has undergone a further 21-day period of public consultation, publicised by notification letter. 2.3. 5 letters of objection were received during that period.”

“The assessment overstates the car club benefit, understates the parking demand from the Nexus development, and is over-optimistic about a future shift away from private car use. • There is no assessment of impact on the Charter Fair or Driving Test Centre. • Primett Road South is the closest and most convenient car park for visitors to the Old Town.”

Officer report

Who spoke

A representative of local businesses and residents spoke against the application, while the agent spoke in support on behalf of the applicant.

What members debated

Members discussed parking pressures, business effects, environmental impacts, alternative sites, wider housing growth and whether the proposal could improve the site.

“Members questioned the loss of 90 parking spaces and whether the proposal would adversely affect local businesses. Officers explained to the Committee that the Local Plan identified opportunities for the redevelopment of surface car parks within the Old Town. It was advised that, should Members be minded to refuse the application, robust planning reasons and evidence would be required to defend such a decision at appeal.”

“During debate, discussions took place regarding the increase in housing development across the town and the cumulative impact this was having on parking provision. It was noted that residential streets were becoming increasingly congested and referred to the difficulties experienced by emergency service vehicles accessing some areas due to parked cars.”

Minutes

The committee’s decision

The committee voted to grant planning permission with conditions covering plans, construction, opening hours, lighting, drainage, access, parking and boundaries.

“A vote was taken and it was RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the conditions set out below, with delegated authority be given to the Director for Planning and Regulation, in consultation with the Chair of the Planning and Development Committee, to amend or add to the conditions subject to which permission would be granted, where such amendments or additions would satisfy the relevant national policy tests and would most effectively deliver the…”

“Prior to occupation of the development, cycle parking, including one space for adapted cycles, shall be provided in accordance with details which have been submitted to and approved in writing by the local planning authority. The cycle parking shall thereafter be permanently maintained in a manner fit for its intended purpose.”

Minutes