Partial swimming centre demolition at Stevenage Swimming Pool, Stevenage

What was proposed

The application sought permission to partially demolish the swimming centre’s single-storey element to enable the wider leisure centre redevelopment.

“THE CURRENT APPLICATION 3.1 The proposed development seeks full planning permission for the partial demolition of the single storey element of the existing Swimming Centre. The application follows the assessment of and approval in principle of the demolition of the Swimming Centre and erection of a new Leisure Centre.”

“The application has been submitted to enable the partial demolition of the building ahead of the issuing of the decision for the new Leisure Centre (Planning reference: 25/00424/FPM). This will ensure works relating to the wider redevelopment of the site can be implemented more seamlessly and timely given the timeframes and parameters of this strategic project.”

Officer report

The site

The site is the existing swimming centre and surrounding land, east of St Georges Way and bounded by Fairlands Way to the north.

“The proposal site is the existing Stevenage Swimming Centre and surrounding land. The site is located on the eastern side of St Georges Way and is bounded to the north by Fairlands Way. To the east is the Town Centre Gardens and residential flatted blocks which overlook the gardens. The Bowes Lyon Centre is sited to the south of the site, including an existing footway connecting St Georges Way to the Town Gardens. Beyond…”

“The site is accessed by vehicles coming off St Georges Way to the south of the building, entering one of the two car parks serving the centre before heading north around the eastern side of the building to the second car park to the north. The site is exited to the north on to Fairlands Way. The existing building has a larger block located centrally, with single storey elements wrapping around the front and northern side of the building.”

Officer report

Relevant planning history

Earlier permissions covered refurbishment, access and parking works, a combined heat and power unit, and a proposed replacement leisure centre.

“Planning permission reference 09/00397/FP for retention of combined heat and power unit adjacent to the north elevation of the building was approved on 13.01.2010.”

“Planning permission reference 25/00424/FPM for the demolition of existing Swimming Centre and erection of new sports and leisure centre with associated parking, landscaping and access, has a resolution to grant planning permission as determined by the Committee subject to the signing of a S106 agreement and removal of outstanding LLFA objection.”

Officer report

Officers’ recommendation

Officers recommended approval because mitigation would limit disturbance and the partial demolition would have no harm to nearby heritage assets.

“Site work would take place during the hours of 8:00 – 17:00 Monday to Friday. The proposals have been assessed by Environmental Health Officers and no objections are raised subject to a condition securing the method of demolition be undertaken in line with the details prescribed in the Method Statement.”

“With the relevant mitigation measures in place which would be secured by condition, the impact on neighbouring properties, including overall disturbance, is therefore considered to be limited.”

Officer report

Main planning issues

The assessment focused on disturbance to neighbouring properties and effects on the setting of nearby heritage assets.

“Given the aforementioned, the current application has been submitted to authorise the partial demolition and enable the new Leisure Centre works to commence on final issuing of a decision notice.”

“The application therefore only needs to look at and assess any implications on the partial demolition of the single storey element of the building. In this regard, the main considerations are the impact on neighbouring properties in terms of noise and disturbance, and impact on the setting of heritage assets.”

Officer report

Consultation and public comments

Environmental Health raised no objection subject to a method statement condition, and no public comments had been received.

“PUBLIC REPRESENTATIONS 4.1 Following notification of the application via letter to the Bowes Lyon Centre, and the posting of a site notice, no comments have been received at the time of drafting this report.”

“I have reviewed the documentation submitted in support of this case, with particular regard to the contents of the Demolition Plan of Works – Method Statement (dated 10/11/2025). I would advise the Local Planning Authority (LPA) that if the proposed demolition works are undertaken in the way prescribed in these documents that the harm to local amenity (by way of the release of pollutants such as noise, vibration, and dust) is likely be in line with relevant national…”

Officer report

Who spoke

An officer presented the application, clarified the demolished area’s staff use, and answered a member’s question about the new leisure centre.

Committee discussion

Members asked about the current use of the area proposed for demolition and requested further information about the wider leisure centre development.

“A question was raised regarding the current use of the section that was proposed to be demolished, and clarification was given by the officer that this was an area used by staff at the swimming pool.”

“A Member requested further information on the full development of the new Leisure Centre, and the officer explained that they could be contacted directly for any further questions on that application.”

Minutes

The vote

The recorded vote was nine councillors in favour, with no votes against or abstentions; five councillors were absent.

“For – Councillors Julie Ashley-Wren, Stephen Booth, Robert Boyle, Peter Clark, Lynda Guy, Rob Henry, Claire Parris, Ellie Plater and Carolina Veres Against – 0 Abstentions – 0 Absent – Councillors Kamal Choudhury, Forhad Chowdhury, Coleen De Freitas, Akin Elekolusi and Nigel Williams…”

Minutes

The decision

The committee granted planning permission with approved-plan, three-year commencement and demolition-method conditions.

“A recorded vote* was taken on the application and it was RESOLVED that planning permission be GRANTED subject to the following conditions, and Authority would be given to the Assistant Director of Planning and Regulation in consultation with the Chair of Planning Committee, to amend or add to the suggested draft conditions set out in this report, prior to the decision notice being issued, where such amendments or additions would be legally sound and most effectively deliver…”

“The development shall be carried out in accordance with the measures as contained in 'Demolition Plan of Works - Method Statement' (dated 10.11.25) for the duration of the demolition.”

Minutes